DTNHA hosts Old Settler's Picnic

On a beautiful, sunny afternoon, Sunday, September 28, 2022, the Devils Tower Natural History Association (DTNHA) hosted the annual Old Settlers' Picnic at the Devils Tower campground. The Oshoto Community Church conducted a worship service after which picnickers enjoyed music provided by Jim Traversie's band, Badger Horse, while they ate their lunches and later had cupcakes, cider and coffee provided by the association.

After guests had finished their picnics, emcee Sandra Mooney, DTNHA Executive Director, opened the afternoon's schedule by welcoming everyone and recognizing this year's honorees: Jeanne Shepherd, Bruce McAmis, Joe Graham, Evelyn Hejde and the Buttons & Bows Homemakers Club.

Honorees, or their family members, shared the delightful biographies they had prepared, which were very meaningful and entertaining, as well as providing insightful historical information about the tower, the Old Settlers' Picnic and their families.

Then acting Superintendent Russ Cache addressed the crowd sharing some of his interesting background story growing up at Zion National Park.

The University of Wyoming Extension service had activities available for the children. Food tables and the surrounding areas were beautifully decorated by DTNHA Business Manager Chris Campbell and Sandra Mooney, Executive Director and a membership table offered guests to sign up to become members of the DTNHA, a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to supporting the historical, educational and interpretive activities of the National Park Service.

The mission of the association is to promote understanding and conservation of the natural, cultural, and historical resources of Devils Tower through education, public information and service.

DTNHA operates the gift shop at the visitors' center at the base of the tower and uses profits to support the park service through programs such as the Junior Ranger Program, publishing books about Devils Tower, providing funding for two Student Conservation Assistants, sponsoring science programs, bringing campfire entertainers to the campground and educating local elementary students through various programs.

The association will have two vacancies opening on the board and encourages people to email [email protected] for a board member application packet if they are interested in applying for a position on the board. For more information, call 307-761-0777.