When it comes to days designated for some outdoorsy thing, it seems June is the preferred month. Last week we celebrated National Trails Day, a celebration of the over 200,000 miles of trails in the U.S. system. This week, Saturday marks National Get Outdoors Day, a joint effort by the USDA Forest Service and the American Recreation Coalition aimed at inspiring and motivating people to get outside and enjoy the natural world. Now in its sixth year, GO Day is a series of nationwide events allowing families to experience traditional and non-traditional outdoor activities, with special emphasis on underserved populations, first-time visitors to public lands, and reconnecting youth to the great outdoors. Sounds great.
With so much public land at our disposal in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and the rest of the Southeast, it is no surprise that state and national parks and forests in our region are taking the lead. It is also no surprise that one of the biggest events of the day will be happening at The Birthplace of Forest Conservation in America, The Cradle of Forestry in the Pisgah National Forest outside Brevard, N.C. The event will include all sorts of interesting activities for the whole family. Trout Unlimited will be giving fly fishing demonstrations at the trout pond, and there will be canoe and kayak safety seminars. You can do everything from go on a guided nature walk to try your hand at archery to learn how to change a flat tire and other basic maintenance on your mountain bike. Plus, Smokey Bear will be there. Kids love Smokey Bear.
This is another great opportunity to introduce young ones to the outdoors and natural world in a fun, lively environment. The diversity of activities will surely hold their attention, and could lead to a lifetime of healthy, active lifestyle choices. For a list of National Get Outdoors Day events in your area, click here.
