"U.S. Mint Reveals First Five 'America the Beautiful' Quarters"

"Designs for the first five 'America the Beautiful' quarters were unveiled today, featuring America's four oldest national parks -- Hot Springs, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Grand Canyon - and Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon.

'Today we celebrate the breathtaking landscapes and natural heritage of America the Beautiful, by commemorating our country's most treasured places on our currency,' said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar who joined U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios and U.S. Mint Director Ed Moy in a ceremony today at the Newseum in Washington.

'When people come across one of these quarters, they will see the word 'Liberty' on one side and a national park, refuge, or forest on the other. They will know that Americans cherish these things dearly and desire to share both the freedom and the beauty of our land with all who likewise cherish them,' said Salazar.

Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Harris Sherman and Delaware Congressman Mike Castle, who introduced the legislation authorizing the quarters, also were in attendance."

Environment News Service had the story March 24, 2010