Facebook Twitter Digg Stumble Upon RSS
Ohio Department of Natural Resources - News Releases
NEWS BY TOPIC

Media Inquiries
614-265-6860

May 20

Written by: news editor
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 

05/19/09 The upcoming extended holiday weekend is a great opportunity for Ohio families to take part in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) free Explore the Outdoors program to jumpstart healthy outdoor lifestyles.


State Reminds Families to Get Outdoors this Holiday Weekend

ODNR and partners ready to help families Explore the Outdoors

COLUMBUS, OH -The upcoming extended holiday weekend is a great opportunity for Ohio families to take part in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) free Explore the Outdoors program to jumpstart healthy outdoor lifestyles.
 
Explore the Outdoors provides Ohio parents, educators and youth leaders with an engaging activity guide to lead Ohio's young people into the outdoors. Ohio public school teachers who educate children in grades 1-5 have received Explore the Outdoors activity guides for their students. The guides are also available for download at www.exploretheoutdoorsohio.com or by calling 614-784-PLAY (7529).
 
The program's activity guide recommends a variety of 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.
 
Special Explore the Outdoors events are posted on the Explore the Outdoors web site. Upcoming events (through May 31) are listed here:

Date Event Time Organization/Agency Location Explore the Outdoors Activity Credit Special Instructions
5/22/09 Fantastic Farm Fridays! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hamilton County Park District Winton Woods Learn From a Naturalist  
5/23/09 Sounds of the Night Campfire 8:30 p.m. Franklin County Metro Park Blacklick Woods Learn From a Naturalist Meet at Ash Grove Picnic Area
5/23/09 Bats by the Barn 8:30 p.m. Franklin County Metro Park Pickerington Ponds Learn From a Naturalist Meet at Glacier Knoll Picnic Area
5/23/09 Clean Up Day 10 a.m. ODNR Lake Milton State Park Get Caught up in a Clean up  
5/23/09 50th Anniversary Family 5K Fun/Walk   Centerville-Washington Park District Forest Field Park Hike or Bike a Trail  
5/23/09 Park Beautification Day   Miamisburg Parks and Recreation Department Library Park Get Caught up in a Clean up  
5/29/09 Riverfest On Tour! Kickoff Celebration 5 - 10:30 p.m. Riverfest on Tour! COSI Columbus   check website for more info
5/30/09 Bluebird and Tree Swallow Banding 9 a.m. to Noon Tuscarawas County Norma Johnson Center

Get Caught up in a Clean up

Spot a Bird

 
5/31/09 Fishing Derby   Macedonia Parks and Recreation Department Longwood Park Catch a Fish  
 
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.

-30-
For further information, contact:
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
Jason Fallon, ODNR Public Relations
614. 784. PLAY (7529)

Tags: