Hiking, Backpacking Seminars Set for 5 Rivers In Alabama

Author and renowned outdoors enthusiast Joe Cuhaj of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society will conduct a series of hiking and backpacking seminars at 5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort.
 
Daphne’s Cuhaj, who penned “Hiking Alabama” and co-authored “Paddling Alabama,” will offer advice and discuss hiking opportunities in Alabama for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
 
The series begins on August 23 at scenic 5 Rivers. Admission is free and registration is not required. The workshops, which begin at 1 p.m., are one-hour long with the exception of Backpacking 101, which will last two hours.
 
The seminar schedule is:
August 23 - Hiking in Alabama: Spectacular Destinations
September 13 - Essentials of Day Hiking
October 11 - Backpacking 101
November 15 - Backpack Cooking
January 10, 2009 - Hiking with Children (and the Dog)
February 7, 2009 - Trail Safety
 
The Alabama Hiking Trail Society will hold its annual convention March 6-7, 2009 at 5 Rivers. Visit www.Alabama5Rivers.com for more information on scenic 5 Rivers.
 
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Texas Hunting Licenses Go On Sale August 15

AUSTIN, Texas — New hunting and fishing licenses for 2008-09 will be available beginning Friday, Aug. 15, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is encouraging hunters to buy early and avoid the rush heading into the Sept. 1 dove season opener.

“If you wait until the Labor Day Weekend, you’re probably going to be standing in line to buy a license,” said Tom Newton with TPWD’s licensing section. “Savvy hunters have figured it out and are buying their licenses early.”

Sportsmen are reminded all current annual hunting and fishing licenses (except for the year-to-date fishing license) expire Aug. 31. Texas issues 2.1 million hunting and fishing licenses annually through 28 TPWD field offices, more than 65 state parks and at over 1,500 retailers across Texas.

Because dove season in the North and Central Dove Zones opens on a Monday, Newton predicts there will be a weekend rush to buy licenses. “Last year, we sold over 350,000 licenses during the four-day period around the opening weekend of dove season,” he recalled. “It takes an average of three-to-five minutes to process a license sale transaction, so it’s likely there will be delays if you wait ‘til the last minute.”

By comparison, Newton said the department averaged less than 20,000 license transactions a day during the two weeks prior to the dove season opener as opposed to five or six times that number on the days around opening weekend.

A last-minute license purchase rush is probably inevitable in some areas of the state, TPWD officials say, particularly along the I-35 corridor where many dove hunters descend. Fortunately, there are other license buying avenues available.

“Hunters who need to purchase a license at the last minute or those who don’t want to stand in line have a couple of options,” said Newton. “They can also purchase licenses online through the TPWD web site (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/) or by calling (800) 895-4248. There is a $5 convenience fee for either option and a major credit card is required.”

License sales call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday — Friday. The online transaction system is available 24/7.

“We sold about 4,500 licenses online and by phone during the peak sales weekend last year,” Newton said. “We’d like to steer more of the traffic to the call center and Internet during the peak volume periods.”

A license confirmation number is issued at the time of purchase for online and phone orders, and the physical license is mailed separately. Confirmation numbers will verify that a license has been purchased, which is sufficient for dove hunting, but will not allow hunters to take fish or wildlife that requires a tag.

“Some people are using the convenience options to purchase licenses for everyone in their family or hunting group,” Newton said. “It can help ensure that everybody who shows up to hunt, especially those coming in from out of state or kids coming in from college, already have a hunting license waiting for them. You can buy a license for someone else, even at the retail counter, but to avoid delays please be sure you have all their personal information.”

In addition to a hunting license, all wing shooters will need to purchase a game bird stamp. To hunt doves or teal in September, a Migratory Game Bird Stamp ($7) is required. Duck hunters also need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp and receive HIP (Harvest Information Program) certification. HIP certification will be printed on the license at the time of sale only after the purchaser answers a few brief migratory bird questions. Lifetime license holders must also be HIP-certified and purchase the Federal Duck Stamp to hunt migratory birds. All other state stamp endorsements are included with a lifetime license

“Remember, it’s your responsibility to make sure you are properly licensed, so be sure to check your license before you leave the sales counter,” Newton said. “We do get a fair number of requests for re-issuance of licenses because the hunter forgot to get HIP certified.”

There are other mandatory endorsements to consider at the time of purchase, too. An Upland Game Bird Stamp ($7) is required to hunt all non-migratory game birds, including turkey, quail, pheasant, chachalaca and lesser prairie chicken.

