Apex Volunteers Support the Opening of Fantastic Forest Exhibit

Sequoyah State Park invites the public to experience the accessible and whimsical Fantastical Forest: Flora and Fauna outdoor exhibit, Earth Day through June 10.

The quarter-mile Scissortail Paved Trail and its parking lot are compliant with the American Disabilities Act to make it available to as many people as possible.

This exhibit was sponsored by the National Environmental Education Foundation 2020 COVID Restoration and Resilience Fund, “Helping our Public Lands Recover from COVID-19.”

“During the pandemic, these open public spaces—local, state and national parks and other public lands—saw astronomical increases in visitation, but were limited in programming, staff, and facilities. The idea of the grant is to create some relief from this,” said Angelina Stancampiano, senior naturalist coordinator.

Stancampiano has looked for ways to create an educational and fun experience safely, and was drawn to the idea of museums and art galleries, which she couldn’t visit in 2020.

One solution to the reduction in programming was to create a self-guided experience within the park, said Stancampiano.

“Exhibits are special and a limited-time experience. The gallery is set up in a different way at every location with fun accompanying themes and outings. How could I combine that with state parks—especially in these rural areas that don’t have access to such things? The thought is to create an experience,” said Stancampiano.