Woodsy Owl and Smokey Bear Join Independence Day Parade

Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl will participate in the annual District of Columbia’s Independence Day Parade Tuesday.

The timeless messages of Smokey Bear, preventing forest fires, and Woodsy Owl, taking care of the environment, will be shared as we celebrate the birth of this great nation.

Smokey Bear is known around the world for his fire prevention message, ”Only you can prevent forest fires.” For more than 50 years he has advocated the care and protection of natural resources. He also reminds us to practice fire safety and awareness with fireworks during July 4th celebrations. The misuse of matches, lighters and fireworks can cause serious harm to people and the environment through unwanted human-caused fires.

America’s official environmental mentor, Woodsy Owl, reminds us to help conserve America’s forests and grasslands. His motto, “Give a hoot! Don’t pollute!” has helped generations of Americans to take pride in their land. Woodsy reaches out to the new generations reminding them to “Lend a hand—Care for the land!” The encouragement of conserving our nation’s resources by exploring the natural world has influenced children nationwide.

The parade starts at 11:45 a. m. at 7th Street and Constitution. USDA Forest Service volunteers will escort Smokey and Woodsy along Constitution Avenue. After the parade, Smokey and Woodsy will remain to greet children on the Capital Mall.

Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl are national symbols administered by the Forest Service. A partnership of the agency with the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council supports the two symbols in fire prevention and conservation education outreach.