Virginia celebrates Great Outdoors Month
(Richmond) - Virginia is joining a growing number of states in celebrating June as Great Outdoors Month. For the fifth year in a row, President Bush has proclaimed June to be outdoors month. Most states have joined in with proclamations and celebrations for the event, which is sponsored by the American Recreation Coalition.
"Great Outdoors Month is the perfect time for families to reconnect with nature and the outdoors," said Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. "I encourage all Virginians to take this opportunity to enjoy Virginia's bountiful natural and recreational resources and honor the men and women who care for them."
With schools letting out, families across the state are looking for activities they can do together. Virginia's many local parks, state parks, trails, greenways and other public lands offer countless opportunities for outings.
"We tend to overlook those outdoor adventures that await us right around the corner," said Joseph H. Maroon, director of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. "With today's gas prices, being able to find these close-to-home adventures is more important than ever."
Virginia State Parks are in the spirit of Great Outdoors Month by offering hundreds of special events in the system's 34 locations across Virginia. These events are in addition to the parks' already popular outdoor offerings - camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, cabin rentals and more.
"This year we've focused on programming for the whole family," adds DCR State Parks Director Joe Elton. "It's healthy and fun for parents to get children outdoors and to join them in activities that provide memories that can last a lifetime."
Source: Virigina Department of Conservation and Resources
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