Get Outdoors & Get Together Day

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day events will be held at select locations across New York on Saturday, June 11. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks), in partnership with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the NYS Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), are hosting free and low-cost events to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors. Get Outdoors & Get Together Day will bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for fun, healthful activities as part of the state's initiative to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands.

At 24 events across the state, participants will be encouraged to discover new skills and enjoy a range of introductory-level outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birding, archery, camping, paddling, and more. Each event will highlight ways to enjoy the outdoors safely and sustainably. All locations will offer a selection of accessible activities, and use of adaptive equipment and demonstrations will be provided at many sites including trail and beach mobility aids, archery assist stands, arm supports for fishing and more.

New York's Get Outdoors & Get Together Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun The need for access to nature and outdoor recreation has never been greater. During the COVID-19 pandemic,

New Yorkers turned to the outdoors and public lands for a nature break, which is good for physical and mental health. Get Outdoors & Get Together Day events support New Yorkers of all ability levels in trying healthy outdoor activities.

DEC Event Locations and Activities:

· Region 1/Long Island: Hempstead Lake State Park, in conjunction with State Parks (Nassau County)

· Region 2/NYC: Mount Loretto Unique Area (Richmond County)

· Region 3/Hudson Valley: Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)

· Region 3/Catskills: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Ulster County)

· Region 3/Catskills: Catskills Visitor Center (Ulster County)

· Region 3/Hudson Valley: Norrie Point Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)

· Region 4/Catskills: North-South Lake Campground (Greene County)

· Region 4/Capital Region: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)

· Region 5/Adirondacks: Ausable Point Campground (Clinton County)

· Region 6/Western Adirondacks: Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area (Lewis County)

· Region 7/Central NY: Rogers Environmental Education Center (Chenango County)

· Region 8/Central NY: Mendon Ponds Park, in conjunction with the ADK Outdoor Expo (Monroe County)

· Region 9/Western NY: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (Erie County)

· In addition to the event at Mt. Loretto, DEC and NOAA will also be hosting a seining and net fishing event from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Lemon Creek Park on Staten Island as part of World Fish Migration Day.

Wheelchair accessible features, including restrooms, as well as activities and select recreation opportunities are offered at all locations. Please contact the event coordinator directly with accommodation requests and to find out about the adaptive equipment and activities offered at each site.

Activities at DEC facilities include the following:

· Camping 101: Visitors can try their hand at camping basics by pitching a tent on the lawn and learning how to pack for a camping trip.

· Birding: Participants can learn how easy and fun it is to enjoy birdwatching almost anywhere.

· Hiking: Participants can take a short hike and learn the basics of finding the perfect trails on their own.

· Outdoor safety: Learn the basics of being prepared and safe so all outdoor adventures are good ones.

· Accessible outdoor recreation: Experience and learn about accessible outdoor recreation opportunities on State lands including hiking, camping, birding, fishing and boating.

· Select locations will also include I Fish NY catch-and-release clinics with rods and reels available for loan; introductory paddling on the water; and introductory archery, including important safety tips.

Details, including schedules and registration requirements, can be found on DEC's website.

State Park Event Locations and Activities:

· Long Island Region: Sunken Meadow State Park (Suffolk County)

· New York City Region: Riverbank State Park (New York County)

· Taconic Region: Lake Taghkanic State Park (Columbia County)

· Saratoga/Capital Region: Saratoga Spa State Park (Saratoga County)

· Saratoga/Capital Region: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (Montgomery County)

· Finger Lakes Region: Taughannock Falls State Park (Tompkins County)

· Central Region: Chenango Valley State Park (Broome County)

· Genesee Region: Darien Lakes State Park (Genesee County)

· Niagara Region: Buffalo Harbor State Park (Erie County)

· Allegany Region: Allegany State Park - Quaker Run Area at the Quaker Lake Bathhouse (Cattaraugus County)

Program and scheduling details for each location can be found by visiting www.parks.ny.gov. No parking fee will be charged during event times. For details about visitor amenities at each location, visit www.parks.ny.gov.