Governor Hochul Announces 2024 “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” is Saturday, June 8

 

Inclusive and Accessible Day of Family-Friendly Recreation and Fun Taking Place at DEC, State Parks, and Other Public Lands Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul announced “Get Outdoors & Get Together Day” will be held on Saturday, June 8, with events at more than 20 select locations across New York State to bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for a day of fun, healthy activities. Supporting the State’s ongoing efforts to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to State public lands, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in partnership with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Veterans' Services, are hosting free events to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors.

“‘Get Outdoors & Get Together Day’ is an event for every New Yorker to participate in and enjoy,” Governor Hochul said. “We’ve prioritized accessibility in New York State and are proud that a diverse cross-section of people already visit our spectacular public lands and facilities. We want New Yorkers to know that no matter what their background or ability, New York State resources are shared by all.”

At 22 locations 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. Most Get Outdoors & Get Together Day celebrations will be held from 10 AM until 2 PM with a few exceptions. The event at the Catskill Visitor Center will be held from 10 AM until 4 PM, where Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is part of the Catskills Great Outdoor Expo. The event at Mendon Ponds Park in Pittsford will be held from 9:30 AM until 3:30 PM, where Get Outdoors & Get Together Day is part of the Adirondack Outdoor Expo. Also, the event at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center will begin at 9 AM and the event at Norrie Point Environmental Education Center will run from 11 AM until 2 PM.

Get Outdoors & Get Together Day events support New Yorkers of all ability levels in trying healthy outdoor activities.

2024 DEC led Programs:

• Eastern Adirondacks/Lake Champlain: Ausable Point Campground & Day Use Area (Clinton County)
• Capital Region: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center (Albany County)
• Catskills: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Ulster County)
• Catskills: Catskills Visitor Center (Ulster County)
• Catskills: North - South Lake Campground and Day Use Area (Greene County)
• Hudson Valley: Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
• Hudson Valley: Norrie Point Environmental Education Center (Dutchess County)
• Long Island: Hempstead Lake State Park in conjunction with State Parks (Nassau County)
• New York City: Mt. Loretto Unique Area (Richmond County)
• Western Finger Lakes: Mendon Ponds Park in conjunction with the ADK Outdoor Expo (Monroe County)
• Western Adirondacks/Mohawk Valley: Lowville Forestry Demonstration Area (Lewis County)
• Western New York: Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center (Erie County)

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.

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. Details, including schedules and registration requirements, can be found on DEC's website at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/outdoors-day

2024 State Parks-Led Programs:

• Allegany Region: Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County)
• Central Region: Chenango Valley State Park (Broome County)
• Finger Lakes Region: Taughannock Falls State Park (Tompkins County)
• Genesee Region: Darien Lakes State Park (Genesee County)
• Long Island Region: Hempstead Lake State Park in conjunction with DEC (Nassau County)
• Long Island Region: Sunken Meadow State Park (Suffolk County)
• New York City Region: Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park (New York County)
• Niagara Region: Buffalo Harbor State Park (Erie County)
• Palisades Region: Sterling Forest State Park (Orange County)
• Saratoga/Capital Region: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (Montgomery County)
• Taconic Region: Lake Taghkanic State Park (Columbia 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.

DEC manages five million acres of public lands, including three million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, 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.

The New York  State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free  NY State Parks Explorer app  or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on   Facebook,   Instagram,  X  (formerly Twitter) and the  OPRHP Blog.

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) provides high quality person-centered supports and services to people with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. OPWDD provides services directly and through a network of not-for-profit providers. OPWDD's mission is to help people live richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and a home that supports them to participate in their community. For more information visit  www.opwdd.ny.gov  or connect with us on  Facebook,  Twitter  and  Instagram.

The New York State Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) supports New York's veterans, service members, and their families, providing assistance to obtain state and federal benefits earned through their service to New York State and the United States. For more information about veteran's benefits, please make an appointment with a DVS Veterans Benefits Advisor by calling 888-838-7697 or visiting the agency's website.