Of course, anyone who purchases the Super Combo license package, the best bang for the buck, automatically gets these needed stamps.

Hunter Education Certification is also required of any hunter born on or after Sept. 2, 1971 and who is at least 17 years old. For hunters who are unable to work in a hunter education class before hunting season for whatever reason, TPWD does offer a deferral option.

The deferral option allows people 17 years of age or older a one-time only extension to complete the state’s hunter education requirements. The individual must first purchase a hunting license and then may purchase the deferral option.

Hunters using the deferral must be accompanied by someone 17 years old or older who is also licensed to hunt in Texas. The accompanying individual must have completed hunter education or be exempt from the requirements (born before Sept. 2, 1971). The extension is good for one license year, by which time the person with the deferred option needs to complete a hunter education course.

This option is not available to those who have ever received a conviction or deferred adjudication for lack of hunter education certification. They still must take the course before going afield.

Deep Creek Lake State Park Hosts 9th Annual Art In The Park July 12 & 13

SWANTON, MD — Deep Creek Lake State Park’s Discovery Center will host over 40 artists and their original artwork at the 9th Annual Art in the Park on July 12 and 13. The free event features Dixieland music, food and naturalist programs.

“Art in the Park is an event for the whole family to enjoy, “ said Fred Schaich, President of the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc. (WGCSPVI). “Hands-on activities and delicious food will delight children and parents alike. The Maryland Park Service is proud to offer programs that can bring family, fun and education together.”

All artwork on display is available for purchase. The variety of artistic and handmade pieces at the event includes unique jewelry, photography, pottery, hand-woven baskets, furniture, rugs and handmade soaps.

Food and a variety of hands-on activities can be enjoyed throughout the day. In addition, visitors can also explore the interpretive and educational Discovery Center, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer.

Art in the Park will occur rain or shine on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Docking is available for those wishing to come by water. For more information about this event and other programs offered at the Discovery Center, please call 301.387.7067 or visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/western/discovery.html.

State Parks Ready for Country Stampede, Independence Day Despite Some Flooding

Although last week in June finds many parks inundated, hopes rise with lower waters

PRATT — As the last weekend in June approaches, some state parks in the eastern portions of Kansas are struggling with flooded facilities. Activities at these parks may be limited the weekend of June 28-29, but hopes are high for July — and Independence Day weekend — as reservoir water is lowered and parks begin to dry out. All depends on the weather, and if summer rains subside, conditions will continue to improve.

As of June 24, state park campgrounds in the northwest, northcentral, and central portions of the state were in good shape, according the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). Kanopolis State Park, near Ellsworth, had only one primitive campground affected by high water, so Sandy Shore, a primitive campground, will be closed the last weekend in June.

Perhaps the most anticipated park event of June is Tuttle Creek’s Country Stampede, and officials there note that although some campgrounds may be a little muddy, 90 percent of the park is in fine shape for the state’s largest country music festival.

In southeastern Kansas, Fall River State Park reports only two campgrounds — Fredonia Bay and Quarry Bay — currently open. The only boat ramp open is at Quarry Bay. At nearby Cross Timbers State Park, conditions are much the same. Boaters will have to use the ramp at Toronto Point, and the Holiday Hill Area is open from the west only.

Elk City State Park may have been hit the hardest, much like last year’s heavy summer flooding. Day-use areas are limited, and there is no boating access, sewer facilities, or full-utility hookups. Although some areas are open, no reservations are being taken at this time.

Hillsdale, Milford, and Perry state parks also report high water flooding some campgrounds and other facilities. Other state parks appear to be in good shape, but due to unpredictable weather, KDWP staff recommend that visitors phone their favorite parks before planning a trip.

As summer progresses into July, many Kansans look forward to Independence Day weekend — July 4-6 this year — and if high reservoirs continue releasing water, most park facilities should be ready for Fourth of July festivities. These events highlight July at Kansas state parks, but other events are planned throughout the month. Many events are educational, and all make park visits more fun.

For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the ” Event Calendar” on the “State Parks” page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWP website. Click “State Parks” at the top of the page, then “Locations” in the left-hand column.

The following is a list of Kansas state park (SP) events for July:

• July 4-6 — Independence Day celebration at Cross Timbers SP’s Toronto Point;
• July 4 — fireworks display at Pomona SP;
• July 4 — fireworks display at El Dorado SP;
• July 5 — volleyball tournament and Beloit Eagles fireworks display at Glen Elder SP;
• July 5 — Wilson Lake Area Association Poker Run boat race and fireworks display at Wilson SP;
• July 5 — Osage County Fireworks Festival at Eisenhower SP;
• July 5 — Independence Day fireworks display at Lovewell SP;
• July 5 — fireworks Display at Kanopolis SP;
• July 6 — fireworks display at Cedar Bluff SP;
• July 12 — Kansas Catfish Tournament at Pomona SP;
• July 12 — Waconda Lake Association blues festival at Glen Elder SP;
• July 13 — Kansas Walleye Association fishing tournament at Eisenhower SP;
• July 14 — National Get Outdoors Day nature trivia walk at Pomona SP;
• July 18-20 — Vietnam veteran’s reunion, campout and water activities for the physically challenged at El Dorado SP;
• July 19 — bass fishing tournament at Cedar Bluff SP;
• July 20 — sand castle/sculpture contest at Lovewell SP;
• July 25 — Prairie Port Concert at El Dorado SP;
• July 26-27 — Great Plains Personal Watercraft Race at El Dorado SP;
• July 26 — Women In The Outdoors equestrian trail ride at Hillsdale SP; and
• July 26-27 — Sunflower State Games Middle of the Trail Distance Riders Association equestrian trail ride at Perry SP.

Iowa Trails Receive National Recognition

The trails at Mines of Spain are some of the best in Iowa’s state parks and by being designated as part of the National Trails System by the U.S. Department of Interior on June 4; the trails are now in elite company.

Iowa had 16 trails or portions of trails designated as National Trails System, and with the designation of Mines of Spain, along with the Great Western Trail and Summerset Trail, the number is pushed to 19.

“I felt we were worthy of it. I get a lot of complements from people who use it,” said Wayne Buchholtz, park ranger for Mines of Spain, since 1993. “I like to say we have some of the best trails around and this designation just proves it.”

Receiving the designation was a six month process. Part of the application looks at the types of trails and facilities available to users. Mines of Spain State Recreation Area has different trail types, including cross country skiing, and has trails that showcase different natural settings, for example, different forest settings, upland and lowland settings, and even floating trails.

The application also asks if the area has any historically significant areas and many - not all - usually have as many as three significant areas. “We have 252 archeological sites in the park covering diverse cultures,” Buchholtz said.

Visitors to the Mines of Spain trails will see dramatically different scenery as the seasons change. When the trees are leafed out, all that is visible from the trails are the trees. Once the leaves are gone, trail users discover cliffs and rock outcroppings and a hidden stream. Right now, the prairie trail is blooming and full of color.

Some of the nearly 20 miles of trails have interpretive signs at the significant or historical features. Buchholtz said the trails have added GPS coordinates including mileage and will soon have elevations.

Once the park staff has finished with flood related clean-up, they will look at a ceremony announcing this new designation. Mines of Spain is already designated a National Historic Landmark and a Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Site.

“We hope this new designation will encourage more people to come visit the area because we have something really special right here in Iowa,” he said.

The Summerset trail goes through Summerset State Park and like other trails that are near a state park, the park serves as a hub for trail users. Mark Edwards, state trails coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources since 1980, said he is seeing more activity on Iowa trails than in the past.

“I’m meeting more and more people in our state parks who are riding these trails in groups, leapfrogging from park to park as they work their way down these different trail systems,” Edwards said. “Our parks are serving as a hub for these trails. They use our facilities, stay in our parks and get local information from the staff as they use these trails.”

Many communities see trails as a way to connect with each other and as a way to bring in some tourism to their area.

“People have really tuned in to these trails and it is good to see not only for the health benefits, but it is good to see people connecting with these rural communities and supporting the mom-and-pop businesses,” Edwards said.

Fwp Is Seeking Public Comment On Commercial Use Of Wildlife Management Areas

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment and proposed commercial use management plan for wildlife management areas.

The FWP Commission adopted commercial use rules in 2006 on FWP lands, including WMAs, and required that a plan be in place before such uses can be authorized.

“The EA and management plan identify potential activities that may be authorized and the process the FWP regions will use in considering these requests,” said Steve Knapp, FWP Wildlife Division habitat bureau chief.

The EA concludes that anticipated commercial uses at WMAs could have a number of impacts on vegetation and wildlife, but no enduring negative effects.

Knapp said the proposed management plan provides details on the expected types of commercial activities to be authorized, permit terms and conditions, the application process and how the restricted commercial use permits will be allocated. A commercial use permit fee schedule is included in the management plan.

