Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will mark 25 years as a national park on October 21/NPS file

Though its been part of the National Park System since 1933, when President Herbert Hoover designated it as a national monument, later this month Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado will mark 25 years as a national park.

Congress passed legislation to rebrand Black Canyon as a national park and President Bill Clinton signed it into law on October 21, 1999. The upcoming anniversary marks 25 years dedicated to the preservation of the steep, deep, narrow canyon, its wilderness landscape, and the educational and recreational opportunities it provides the American people and global citizens. Several events are occurring to celebrate the park’s anniversary.

* Naturalization Ceremony October 15 at 5 p.m. at the South Rim Visitor Center. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will present 15 candidates to be sworn in by the Honorable Richard T. Gurley to become new citizens. The public is welcome to be witness to this special event. 

* Friends of Black Canyon and Curecanti Events September 20 to October 14 - online photo contest. October 12, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Birthday Kickoff at Pomona Brewing Co. in Montrose, CO. October 18, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Birthday Fundraiser at Bluecorn Café in Montrose involving music by The Black Canyon Boys, appetizers, a live auction, and a cash bar. The newly re-booted nonprofit organization Friends of Black Canyon have prepared birthday celebrations for the public to enjoy. 

* Happy Birthday on October 21! From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Rim Visitor Center there will be informational displays on the anniversary and birthday cupcakes for the public available starting at 10 a.m. Cupcakes are limited. Come learn about the park and celebrate with a sweet treat. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Solar telescope gazing with a park ranger at the visitor center. 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Human History Talk with a park ranger at Pulpit Rock. 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Geology Talk with a park ranger at Pulpit Rock.