The Great Park Pursuit Outdoor Adventure Challenge Begins at Hammonasset State Park, Madison

FREE -- ALL CONNECTICUT FAMILIES INVITED TO PLAY

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

 WHO:          Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Daniel C. Esty joins Connecticut families to kick-off the sixth annual Great Park Pursuit – this year with a new twist. 

 WHEN:        Saturday, April 9, 2011

                  9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 WHERE:       Hammonasset Beach State Park – Meigs Point Nature Center 1288 Boston Post Road Madison

SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES: 

·         Guided Bird Walks

·         Binocular and Spotting Scope Station

·         Fill the Bill:  activity focusing on the different beaks and types of food that birds consume

·         Mist Netting

·         Live Birds of Prey

·         Bird Hurdles

·         Bird Scavenger Hunt

·         Purple Martins

·         Bird Safety Patrol/Beach Cleanup

WHAT:         The Great Park Pursuit Outdoor Adventure Challenge is part of the No Child Left Inside^® initiative.  Introduced in 2006, No Child Left Inside^® is a campaign designed to reconnect children with the outdoors, showcase the recreational opportunities available in Connecticut's 139 state parks and forests, and build the next generation of environmental stewards.  The Outdoor Adventure Challenge is a year round adventure that encourages families to experience the excitement and joy of fun outdoors in CT State Parks and Forests.   Today's event is the first in a series of Outdoor Adventure Challenge Family Days.  The Family Days are themed around eleven outdoor recreation activities (Birding, Fishing, Hiking, Biking, Historic Sites, Boating, Swimming, Camping, Picnicking, Letterboxing and Winter Activities). 

At Hammonasset we are focusing on birding.  The families will receive a GPP Outdoor Adventure Challenge Passport (or they will be able to download a copy from the No Child Left Inside^® website - http://www.nochildleftinside.org/) and that will be where they record their various adventures. 

 Editor's note: Yes, this is a press release. It is posted here because it sounds like fun and because kids should get outside!