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NYS:
DEC and State Parks Announce
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“Outdoors
Day” Celebrations Set for June 9
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New York
State Agencies to Host Outdoor Celebrations
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across
New York
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Free Events
Feature Family-Friendly Recreation Activities
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Albany,
NY – May 2018 / Newsmaker Alert / The
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) announce that New
York State is hosting free “Outdoors
Day” events across the state on Saturday, June 9. The events are part
of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Adventure NY initiative to connect people
to nature and provide increased access to outdoor recreation through hands-on
activities. Outdoors Day events are planned for New Yorkers of all ages
and abilities to try out a wide range of recreational activities.
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DEC
Commissioner Seggos said, “With nearly five million acres of land open
to the public to explore, New Yorkers have endless opportunities for outdoor
adventure. DEC is excited to host Outdoors Day events on June 9th and open
up new possibilities for outdoor recreation for people of all ages. We
encourage you to spend the day with us enjoying the outdoors and trying
a new skill.”
State
Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “State Parks provide limitless opportunity
to get outside and be active, enjoy your families and friends and explore
our state's remarkable natural resources. On June 9th we encourage you
to visit a state park or historic site and try something new at one of
our special Get Outdoors Day programs or on your own by trying a new trail,
stopping by a nature center or checking out a park you've never been to.
The options are endless and we encourage you to Get Outdoors and see all
that New York's parks have to offer!”
New
York's Outdoors Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual
event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun.
At
events across the state, Outdoors Day participants will be able to discover
new skills and try out a range of introductory outdoor recreation activities
such as fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, bird watching, archery, nature
photography, camping, and more. Adaptive equipment and opportunities will
be available at select locations.
DEC
Events and Activities
DEC
is hosting 11 Outdoors Day events across the state. These family-friendly,
open-house type events will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some programs and
demonstrations are scheduled at specific times. Details, including schedules
and registration requirements for Outdoors Day can be found on DEC's website.
Activities at DEC facilities include (not all activities at all locations):
Fishing:
The I Fish NY program will be offering free catch-and-release fishing clinics
for all ages. Learn about fishing equipment, techniques, regulations, consumption
advisories, and good places to fish. Participants may bring their own gear
but rods and reels will be available for loan.
Camping
101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent
on the lawn and learning what and how to pack for a camping trip. When
the day is complete, participants will be prepared for an outdoor adventure
of their own.
Paddling:
Learn the basics of this fun fast-growing sport and try getting out on
the water.
Archery:
Try your hand at getting a bullseye with a bow and arrow and learn important
safety tips.
Birdwatching:
Learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.
Hiking:
Take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails to
get out on your own.
Outdoor
safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all your outdoor
adventures are good ones.
DEC
Locations:
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Long Island,
Region 1: Schiff Boy Scout Camp (1606 Wading River Manor Wading River,
NY 11792) in conjunction with Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest
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NYC, Region
2: Mt. Loretto Unique Area
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Lower
Hudson Valley, Region 3: Stony Kill Environmental Education Center
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Catskills,
Region 3: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground
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Catskills,
Region 3: Catskill Interpretive Center
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Capital
District, Region 4: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
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Eastern
Adirondacks, Region 5: Scaroon Manor Campground
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Western
Adirondacks, Region 6: Nick's Lake Campground
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Central
NY, Region 7: Roger's Environmental Education Center
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Rochester/Western
Finger Lakes, Region 8: In cooperation with Adirondack Mountain Club at
the Outdoor Expo at Mendon Ponds Park
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Western
NY, Region 9: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Most sites
are wheelchair accessible. Please contact the event coordinator directly
with specific accommodation requirements.
State
Parks Events and Activities
Activities
at State Park locations range from guided hikes and bird walks to geocaching,
environmental education programs and recreational activities like disc
golf, mountain bike tours, kayaking lessons, and a fly-fishing demonstration.
Activities and demonstrations are free, but there will be the normal admission
fee at State Park facilities. All event details, including schedules and
any registration requirements can be found at parks.ny.gov.
State
Parks Locations:
Capital
District & Central Regions
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Mine Kill
State Park
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Grafton
Lakes State Park
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Thacher
State Park
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Saratoga
Spa State Park
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Schuyler
Mansion State Historic Site
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Moreau
Lake State Park
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Schodack
Island State Park
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Chenango
Valley State Park
Genesee
Region
Hudson
Valley
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Bear Mountain
State Park
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Sterling
Forest State Park
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Minnewaska
State Park Preserve
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Minnewaska
State Park Preserve Sam's Point Area
Long
Island & New York City
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Sunken
Meadow State Park
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Clay Pit
Ponds State Park
Western
New York
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Allegany
State Park
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Lake Erie
State Park
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Long Point
State Park
The need
for outdoor recreation has never been greater. Childhood obesity has doubled
over the past 20 years and the average American child spends as few as
30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day, and more than seven hours
each day in front of an electronic screen.
DEC
manages 4.6 million acres of public lands, including three million acres
in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves, 55 campgrounds and day-use
areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails, and hundreds of trailheads,
boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and
connect with us on Facebook,
Twitter, Flickr
and Instagram.
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The
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees
more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses,
boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually.
A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in
park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs. For more
information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit
the NYS Parks website, connect with us on Facebook,
or follow on Instagram
and Twitter.
Source
Document
Media
Contact:
Press
Office
Kevin
O. Frazier
pressoffice@dec.ny.gov
518-402-8000 |