HARRISBURG, Pa., May 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — State parks across Pennsylvania will be hosting special events and activities during June as part of the nationwide observance of “Great Outdoors Month.”

“This celebration gives us a chance to showcase our vast natural resources available to the people of Pennsylvania all across our state,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan said.

Gov. Tom Corbett again gave the effort strong momentum when he joined other governors, a consortium of federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, as well as the recreation industry, in proclaiming June 2013 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.”

The month-long observance underscores work of the American Recreation Coalition, an extensive network of outdoors-oriented, governmental agencies, conservation groups, and related businesses.

“Great Outdoors Month is a significant opportunity to help reconnect our children to nature,” Corbett’s proclamation said. “Outdoor recreation is vital to the economy of the commonwealth, and the health and well-being of its residents.”

Kayaking, museum exhibits, hiking and biking, and special tips for first-time campers are just a few of the Great Outdoors activities planned at state parks in special weekend programs.

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

Media contact: Christina Novak, 717-772-9101

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

Proclamation:

Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Month

June 2013

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 8, 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 2013 “Great Outdoors Month” in the Commonwealth. I urge all Pennsylvanians to reaffirm their commitment to enjoying, protecting and conserving the quality of our outdoors.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources