Get Outdoors & Get Together At New York State Parks

The sun is out (well, let's just go with that), the temperatures are ideal, and summer is almost here, although it already looks and feels like it.

Outdoor activities are to be found everywhere you look. And the DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to Get Outdoors & Get Together at our state parks. This Saturday, June 13, is a perfect day to do just that!

The NYS DEC and State Parks have joined with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Office of the Chief Disability Officer, Department of Veterans’ Services, Office of Mental Health, and Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs, hosting free events across the Empire State to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors.

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Held each year on the 2nd Saturday in June, this day is a fun, guided, and free outdoor activity to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusive access to state public lands.

Events, depending on location, include fishing, archery, kayaking, bird watching, and hiking among other activities. Check out the video below, describing this fun day.

Get Outdoors & Get Together At Chenango Valley State Park

In the Southern Tier of New York, events on Saturday, June 13, will be at the Chenango Valley State Park in Chenango Forks.

According to the NYS DEC, events will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and include:

• Intro to Kayaking at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
A park-certified instructor will lead this activity, and the kayaks will be provided. Space is limited.
• Kermit Rides along Towpath Trail at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Activity led by the park Friends Group, Kermit is a 6-seat golf cart
• Bald Eagle Craft from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In the Park Interpretive Center, led by the park Friends Group and the Office of Mental Health.
• Nature Walk at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
The walk will last approximately 45 min to 1 hour, and will be about 1.5 to 2 miles long. Trails are designated as easy to moderate. Led by the park Friends Group.
• Yard Games from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., located on the open field at the beach area.
Led by the Park Friends Group and the Office of Mental Health. Games will include cornhole, frisbee, football toss, and oversized Jenga.
• Action Track Chair Demo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Learn about the Track Chair and its usage, and try it out for yourself.

For more information and activities scheduled, visit the NYS DEC Get Outdoors & Get Together Day website.

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