Pennsylvania State Parks to Host 'Get Outdoors Day' Events June 11

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Four Pennsylvania state parks will host a series of special, day-long events Saturday, June 11, as part of a nationwide "Get Outdoors Day" celebration.

"Pennsylvania's 117 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland make it fairly easy for residents to get outside to enjoy the great outdoors," Department of Conservation and Natural Resources acting Secretary Richard J. Allan said. "This third annual Get Outdoors Day celebration gives our Bureau of State Parks a chance to showcase the great features our state parks have to offer."

Allan said the June 11 events are especially geared toward first-time visitors to state parks. Events will take place at the following state parks: Bald Eagle, Centre County; Moraine, Butler County; Parker Dam, Clearfield County; and Pine Grove Furnace, Cumberland County.

This effort also promotes the philosophy of the American Recreation Coalition, an extensive network of outdoors-oriented governmental agencies, conservation groups, and related businesses that is working to help reconnect people with the outdoors.

In support of that goal, Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month in Pennsylvania, Allan noted.

"Great Outdoors Month is a significant opportunity to help reconnect our children to nature and reverse the troubling nationwide trends of children spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago. Outdoor recreation is vital to the economy of the Commonwealth, and the health and well-being of its residents," Corbett's proclamation read.

Kayaking, birds-of-prey exhibits, hiking and biking, special tips for first-time campers are a few of the "Get Outdoors Day" activities planned at the four state parks. Specific details -- including key contacts and registration information -- can be found at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar (Select Get Outdoors PA), or www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/locations/.

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

Editor's note: The text of the governor's proclamation follows:

PENNSYLVANIA GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH - June 2011

WHEREAS, Great Outdoors Month is an opportunity for Pennsylvanians to celebrate and experience our great Commonwealth's natural splendor and renew our commitment to conserve our air, water, and land; and

WHEREAS, through biking, swimming, boating, hiking, hunting, fishing and many other activities, we are able to enjoy the healthy benefits of outdoor recreation and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Great Outdoors Month is a significant opportunity to help reconnect our children to nature and reverse the troubling nationwide trends of children spending half as much time outside as they did twenty years ago; and

WHEREAS, conserving our natural resources and enhancing our legacy of environmental stewardship and enjoyment of the great outdoors by protecting open space, restoring wildlife habitats, educating young people about the environment, planting trees and maintaining recreational trails is critical; and

WHEREAS, outdoor recreation is vital to the economy of the Commonwealth, and the health and well-being of its residents.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as PENNSYLVANIA GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH in the Commonwealth.  I urge all Pennsylvanians to reaffirm their commitment to enjoying, protecting and conserving the quality of our outdoors.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this thirteenth day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and eleven, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

Tom Corbett, Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources