You are here

Home » Reader Participation Day: Rewrite a National Park Warning Sign

Reader Participation Day: Rewrite a National Park Warning Sign

Share

Published Date

December 14, 2011
Haiku warning signs

New York City warning signs as haikus. Warning sign in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Traffic warning street signs written as haiku are appearing on poles around the five boroughs, posted by the New York City Department of Transportation. The idea is that new, thought-provoking signs will make people pay more attention to warning messages. See some examples.

If that's the case, what about all those warning signs in National Parks? Could you improve on them?

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the following message is at every trailhead: No guns, no pets, no bikes.

Complex fishing regulations are around every stream.

In Rocky Mountain National Park, signs ask hikers to stay on the trail as to not damage alpine tundra. Another says Vehicles, weapons, pets & bicycles prohibited

Calling all poets and haiku writers!

Try to rewrite any of the above messages or choose your favorite (or least favorite, in this case) message and rewrite it in a haiku, limerick, or poem.

Please let us know what the original sign said, what park it came from, and your rendition of it.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by admin on December 14, 2011 - 6:23am.

These signs are all over Great Smoky Mountains National Park  - Bob Was Here.  They warn visitors about the issue of defacing property.
There once was a man named Bob.
By habit a bit of a slob.
Leaving behind his name he did rob.
If sufficiently fined, he'll lose his job.


Submitted by admin on December 14, 2011 - 9:50am.

you have entered a place of wonder
a natural beauty so fair
the time has come for us to warn
"Please, dont feed our bears"

I dont have a specific sign, but I know in many parks people feeding bears indirectly (ie. leaving a mess at campsites) and sometimes intentionally is a major problem. Hopefully, this catchy rhyme will make them think again.


Submitted by admin on December 14, 2011 - 9:54am.

Condors eat your trash
This gives them bad tummy-ache
Carry it out, Dude.


Submitted by admin on December 14, 2011 - 11:13am.

"Hunting a species to extinction is not logical" Spock, Star Trek IV

I always thought that would be great to ward off hunters. ;)

to keep people on trails:

Strangers you'll never meet
Spent ages to create this trail
To keep the Wilderness safe from YOU.

Please stay on the trails they designed to let you wander through the wilderness without tearing up the Natural surroundings any further!


Submitted by admin on December 14, 2011 - 11:39am.

Human poo must go
So take your dumps to the dump
Be brave! Do it now.

The sign simply said:  RV Dump Station, at the Madison Campground, Yellowstone.


Submitted by Random Walker on December 14, 2011 - 12:46pm.


Yosemite ...


Submitted by admin on December 14, 2011 - 1:51pm.

The trail is closed.
Lick the granite if you must.
The trail is still closed.


Submitted by [email protected] on December 14, 2011 - 6:57pm.

These are great poems and haikus.
I'm going to distribute them around the web, with full attribution, of course.
Keep them going.
Danny Bernstein
www.hikertohiker.com


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.