New York state officials invite members of public
to attend ‘Outdoors Day’ celebrations on June 8
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 15, 2019) – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that “Outdoors Day” will be celebrated at free events across the state on Saturday, June 8.
DEC will host these events as part of the Governor’s Adventure NY Initiative to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors so that New Yorkers of all ages and abilities can experience a wide range of hands-on recreational activities. 
"With nearly five million acres of land open to the public to explore, New Yorkers have endless opportunities for outdoor adventure,” Seggos said. “DEC is excited to host Outdoors Day events on June 8th and open up new possibilities for outdoor recreation for people of all ages. We encourage you to spend the day with us enjoying the outdoors and trying a new skill."
New York's Outdoors Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun.
At events across the state, Outdoors Day participants will be able to discover new skills and try out a range of introductory outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, birdwatching, archery, camping, and more. Adaptive equipment and opportunities will be available at select locations.
Events and activities
DEC will host 10 Outdoors Day events throughout the state. These family-friendly, open house events will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some programs and demonstrations are scheduled at specific times. Details, including schedules, registration requirements, and a map of activities planned for Outdoors Day can be found on DEC's website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/113380.html.
Activities at DEC facilities include (not all activities are available at all locations):
* Fishing: The I Fish NY program will offer free catch-and-release fishing clinics for all ages. Learn about fishing equipment, techniques, regulations, consumption advisories, and good places to fish. Participants may bring their own gear, but rods and reels will be available for loan.
* Camping 101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent on the lawn and learning what and how to pack for a camping trip. When the day is complete, participants will be prepared for an outdoor adventure of their own.
* Paddling: Learn the basics of this fun fast-growing sport and try getting out on the water.
* Archery: Try your hand at getting a bull’s-eye with a bow and arrow and learn important safety tips.
* Birdwatching: Learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.
* Hiking: Take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails to get out on your own.
* Outdoor safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all your outdoor adventures are good ones.
Locations:
* Long Island, Region 1: Hempstead Lake State Park, in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
* NYC, Region 2: Mt. Loretto Unique Area
* Lower Hudson Valley, Region 3: Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
* Catskills, Region 3: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground and Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center
* Capital District, Region 4: DEC’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Lawson Lake County Park
* Eastern Adirondacks, Region 5: Northampton Beach Campground
* Western Adirondacks, Region 6: DEC Lowville office
* Central NY, Region 7: DEC’s Rogers Environmental Education Center
* Rochester/Western Finger Lakes, Region 8: In cooperation with Adirondack Mountain Club (Genesee Valley Chapter) at the Outdoor Expo at Mendon Ponds Park
* Western NY, Region 9: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Most sites are wheelchair accessible. Visitors should contact the event coordinator directly about specific accommodation requirements.
The need for outdoor recreation has never been greater.
“New York state has so many great outdoor environments, including lakes and ocean beaches, as well as mountains and urban parks, where we can get fresh air and exercise year round,” said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “Start with one of New York state’s Outdoors Day events and keep going outside as much as you can, to stay fit and healthy all year.”
"New York state offers amazing opportunities to get active and explore our state’s remarkable natural resources,” said Erik Kulleseid, acting commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. “On June 8th, Outdoors Day provides a great option for families and friends to discover new recreation possibilities that can be valued for a lifetime. We encourage you to visit one of our special programs to test your outdoor skills and to learn and experience all that New York has to offer.”
DEC manages nearly five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails, and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure by visiting http://www.dec.ny.gov/62.html.
(New York State Department of Environmental Conservation)