Outdoor recreation areas across Pennsylvania will be hosting special events and activities during June as part of a statewide Get Outdoors Month observance, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti said Thursday.
"The Get Outdoors Month celebration gives our bureaus of state parks and forestry, as well as other outdoor recreation facilities, a chance to showcase what they offer to so many across Pennsylvania," Ferretti said. "Pennsylvanians are urged to get out and enjoy our 120 state parks, 2.2 million acres of state forestland, and thousands of local parks and recreation venues."
Gov. Tom Corbett gave the effort strong momentum when he proclaimed June 2014 as Get Outdoors Month and June 14, as Get Outdoors Day in Pennsylvania.
"Hundreds of events throughout the month are showcasing our special outdoor spaces," Ferretti said. "We are so fortunate to have plenty of opportunities to explore, and these events allow people to discover places they have never been or participate in new recreations."
The month-long observance underscores the work of DCNR, other state agencies, and outdoors-oriented groups and businesses to fuel or renew participation in outdoors activities, as noted in Corbett's proclamation:
"Through the Get Outdoors PA program, citizens across the state can be connected to hundreds of outdoor recreation events to suit their recreational interests. Led by experienced trip leaders, these events provide safe, fun and close-to-home opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation."
Fishing, wildlife watching, kayaking, hiking, biking and special tips for first-time campers are just a few of the Get Outdoors PA activities planned throughout the state.
Several locations are hosting Get Outdoors PA events on June 14 in celebration of Get Outdoors Day. For those and other events, visit Get Outdoors PA.
