How to help federal workers at Big Bend National Park

Pam LeBlanc looks off the South Rim at Big Bend National Park while hiking on Dec. 31, 2019. Photo by Chris LeBlanc

Want to know how you can help federal workers at Big Bend National Park?

The Big Bend Conservancy, which raises money to promote, protect and raise funds for the park, is planning an appreciation dinner on Jan. 25 for all federal employees and volunteers living and working in the park. The organization is also planning a Valentine’s Day party for those affected by the government shutdown.

The dinner is set for Jan. 25. The Conservancy will provide a meal, plus food supplies for workers to take home to their families.

Chris LeBlanc hikes around Balanced Rock at Big Bend National Park on Jan. 1, 2019. Pam LeBlanc photo

“We are first and foremost concerned with their health and well-being, and we wish to provide them with as much moral support as possible,” Conservancy officials said in a press release.
A Valentine’s Day party is also planned to show federal staff and volunteers how much the community appreciates their work in protecting the place they love.

To help:

1.   Make a donation to Big Bend Conservancy to help pay for food and beverages at both events. The link to make tax deductible donation is here.  If the donation is in honor of someone, email the Conservancy at membership@bigbendconservancy.org.
2)  Write a thank you note to park and border patrol staff, and mail it by Tuesday, Jan. 22 for delivery at the Jan. 25 dinner. Or email a note to  membership@bigbendconservancy.org by Jan. 24. Include anecdotes on why you love the park, and why the work park staff is  doing is important.
3)  Send park and border patrol staff a Valentine. Mail the cards by Feb. 7, and Conservancy staffers will deliver them at the Valentine’s Day party. Share a favorite memory of Big Bend, how a staff member helped you or how the park has made an impact on your life.

Donations and cards can be mailed to:
Big Bend Conservancy
PO Box 200
Big Bend National Park, TX  79834

The moon shines over Casa Grande at Big Bend National Park on Jan. 1, 2019. Pam LeBlanc photo