The commercial activities identified include: walks and hiking tours, trail rides by horse or bicycles, trail rides on ATVs or trail bikes, eco-tours by van or bus, photography and commercial hunting-dog training.

“While interest in commercial activities on WMAs is not as high as it is for FWP fishing access sites and State Parks, planning now will help to ensure that FWP is able to manage these decisions consistently and well into the future,” Knapp said.

FWP owns or leases more than 330,000 acres around the state for the benefit of wildlife. WMAs represent Montana’s diverse landscapes, including wetlands, rivers, mountains and prairies and 449 species use these areas, according to the Montana Natural Heritage Program.

“WMAs are a unique resource that provide critical habitat for wildlife,” Knapp said. “Commercial activities on these lands must be carefully managed to ensure they continue to fulfill their primary purpose.”

The complete text of the EA and the statewide commercial use management plan for WMAs can be found on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov under Public Notices. Print copies are available by calling: 406-444-2612.

The public must comment by July 14 by email to: fwpwld@mt.gov, or by mail to: Montana FWP, Attn: Steve Knapp, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT, 59620.

Smallwood State Park Hosts 3rd Annual Triathlon

MARBURY — Smallwood State Park and Set Up Events, Inc. expects to host more than 300 athletes for the 3rd Annual General Smallwood Triathlon on Sunday, June 29 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To accommodate the triathlon, Smallwood State Park’s boat launch ramps will close from 5 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29.

“This is our 3rd year hosting the triathlon,” said Park Ranger Nakia Johnson. “Smallwood State Park hopes both athletic competitors and watchers enjoy the day outdoors and consider utilizing state parks regularly to exercise both the body and mind.”

The triathlon offers two different individual races, an international and a sprint triathlon. Interested participants can register online up until the morning of the race. For more information, visit www.setupevents.com

Established in 1958 as a historic park, Smallwood State Park is named in honor of General Smallwood, a Charles County native. For more information about Smallwood State Park visit

http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/southern/smallwood.html.

Governor Rell Announces Free Swim Lessons at State Parks and YMCAs

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs are teaming up to help make certain Connecticut’s families are safe at the beach or swimming pool this summer by sponsoring numerous activities for a Water Safety Week and offering free swim lessons at YMCAs and state parks.

Governor Rell said DEP and the YMCAs have scheduled Water Safety Week for next week, June 23-28. The week will feature free water safety programs at YMCAs across the state and a special family Water Safety Extravaganza at Indian Well State Park, Shelton, on June 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission to the park will be free for this event.

“Free swim lessons will take place at eight YMCAs and six state parks across the state,” Governor Rell said. “This focus on water safety is a perfect complement to our efforts to encourage Connecticut’s families to spend more time outdoors. We want our families to have a safe and enjoyable experience when they visit a beach or a pool. Sharing water safety information and offering free swim lessons to them helps accomplish that goal.”

The lessons are funded by DEP and three other state agencies with a strong interest in the well being of families and young people: the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Public Health and the Connecticut Children’s Trust Fund.

Information about Water Safety Week Activities and the free swim lessons at YMCAs and the state parks will be available at www.ct.gov/dep and www.nochildleftinside.org . Details on swimming programs at local YMCAs are also available at www.ymca.net

 

Details on Free Swim Lessons at State Parks

Under the DEP/YMCA free swim lesson program, lessons will take place at the following state parks:

•  Black Rock, Thomaston

  July 2nd to August 13th - Wednesdays

• All at Black Rock State Park from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Contact Pattie Flaherty
• Waterbury YMCA 203-754-9622 ext. 112

•  Burr Pond, Torrington

  June 30th to July 15th - Monday to Thursday

• All at Burr Pond
• Contract Sabrina Smeltz, Northwestern Middlesex YMCA 860-824-2788

•  Rocky Neck, East Lyme

  July 14th to 18th - Monday through Friday

• All at Rocky Neck State Park - mornings
• Contact person Cathy, YMCA of Southeastern Connecticut 860-889-7349

•  Sherwood Island, Westport

  July 11th to August 22nd

• All at Sherwood Island - 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• Contact Maureen Scinto or Erin Russell
• Fairfield YMCA 203-255-2834 ext. 2318 or ext. 2325
• August 4th to 8th Monday to Friday
• All at Sherwood Island - afternoons
• Contact Karin Guariglia, Westport YMCA 203-226-8981 ext. 128

•  Squantz Pond, New Fairfield

  July 28th to August 1st Monday to Friday

• All classes at Squantz Pond - afternoons
• Contact Veronika, 203-744-1000 ext. 106, or Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut 203-744-1000 ext. 106

•  Stratton Brook, Simsbury

  July 8, 15, 22 - 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Stratton Brook State Park

• All lessons at Stratton Brook
• Contact Michael Kerrigan
• Greater Hartford YMCA 860-793-9631

•   

  Details on Free Swim Lessons at YMCAs

  Waterbury

  June 23rd to July 16th, with two lessons at Black Rock State Park July 14th and 16th

• July 21st to August 13th, with two lessons at Black Rock State Park August 11th and 13th
• Contact Patti Flaherty, Waterbury YMCA 203-754-9622 ext. 112

•  New Britain

  June 23rd to June 27th 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm and 5:15 pm - 6:00 pm, with one lesson a field trip to Black Rock State Park

• Contact Christian Pollard, New Britain YMCA 860-229-3787

•  Stratford

  June 27th to August 22nd - Fridays, with first six classes at the Stratford YMCA and two at Indian Wells State Park

• Contact Courtney and Lisa at 203-375-5844 ext. 16

•  Bridgeport

  June 23rd to July 19th and July 27th to August 23rd at the Bridgeport YMCA, with one lesson at Sherwood Island State Park

• Contact Christine Morandi, Bridgeport YMCA 203-334-5551 ext. 16

•  New Haven

  In July, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with one lesson at Silver Sands State Park

• Contact Suzy Killbridge, New Haven Youth Center YMCA 203-776-9622

•  Danbury

  June 30th and August 11th on Mondays, with five classes at Green Knoll pool and two classes at Squantz Pond August 4th and August 11th

• Contact person Sonya Williams, Green Knolls YMCA, 203-775-4444 ext. 133

•  Hartford

  June 23rd to 27th at the Learning Corridor with three lessons at Stratton Brook State Park on July 8, 15, 22, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

• Contact Michael Kerrigan, Greater Hartford YMCA 860-793-9631

•  Meriden

  Seven weeks at Meriden YMCA, with two lessons at Wadsworth State park

• Contact Jamie Tennyson 860-729-9748

Water Safety Week will conclude with a special family Water Safety Extravaganza at Indian Well State Park, Shelton, from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, June 28. Admission to the park will be free for this event. The day will be filled with interactive games, water safety tips, boating safety demonstrations and more. Other partners for the Extravaganza include the American Red Cross and the Connecticut State Police.

Other Water Safety Week activities:

 

 

 

• June 21 and June 28 - 9:00 am to 11:00 am
• OutDoor Program center at Connecticut Hospice Pool
• Contact Suzy, Soundview Family YMCA at 203-481-9622

 

 

 

• June 23 and 25 - 1:30 to 3:30 pm
• Bridgeport YMCA
• Contact Christine Morandi, Bridgeport YMCA 203-334-5551

 

 

 

• June 23 to June 29 - Monday through Friday or Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 12:30 pm
• Fairfield YMCA
• Contact Maureen Scinto, Fairfield YMCA 203-255-2834 ext. 2318 or Erin Russell ext. 2325

 

 

 

• June 23 to 28
• Greenwich YMCA
• Contact Bob Meadows, Greenwich YMCA 203-869-1630

 

 

 

• June 23 - June 27
• Learning Corridor- 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
• Contact Michael Kerrigan, Downtown Hartford YMCA 860-793-9631

 

 

 

• June 23 - 27 - 10 am to 12 pm
• Contact JJ Addison, Northern Middlesex YMCA 860-347-6907

 

 

 

• June 23 to 28
• Contact Heather Sargeant, Ocean Community YMCA 860-536-3575

 

 

 

• June 21 to June 28 and back yard pool workshop June 21
• Contact Josephine Rojas, New Canaan YMCA 203-966-4528 ext. 1361

 

 

 

• June 21 to June 17
• Contact Barbara Bachuretz, Naugatuck YMCA 203-729-9622

 

 

 

• June 27 - Friday - 3:00 - 4:00 pm
• Contact Carolyn Boyce, Norwalk YMCA 203-866-4425 ext. 307

 

 

 

• June 9 - June 13 6:00 - 8:00 pm
• Contact Michael Kerrigan, Wheeler Regional Family YMCA 860-793-9631

 

 

 

• June 16 to 20
• Contact Lisa or Courtney, Stratford YMCA 203-375-5844

 

 

 

• June 23 to 28
• Contact Barbra Glaude, Southington Cheshire YMCA

 

 

 

