State Parks Host Get Outdoors Day Events June 11

Four Pennsylvania State Parks will host a series of special, day-long events 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, Gov.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 DCNR's online Calendar (select Get Outdoors PA) or visit the Get Outdoors PA website.