Supports Adventure NY Initiative to Connect New Yorkers to Nature

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that DEC’s annual celebration of ‘Outdoors Day’ will be held on multiple days this summer and at locations across the state to accommodate social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions. DEC is hosting these events at no cost to attendees as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Adventure NY Initiative to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors so that New Yorkers of all ages and abilities can experience a wide range of hands-on recreational activities.

“More and more New Yorkers are getting outdoors close to home and connecting with nature, especially during the pandemic,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This year, New York is celebrating Outdoors Day over multiple days and at multiple locations to make sure all of our communities have the opportunity to get outside and safely enjoy some once-in-a-lifetime experiences and make lasting memories in the process.”

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “Now more than ever, New Yorkers are visiting their parks and public lands to connect with nature and to safely explore the great outdoors. This year’s Outdoors Day will offer even more opportunities for all New Yorkers to be introduced and celebrate the rewarding experiences that the outdoors provide.”

New York's Outdoors Day coincides with National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. The events are also consistent with the Governor's 2018 Executive Order to make New York the first age-friendly state in the country. Outdoors Day is traditionally held on June 12. At events across the state, participants are encouraged to discover new skills and try out a range of introductory outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, nature walks and hikes, birdwatching, archery, camping, paddling, and more. Participants can also learn important skills for enjoying the outdoors safely and sustainably. New this year is also an event focused on accessible outdoor recreation.

Events and Activities

DEC is hosting family-friendly Outdoors Day events throughout the state throughout the month of June, with most activities on Saturday, June 12. Some programs and demonstrations are scheduled at specific times. Details, including schedules and registration requirements, can be found on DEC's website. Participation is limited and registration is required for most events and not all activities are available at all locations.

Activities at DEC facilities include the following:

• Fishing: The I Fish NY program will offer free catch-and-release fishing clinics for all ages. Learn about fishing equipment, techniques, regulations, consumption advisories, and good places to fish. Participants may bring their own gear, but rods and reels will also be available for loan.
• 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. When the day is complete, participants will be prepared for an outdoor adventure of their own.
• Paddling: Participants can learn the basics of this fun fast-growing sport and try getting out on the water.
• Archery: Participants can try getting a bullseye with a bow and arrow and learn important safety tips.
• Birdwatching: 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.
• Adaptive outdoor recreation: Experience and learn about adaptive outdoor recreation in the Adirondacks with pontoon boat rides, an adaptive fishing clinic, camping demonstrations, interpretive hikes, and more.

Most sites are wheelchair accessible. Please contact the event coordinator directly with specific accommodation requirements.

The need for outdoor recreation has never been greater. Childhood obesity has doubled over the past 20 years and the average American child spends as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day, and more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen. 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. Outdoors Day events support New Yorkers in trying healthy outdoor activities.

DEC manages nearly five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves, 55 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails, and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Instagram.

Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center, said, “We are thrilled to host Outdoors Day at the Catskills Visitor Center with our partners at DEC, and look forward to showcasing the diversity of recreational opportunities the Catskills offer. The whole family can find both information and fun at the Catskills Visitor Center, from fishing on the Esopus River to learning from one of our stewards at the Upper Esopus Fire Tower.”

Erik Fyfe, Executive Director at Stony Kill Foundation, said, "The pandemic has reinforced the importance of having places where people can slow down and spend time in nature. At Stony Kill Farm, we have welcomed a surge of new visitors and are so grateful to be able to provide safe opportunities to connect with the outdoors all year long. We look forward to being part of Outdoors Day again this year."

Jason Thurston, Outreach Coordinator at John Dillon Park, said, “John Dillon Park is proud to be teaming up with the DEC Accessibility Advisory Committee to host an open house/accessible outdoor recreation day. There will be many demonstrations about how and where people can find accessible accommodations to experience the great outdoors. Different ways on how to camp, cook, fish, as well as guided nature hikes for people with all different disabilities. Please make reservations at Eventbrite as space is limited.”