Explore the Outdoors in Ohio this July

Posted by admin
June 30, 2009
Jamie
Image by lcthulou via Flickr

Young Ohioans Will Enjoy Summer Fun at Explore the Outdoors Events Ohio families encouraged to take part in Explore activities to Celebrate Park and Recreation Month

COLUMBUS, OH – Beautiful summer weather is here and it’s time to be outdoors. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), through the Explore the Outdoors program, is providing parents and children with a variety of family-oriented events to help Ohioans jumpstart healthy outdoor lifestyles.
Explore the Outdoors is an exciting, hands-on family program that gives Ohio children the opportunity to reunite with nature, improve their physical and emotional health and discover the rewards of becoming environmental stewards.

Through the program, ODNR provides Ohio parents, grade school teachers, youth leaders and outdoor educators with an easy activity guide to lead Ohio’s young people into the outdoors and an
interactive online resource, www.exploretheoutdoorsohio.com, which families can use to find exciting outdoor events.

In July, which is National Park and Recreation Month, special Explore the Outdoors events will continue to be posted on the Explore the Outdoors web site. Upcoming events (through July 12) are listed here:

7/2/09
9 to 11 a.m.
James H. Kelley Preserve
Village of Canal Winchester
Splash in a Stream
7/4/09
Sandcastle Building Contest
Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Portage Lakes State Park
ODNR
Swim with a Buddy

7/4/09

Kids’ Endangered Species Festival
Kiser Lake State Park
ODNR
Learn from a Naturalist

7/4/09
Lake Erie beach Treasure Hunt
5 p.m.
Maumee Bay State Park
ODNR
Swim with a Buddy

7/5/09
T-shirt Art
2 – 4 p.m.
Highbanks Metro Park
Franklin County Metro Park
Learn from a Naturalist
Meet at Nature Center

7/6/09
Lightning Bug Night Hike
9 p.m.
Pickerington Ponds
Franklin County Metro Park
Learn from a Naturalist
Meet at Glacier Knoll Picnic Area

7/9/09
Hike a Trail
9 to 11 a.m.
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park
Village of Canal Winchester
Hike or Bike a Trail
7/9/09
Fishing Program
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Slate Run

Franklin County Metro Park

Catch a Fish Learn from a Naturalist

Meet at Buzzards Roost Picnic Area

7/10/09
Brown Bag Lunch Chat
noon
Highbanks Metro Park
Franklin County Metro Park
Learn from a Naturalist
Meet at Nature Center

7/11/09
Creekin
10 a.m.
Blues Creek Preserve
Preservation Parks of Delaware County
Splash in a Stream
Learn from a Naturalist
Free

7/11/09
Going Batty
8:30 p.m.
Blacklick Woods
Franklin County Metro Park
Learn from a Naturalist
Meet at Ash Grove Picnic Area

7/11/09
Campfire Cooking
6 p.m.
Highbanks Metro Park
Franklin County Metro Park
Learn from a Naturalist
Dragonfly Day Camp

7/11/09
Pymatuning Laker 5K Run
8:30 a.m.
Pymatuning State Park
ODNR
Hike or Bike a Trail

7/11/09
Nature at Night
North Chagrin Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks
Hike or Bike a Trail
Learn from a Naturalist
Explore a Wetland

7/11/09
PaddleQuest
Portage Lakes State Park
ODNR
Paddle a Canoe
Registration required

7/11/09
Hummingbird Banding
9 to 11 a.m. & 1 to 2 p.m.
Lake Hope State Park
ODNR
Spot a Bird

7/11/09
Kids’ Big Fish Contest
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mary Jane Thurston State Park
ODNR
Catch a Fish 
7/12/09
Family Bug Hunt
7 p.m.
Blues Creek Preserve
Preservation Parks of Delaware County
Learn from a Naturalist
Free

7/12/09
Family Fun in the Creek
1 p.m.
Battelle Darby Creek
Franklin County Metro Park
Learn from a Naturalist

Explore the Outdoors Program:

The program’s activity guide recommends fun outdoor activities, including Spot a Bird, Hike a Trail or Camp Under the Stars. Families can accomplish all of the activities noted in the book at state parks, forests, preserves and wildlife areas throughout Ohio. Families can also complete some of the activities at local parks,
green spaces or even at home.

Explore the Outdoors participants can find special activity completion codes posted at welcome centers and kiosks in participating ODNR and partner facilities statewide. Children who enter at least two codes on the Explore the Outdoors web site will receive a printable certificate signed by Gov. Ted Strickland. Participants can also get entered for other prizes, including a GreenBird birdhouse and a state park camping excursion.

Parents and teachers can contact 614-784-PLAY (7529) or explore@dnr.state.oh.us for additional information or to request activity guides and program resources.

ODNR appreciates Explore the Outdoors sponsors who share a desire to improve the health of Ohio children and families by getting them outdoors. Sponsors include ODNR Division of Recycling, American Heart Association, American Family Insurance, GreenBird Birdhouses and Whole Foods.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com

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