• June 21 -1:00 to 2:30 pm and June 27 - 5:30 to 7:00 pm
• At the Lakewood YMCA Camp and outdoor center
• Contact Marta Waldron Lakewood Trumbull YMCA 203-261-2566

 

 

 

• June 28th 1-3 pm
• At the Wallingford Community Pool
• June 16 to 20 SPLASH/Be Water Safe $5 fee
• At the Wallingford YMCA
• Contact Pam VanderWeele, Wallingford YMCA 203-269-4497 ext. 20

 

 

 

• June 24 6:00 to 7:30 pm Backyard pool safety and Beach safety (all ages with parent)
• June 26 1:00 to 3:00 pm Pool Safety and fun water games (for children ages 12-17)
• June 27 5:30 to 8:00 pm Pool Safety and family swim time (for all ages with parent)
• Contact Patti Flaherty, Waterbury YMCA 203-754-2181 ext. 112

 

 

 

• June 23, 25, 27 - 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
• Contact Heather Valley Shore YMCA 860-399-9622 ext. 32

 

 

 

• June 25 - Wednesday 6:30 pm Talk for parents about water safety
• Contact Kim Scofield, Wilton YMCA 203-762-8384 ext. 211

Wilton

- Free - speaker Jack Harder of the American Red Cross

Westbrook

- SPLASH- Free Water Safety Program

Waterbury

- Free Water Safety Week Programs

Wallingford

- Free Water Safety Program

Trumbull

- SPLASH Free Water Safety Program

Southington Cheshire

- SPLASH Free Water Safety Program

Stratford

- Splash Water Safety program $5 fee

Plainville

-SPLASH Free Water Safety Program

Norwalk

- Free Water Safety Program

Naugatuck -

Water Safety Program

New Canaan

- Free Water Safety Week

Mystic -

Boating Safety

Middletown

- SPLASH Water Safety Program

Hartford 

- SPLASH Free Water Safety Program

Greenwich

- Water Safety Awareness Week

Fairfield

 - SPLASH Free Water Safety Program

Bridgeport

- SPLASH Free Water Safety Program

Branford -

SPLASH Free Water Safety Program

Delaware State Parks and Nemours Health & Prevention Services Partner to Promote Healthy Activities for Children and Families

DOVER, Del. -  Delaware State Parks and Nemours Health & Prevention Services are working together to encourage children and families to take the Delaware State Parks Trail Challenge and support Nemours’ 5-2-1-, Almost None initiative. Individuals hike 15 designated trails in Delaware State Parks to complete the Trail Challenge and win a patch, a certificate, a pedometer, and the Golden Boot award. 

Hikers submit a completed Trail Challenge punch card to win the prizes and be entered in a drawing for vacations in different parks. Completed cards must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2008. In early 2009, a winner will be drawn for the first prize - a 5-day, 4-night stay in a year-round, fully-equipped Ohio State Park cottage, plus $1,000 for travel expenses. The second prize is a 4-day, 3-night stay in a cabin in Maryland’s Tuckahoe State Park, plus $600 for travel expenses. The third prize is 3 days and 2 nights in a cabin in Delaware’s Trap Pond State Park, plus $400 in travel expenses.

Each park features activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and especially hiking.  Nemours’ 5-2-1, Almost None program suggests a healthy diet, including five daily servings of fruits and vegetables; fitness with no more than two hours per day “screen time” and at least one hour per day of activity; and almost no sugary beverages.  

More information about Nemours Health & Prevention Services and 5-2-1, Almost None is available at www.nemours.org. Information about Delaware State Parks Trail Challenge can be found at www.destateparks.com/trailchallenge, or by calling (302)

New Jersey “Take Me Fishing” Program

The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has joined forces with the national Take me Fishing campaign which encourages everyone to participate in the leisurely, family-friendly experience of fishing and enhance their appreciation of the natural world.

Over the next year, New Jersey, alongside 29 states nationwide, will participate in an effort to reach out to former and new anglers, and encourage them to buy a license and get out on the water.

For those who are somehow not aware, New Jersey offers endless fishing opportunities. From spring migrations of striped bass and American shad in the Delaware River to bayshores and the Atlantic coastline, there’s something for all anglers. And progressive management and fish culture and stocking programs means a greater of variety of fish are available than ever before.

Waters in Wildlife Management Areas, in state parks and forests, in federal lands and county and municipal parks make fishing nearby for everyone. Many sites have been improved for access by wheelchair, and public boat ramps abound. For those who’ve never tried fishing, or have been away from the sport, two Free Fishing Days in June allow fishing without a license or trout stamp, and a license is never required for saltwater