HARRISBURG, Pa., June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Three state parks across Pennsylvania have been selected to host a series of special events on Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, in a nationwide Get Outdoors Day celebration, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan said today.

“This fourth annual Get Outdoors Day celebration gives our Bureau of State Parks a chance to showcase what is offered across the state,” Allan said. “Pennsylvanians are urged to enjoy our 120 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland.”

Governor Tom Corbett again gave the effort strong momentum when he joined other governors, a consortium of federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, and the recreation industry in proclaiming June as Great Outdoors Month.

“These upcoming special days are geared to first-time visitors to our parks,” Allan said. “DCNR encourages everyone to visit their area state parks and state forestlands and see what they have been missing.”

Daylong, special Get Outdoors activities are planned at the following state parks:

Saturday, June 9 : Parker Dam, Clearfield County, and Moraine, Butler County;
Sunday, June 10 : Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center, Cumberland County.
All three state parks are reinforcing the work of the American Recreation Coalition, an extensive network of outdoors-oriented, governmental agencies, conservation groups, and related businesses, committed to bucking a very disturbing trend – and one that was highlighted by Corbett in his proclamation:

“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,” Corbett’s proclamation said. “Outdoor recreation is vital to the economy of the Commonwealth, and the health and well-being of its residents.”

Kayaking, birds-of-prey exhibits, hiking and biking, and special tips for first-time campers are a few of the “Get Outdoors Day” activities planned at the three state parks. In addition to these three parks, many others across the state will be offering recreation programs this weekend.

For event details, or to find nearby park programs, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar (Select Get Outdoors PA); or www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org.

Editor’s note: The text of Governor Tom Corbett’s proclamation follows:

PROCLAMATION – PENNSYLVANIA GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH

June 2012

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, skiing, 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 20 years ago and spending six and a half hours each day “plugged into” electronic media; 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; and this worthy pursuit will be showcased in National Get Outdoors Day events Saturday, June 9, at Parker Dam and Moraine state parks, and Sunday, June 10, at Kings Gap Environmental Education and Training Center; and

WHEREAS, through the 2007 Governor’s Outdoor Conference and the subsequent public meetings held throughout the Commonwealth, we understand that our future quality of life depends on our ability to understand, appreciate and enjoy Pennsylvania’s natural bounties.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim June 2012 “Great Outdoors Month” in the Commonwealth. I urge all Pennsylvanians to reaffirm their commitment to enjoying, protecting and conserving the quality of our outdoors.

Tom Corbett, Governor