Shawnee National Forest Quarter Launch & Coin Exchange!

Camel Rock to be Featured on Next US Mint Commemorative Quarter

I wrote about the absolute beauty of Shawnee National Forest's Garden of the Gods back in 2014 and the images of the spectacular views there are still just as vivid today as they were then. The United States Mint must have viewed those same scenic vistas because they will soon be releasing a new quarter under the America the Beautiful Quarters Program dedicated to the Shawnee National Forest and featuring one of the Garden of the Gods most prolific sights... Camel Rock. This is quite an honor for the Shawnee National Forest System as they are one of only five national forests to be recognized by the US Mint's program. The image of Camel Rock was designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Jim Licaretz and features a fantastic view of Camel Rock with a red tailed hawk gliding the silver sky above.

Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange
In recognition of this honor, the United States Mint invites you to the Shawnee Forest Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange to commemorate the release of the new quarter at 10 a.m. on February 4th, 2016 at Southeastern Illinois College's Deaton Gymnasium in Harrisburg, Illinois. At the Quarter Launch and Coin Exchange you will be able to purchase rolls of the new commemorative quarters, $10 for a single roll to $100 for 10 rolls, which will be the maximum allowed for exchange. They will also be hosting a Coin Forum the evening before the event, February 3rd, at Shawnee National Forest Headquarters in Harrisburg, Illinois from 5-6 p.m.

Now you can carry a piece of the Shawnee National Forest in your pocket and it will only set you back a quarter!

More Information
Shawnee National Forest Quarter Launch & Coin Exchange Info Sheet

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American Hiking Society's National Trails Day June 7th

American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day^® 2014

American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day^® will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country on Saturday, June 7, 2014, for the 22^nd annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. More than 2,000 nationwide events will take place including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!   To find an event near you, visit http://www.americanhiking.org/ntd-events/

National Trails Day® encourages all Americans to connect with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, and parks and recreation departments as well as federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate, and share the natural places we cherish. "Twenty years ago, American Hiking built National Trails Day® around the idea that for one day each year we should come together outdoors and give back to our favorite trails.  Since then, people from all walks of life have been coming out in increasing numbers on NTD to celebrate our trails and the great outdoors,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president.

Since 1993, National Trails Day® has inspired millions of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well-being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors. Plan now to host or attend an event in your area, visit http://www.americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/ for more information or to host your own event! 

Looking to get outside and on the trail right now? Currently the American Hiking Society 2014 Trails Day Challenge is in full swing and is a GREAT lead up to National Trails Day! Visit http://www.americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/2014-challenge/ to see if there is a hike location near you! Then just "take a hike", snap a photo of yourself on the trail, tweet the pic to @Americanhiking and tag either @Americanhiking or @MenashaRidge with the hashtag #NationalTrailsDay. How easy is that?

American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that occurs annually on the first Saturday of June and inspires the public to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in outdoor activities, clinics, and trail stewardship projects.  National Trails Day® is a registered trademark of American Hiking Society.

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience.   

To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit www.AmericanHiking.org or call (301) 565-6704.