For the past 14 years the National Park Service (NPS) has partnered with Amtrak to offer innovative interpretive programs that connect people with natural and cultural resources in a non-traditional setting.  The National Trails & Rails program reaches more than 600,000 passengers annually and consists of 19 Amtrak routes.  Cabrillo National Monument (NM) will add a 20^th route to this program; on the Pacific Surfliner.   Cabrillo NM Superintendent Thomas Workman reports, “This is an exciting partnership for Cabrillo and a great opportunity for us to perpetuate NPS values with the Amtrak ridership.” 

The Pacific Surfliner is a commuter train linking San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. It is rated one of the top 4 most scenic train rides in the country. The Park plans to begin with the San Diego to LA link and looks forward to working with other NPS sites and organizations to extend this collaboration to multiple partners.

On May 4, 2014 Cabrillo staff and volunteers participated in a Trails & Rails outreach program in Los Angeles at Union Station.  This year, the station commemorates its 75^th Anniversary and the May 4th festivities brought over 30,000 people together to celebrate. As NPS representation in the Trails & Rails program is predominantly volunteer based, Cabrillo began actively recruiting at this event.

“We look forward to reaching new audiences in this unique venue. At Cabrillo NM we are committed to exploring alternative ways to interpret our country’s heritage sites and natural resource areas.  It is through creative partnerships such as these that we prepare for our Second Century of Stewardship,” Workman comments.