June is National Great Outdoors Month. The end of the school year, warm weather, and a need to commune with nature, make this the perfect time to plan and take in the Great Outdoors in all its splendor.
Started in 1998 under President Bill Clinton as Great Outdoors Week, it was originally an economic stimulus project to increase jobs and GDP through outdoor adventures. It was so popular that it was expanded in 2004 to a month-long celebration of America’s public lands and waters at the national, state, and local levels with thousands of events across the country. By 2016, outdoor recreation was the fastest growing US industry.
President Biden issued a Proclamation on Great Outdoors Month in which he stated: “During Great Outdoors Month, I encourage Americans to take time to experience the natural wonders across our Nation. As we enjoy the great outdoor landscapes and seascapes, let us each recommit to doing our part in their stewardship, preservation, and sustainable use so they continue to be a source of inspiration for outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come”.
June means new exploration trips and outdoor adventures. Whether you like trekking through thick green forests, going hiking on mountain trails, swimming in the cool waters of seas, rivers, and lakes, or just sitting and gazing at the stars or clouds in the sky, nature has something for everyone.
The Great Outdoors can be an inexpensive trip for the family, part of a healthier lifestyle, and a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to nature.
Watch for special deals and offers for June at nature resorts and parks. Be quick to grab the best deals to plan a trip with your friends and family.
The National Park Service makes it easy to experience the great Outdoors with several entrance fee-free days in 2023. The free admission days, shown below, are designed to encourage discovery and visitation of the country’s various national parks. With at least one in every state, national parks are accessible places to visit to refresh body, mind and spirit:
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 23: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Click this link for more information.
Poolesville has one of the best park systems in Maryland. Check out the thirteen parks near to home to see what they offer.