01-13-2009, 09:41 AM
[size 2]DEP Announces Third Annual "Winter Festival" at
Black Rock State park, Watertown
Event keeps "No Child Left Inside" alive in winter
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) "No Child Left Inside" initiative continues February 7 with the third annual "Winter Festival" at Black Rock State Park, Watertown.
The Winter Festival will take place Saturday, February 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a full range of winter outdoor activities for the whole family.
The Festival is FREE and there is no registration or sign-up. Everyone is welcome to attend. Last year’s "Winter Festival" at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth drew more than 1000 adults and children.
Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, "DEP’s Winter Festival has been a huge success with Connecticut families over the past few years. It goes to show how hungry families are to get their kids outside for some plain old fashioned wintertime fun. Whether you want to try your hand at ice fishing, snow-shoeing or simply enjoy the warmth of a bonfire, the Winter Festival is just the right remedy to banish those wintertime blues."
"Plus there is nothing greater than discovering the wonders of a New England winter together as a family outside enjoying all that it has to offer," said Commissioner McCarthy.
The "Winter Festival" takes place Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Black Rock State Park, Watertown from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy a day full of outdoor adventure. Activities will include ice fishing, snowshoeing, map and compass, tracking, ice safety rescue demonstrations, visits from CT Canine Search and Rescue and The CT Horse Council - Volunteer Horse Patrol, and a bonfire complete with a marshmallow roast and storytelling. A concession stand will be available for food and beverage purchases.
Tips on Dressing for Cold Weather
As you prepare to be outside in severe cold weather, please remember the following:
* Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
* Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
* Dress in warm layers so you can remove items if you get too warm.
* Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
* Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
* Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
* Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
No Child Left Inside Background
No Child Left Inside is a statewide initiative launched by Governor Rell in 2006 to reconnect youngsters with the outdoors, showcase Connecticut’s state parks and forests and encourage a new generation of environmental stewards. The Great Park Pursuit family contest is a centerpiece of the initiative. Connecticut families follow clues as they tour state parks and forests over a seven-week period. At each location they complete a variety of activities that may include hiking, fishing, canoeing, biking and more. The fourth annual Great Park Pursuit is scheduled to begin in May. For more information about the Great Park Pursuit or No Child Left Inside, contact the CT Department of Environmental Protection at (860) 418-5981.[/size]
[signature]
Black Rock State park, Watertown
Event keeps "No Child Left Inside" alive in winter
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) "No Child Left Inside" initiative continues February 7 with the third annual "Winter Festival" at Black Rock State Park, Watertown.
The Winter Festival will take place Saturday, February 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a full range of winter outdoor activities for the whole family.
The Festival is FREE and there is no registration or sign-up. Everyone is welcome to attend. Last year’s "Winter Festival" at Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth drew more than 1000 adults and children.
Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, "DEP’s Winter Festival has been a huge success with Connecticut families over the past few years. It goes to show how hungry families are to get their kids outside for some plain old fashioned wintertime fun. Whether you want to try your hand at ice fishing, snow-shoeing or simply enjoy the warmth of a bonfire, the Winter Festival is just the right remedy to banish those wintertime blues."
"Plus there is nothing greater than discovering the wonders of a New England winter together as a family outside enjoying all that it has to offer," said Commissioner McCarthy.
The "Winter Festival" takes place Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Black Rock State Park, Watertown from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy a day full of outdoor adventure. Activities will include ice fishing, snowshoeing, map and compass, tracking, ice safety rescue demonstrations, visits from CT Canine Search and Rescue and The CT Horse Council - Volunteer Horse Patrol, and a bonfire complete with a marshmallow roast and storytelling. A concession stand will be available for food and beverage purchases.
Tips on Dressing for Cold Weather
As you prepare to be outside in severe cold weather, please remember the following:
* Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
* Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
* Dress in warm layers so you can remove items if you get too warm.
* Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
* Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
* Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
* Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
No Child Left Inside Background
No Child Left Inside is a statewide initiative launched by Governor Rell in 2006 to reconnect youngsters with the outdoors, showcase Connecticut’s state parks and forests and encourage a new generation of environmental stewards. The Great Park Pursuit family contest is a centerpiece of the initiative. Connecticut families follow clues as they tour state parks and forests over a seven-week period. At each location they complete a variety of activities that may include hiking, fishing, canoeing, biking and more. The fourth annual Great Park Pursuit is scheduled to begin in May. For more information about the Great Park Pursuit or No Child Left Inside, contact the CT Department of Environmental Protection at (860) 418-5981.[/size]
[signature]