05-28-2009, 10:10 PM
PIERRE, S.D. - Gov. Mike Rounds has proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month in South Dakota.
In the proclamation, Gov Rounds states, for the first time in our country's history, we potentially have an entire generation growing up disconnected from nature, which makes outdoor recreation awareness especially important for our children.<br />
Many opportunities for outdoor activities are provided by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks in their efforts to expand and enhance state parks, protect our wildlife heritage, and create programs that introduce youngsters to the wonders of the outdoors.<br />
Several notable outdoor recreation opportunities will take place in June, including the following events:<br />
"¢ National Trails Day, June 7 - A day set aside to celebrate America's magnificent trail systems and their countless supporters and volunteers. Several state parks will be hosting trail-related events that day. Info: www.SDGFP.info or www.AmericanHiking.org.<br />
"¢ National Fishing and Boating Week, June 6-14 - A national celebration of fishing and boating. Visit Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Fort Pierre where the Boat U.S. Foundation has made 12 life jackets available for children to borrow for the day or the weekend, at no charge! The life jackets are available through Labor Day, and can be picked up at Oahe Downstream Welcome Center. Info: (605) 223-7722<br />
"¢ Great American Backyard Campout, June 27 - An opportunity for everyone to re-live - or to experience for the first time - how much fun it is to spend a night sleeping under the stars and enjoying the sounds of nature. The Great American Backyard Campout is a national event that encourages individuals, youth, friends and families to camp out together for one night. Info: www.nwf.org/BackyardCampout<br />
"¢ Outdoor Expo, June 13-14 - The Second Annual South Dakota Outdoor Expo will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Huron. The Expo features hands-on activities aimed at introducing families to the many possibilities for recreation in South Dakota's outdoors. Events include a pond for kayaking, fishing activities, geocaching, activities for small children, shooting activities, and many more. A joint effort by businesses, outdoor organizations and government agencies present programming. There is no entry or activity fee for taking part in the Expo. Info: (605) 773-3904<br />
"¢ Luce Pioneer Day, June 13, Lake Herman State Park near Madison. The event celebrates the original homesteading pioneers with family activities, entertainment, vendors and historical demonstrations. Info: (605) 256-5003.<br />
"¢ National Get Outdoors Day, June 13, Steamboat Park in Pierre. Participants will enjoy fun family activities all day, starting with a 9 a.m. nature hike on LaFromboise Island, other events include geocaching/GPS class, kids fishing on Pierre causeway, Pierre bicycle tour, kids Eco-Challenge, Dutch oven cooking, U.S. Corps of Engineers ride safe kids mini-boats, disc golf demonstration, turtle racing, and other outdoor activities. The activities run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: (605) 223-7722.<br />
In addition, across the state a number of outdoor programs will be held in state parks throughout June, including bird walks, outdoor cooking demonstrations, hikes, fishing derbies and nature programs. For a list of upcoming events, visit www.SDGFP.info.
In the proclamation, Gov Rounds states, for the first time in our country's history, we potentially have an entire generation growing up disconnected from nature, which makes outdoor recreation awareness especially important for our children.<br />
Many opportunities for outdoor activities are provided by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks in their efforts to expand and enhance state parks, protect our wildlife heritage, and create programs that introduce youngsters to the wonders of the outdoors.<br />
Several notable outdoor recreation opportunities will take place in June, including the following events:<br />
"¢ National Trails Day, June 7 - A day set aside to celebrate America's magnificent trail systems and their countless supporters and volunteers. Several state parks will be hosting trail-related events that day. Info: www.SDGFP.info or www.AmericanHiking.org.<br />
"¢ National Fishing and Boating Week, June 6-14 - A national celebration of fishing and boating. Visit Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Fort Pierre where the Boat U.S. Foundation has made 12 life jackets available for children to borrow for the day or the weekend, at no charge! The life jackets are available through Labor Day, and can be picked up at Oahe Downstream Welcome Center. Info: (605) 223-7722<br />
"¢ Great American Backyard Campout, June 27 - An opportunity for everyone to re-live - or to experience for the first time - how much fun it is to spend a night sleeping under the stars and enjoying the sounds of nature. The Great American Backyard Campout is a national event that encourages individuals, youth, friends and families to camp out together for one night. Info: www.nwf.org/BackyardCampout<br />
"¢ Outdoor Expo, June 13-14 - The Second Annual South Dakota Outdoor Expo will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Huron. The Expo features hands-on activities aimed at introducing families to the many possibilities for recreation in South Dakota's outdoors. Events include a pond for kayaking, fishing activities, geocaching, activities for small children, shooting activities, and many more. A joint effort by businesses, outdoor organizations and government agencies present programming. There is no entry or activity fee for taking part in the Expo. Info: (605) 773-3904<br />
"¢ Luce Pioneer Day, June 13, Lake Herman State Park near Madison. The event celebrates the original homesteading pioneers with family activities, entertainment, vendors and historical demonstrations. Info: (605) 256-5003.<br />
"¢ National Get Outdoors Day, June 13, Steamboat Park in Pierre. Participants will enjoy fun family activities all day, starting with a 9 a.m. nature hike on LaFromboise Island, other events include geocaching/GPS class, kids fishing on Pierre causeway, Pierre bicycle tour, kids Eco-Challenge, Dutch oven cooking, U.S. Corps of Engineers ride safe kids mini-boats, disc golf demonstration, turtle racing, and other outdoor activities. The activities run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: (605) 223-7722.<br />
In addition, across the state a number of outdoor programs will be held in state parks throughout June, including bird walks, outdoor cooking demonstrations, hikes, fishing derbies and nature programs. For a list of upcoming events, visit www.SDGFP.info.