June proclaimed ‘Great Outdoors Month’ in Wisconsin
MADISON – The month of June has been proclaimed “Great Outdoors Month” in Wisconsin by Gov. Jim Doyle to encourage families to get out and celebrate and experience the many outdoor activities the state has to offer both residents and visitors.
“Wisconsin’s vast natural and cultural resources provide citizens and visitors opportunities to hike, bike, fish, camp, swim, learn about nature and enjoy numerous other outdoor activities on public and private lands,” Doyle noted in the proclamation.
“Playing and exploring outdoors gives children and their families time to connect with nature, engage in exercise and healthy activities, and have fun,” adds Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank. “This, in turn, leads to a renewed commitment to conserving our air, water and land.”
To help encourage people to get out and enjoy Great Outdoors Month, Frank announced that the Department of Natural Resources is launching a new initiative called “Get Outdoors! Wisconsin,” which was developed in response to the national “No Child Left Inside” movement. The program will bring together new and existing partners such as organizations like the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, hospitals, schools, museums, and zoos. It will encourage Wisconsinites to enjoy unstructured time outdoors (nature free play), a vital component to healthy and active lifestyles. Upcoming activities will include fitness programs, educational materials for youth, nature games in the outdoors, and other “hooks” that engage each person with nature in a fun and free way.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Wisconsin State Parks - (608) 266-2181
