June is National Great Outdoors Month

National Great Outdoors Month in June reminds us to explore our nation’s abundant wildlife refuges, parks, and natural beauty.

Whether we hike or bike the trails, kayak or canoe the many rivers and canyons or pitch a tent in the forest or on a hillside,

No matter our preferred mode of enjoying the great outdoors – hiking, biking, kayaking to name a few – nature is calling. Pursue the beauty and majesty of the big skies and open spaces the outdoors offers.

This month also raises awareness of the accessibility of the great outdoors. Depending on where we live, sometimes reaching nature is more difficult. Many cities create relaxing and vibrant green spaces with trails and paths designed for easy access by the community. However, in some inner-city neighborhoods, access to parks or the ability to get outside the city to visit State or National Parks is difficult.

National Great Outdoors Month is an excellent time to consider making access possible.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Visit a State or National Park. Volunteer as a summer camp counselor.  Take an outdoor photography class. Sign up for Northern lights tour. Get blisters where you’ve never had them before.  Go deep sea diving. Learn how to identify birds and go birding. Share your enthusiasm for nature with a group of students and take them on a nature hike.  Become a Big Brother or Big Sister and go on a group nature bike trail. Share your ideas on social media using #GreatOutdoorsMonth.

Decatur has a variety of parks and greenspaces, plan your adventure here!