June Is Great Outdoors Month

June Is Great Outdoors Month

PRATT – In a proclamation signed by Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. on April 23, 2018, the month of June is now recognized as “Great Outdoors Month” in Kansas. A host of upcoming local events, as well as nationally-recognized outdoors events, will provide Kansans with a multitude of fun and exciting opportunities for celebrating the great outdoors in June. In the following weeks, consider participating in:

National Trails Day – June 2, 2018

Hosted by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day is an annual event designed to encourage people to get out and hike the thousands of miles of trails that are out there for public enjoyment. Every Kansas state park has miles of trails taking hikers, bikers and horse riders through wild places. And two Kansas trails are designated as state parks in their own right because their length and beauty; the Flint Hills Trail, which covers 117 miles from Osawatomie to Herington, and the 51-mile Prairie Spirit Trail linking communities between Iola and Ottawa. Participants can find general information on hiking, as well as planned hikes by location, by visiting americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/.

Kansas Free Fishing Days – June 2 & 3, 2018

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism encourages families to get out and fish June 2 and 3 “on the house.” While other fishing regulations still apply, such as length and creel limits, anglers can enjoy fishing public waters without a license during this annual two-day event. For details, visit ksoutdoors.com.

National Fishing and Boating Week – June 2-10, 2018

Recreational boating and fishing are popular summertime activities in Kansas, and National Fishing and Boating Week is the perfect time to enjoy Kansas waters. To learn more about boating and fishing on Kansas’ 24 reservoirs, 40 state fishing lakes and more than 200 community lakes, go to www.ksoutdoors.com. For a list of ways you can join in on this weeklong celebration, visit TakeMeFishing.org and check out their list of six things to do for National Fishing and Boating Week, including learning to tie a new knot and sharing “#FirstCatch” photos with fellow anglers.

National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) – June 9, 2018

Pack some sunscreen and load up the cooler, because Saturday, June 9 is National Get Outdoors Day. From hiking and biking, to swimming and fishing, there’s no end to the ways you can celebrate this day made for all things fun and sun. For details on 2018 GO Day events near you, and to get involved, visit www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org.

Great Outdoors Day of Service – June 14, 2018

While the 5th annual Great Outdoors Day of Service event will take place at LBJ Memorial Grove in Washington, DC this year, that doesn’t mean the spirit of service can’t be shared throughout the Sunflower State, as well. Get out on June 14 and consider picking up trash at your local pond, state park, wildlife area or trail.

Other notable outdoors events during the month of June include the season-long Great American Campout and National Marina Days. And more events can be found at ksoutdoors.com by clicking “Events,” then “Kansas Outdoor Events.” However you decide to celebrate this June, just make sure you “Get Outdoors.”

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