GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUN EVENTS

Florida DEP Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2013

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUN EVENTS

~Boating, fishing, camping and picnicking are popular outdoor activities for connecting with nature~

manatees

Boating and fishing are two great outdoor activities that can be enjoyed at some of Florida's state parks, like at Lake Manatee State Park in Bradenton shown above.

TALLAHASSEE –  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service is joining with Governor Rick Scott to celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Governor Scott has proclaimed that June is a time to celebrate the rich, natural beauty of our state and learn about the wonders of the landscapes through fishing, biking and walking in nature.

"June is a wonderful time to explore Florida's natural treasures," said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. "Now that young people are out of school for the summer, parents have the opportunity to take them outdoors to enjoy fresh air, sunshine and recreation."

Florida’s state parks and state trails offer many opportunities for outdoor recreation. In Florida, visitors and residents will find beaches, freshwater springs, lakes and rivers where swimming, canoeing or kayaking and fishing are very popular. Trails offer the opportunity for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Most state parks offer playgrounds where children can play and parents can sit in the shade to keep a watchful eye. Most parks also offer picnicking facilities with tables, barbecue grills and shelter.

In June, enjoy these special events hosted at Florida State Parks:

Northwest Florida

Campbell Lake Canoe Trip

1:15 p.m.

Tuesday, June 4

 Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Santa Rosa Beach

 

Evening Under the Stars

Sunset

Saturday, June 29 

Big Lagoon State Park

 Pensacola

Northeast Florida

Geocaching Challenges

Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

South of Gainesville

 

Lawn Games

2 p.m.

Saturday, June 29

Fort George Island Cultural State Park

Jacksonville

Central Florida

20th Annual Beach Bash

Saturday, June 1

 Anastasia State Park

St. Augustine

 

Youth Fishing Tournament 

Saturday, June 8  

Colt Creek State Park

 Lakeland

 

Battle of Bloody Mose Living History Program

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Saturday, June 22

Fort Mose Historic State Park

St. Augustine

Southwest Florida

Yoga, scavenger hunt, canoe tours and art

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 8

 Little Manatee River State Park

Wimauma

 

Learn how to use a compass

 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 16

 Oscar Scherer State Park

Osprey

South Florida

Kayak Class

10 a.m.

Sunday, June 2

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

North Palm Beach

 

Photography Class

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday, June 15

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Hobe Sound

 

Whether you prefer hiking, fish, canoeing or sitting under a shade tree, Florida's state parks have the perfect place to explore Florida's great outdoors. To plan an adventure at a state park this month visit Florida State Parks or download the mobile app.