Let's Get Outdoors!
WAKEFIELD, MI - Friday, June 4, 2010 - Americans celebrating Great Outdoors Month in June 2010 will have another exciting event to enjoy right here in our own backyard… National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 12th, 2010 beginning at 9:00 AM at Eddy Park (Sunday Lake) in Wakefield, MI.
With only 82 sites across the country (and only 5 in Michigan) selected to be an official National Get Outdoors Day site this year, organizers Vicki Nelson (MSU 4-H Program) and Mary Powell (Gogebic Conservation District) were quite excited that Eddy Park on Sunday Lake in Wakefield was chosen as an official National Get Outdoors Day site. This is the third annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day), an event that encourages kids and their families to participate in healthy, active outdoor activities. It also serves to provide the public with information on outdoor opportunities and help connect people to nature. Besides MSU Extension and the Gogebic Conservation District, partnerships were readily forged with the City of Wakefield, Ottawa National Forest, Plum Creek Timber, and the National Wildlife Federation.
What can you expect at the FREE National Get Outdoors Day event at Eddy Park? The Welcome Station in the pavilion is your first stop. There you can register for door prizes, get a schedule of events happening from 9:00 AM to noon and learn more about our local outdoor opportunities. Some of the participating organizations are the Wilderness Lakes Trails, the North Country Trail, and the Western UP Heritage Trail. Among the several outdoor businesses featured are the Hobby Wheel, Whitecap Kayak, and Star Hikes. Also participating are the Ottawa National Forest, the Carnegie Library (outdoor books and the “Park and Read” program), and the Grandview Health System. Don’t forget to visit the Trail Mix Station where you can personalize a trail mix to your liking!
The North Lakeland Discovery Center will bring their traveling naturalist program for an ‘Environmental Easel’ class creating a number of art projects with materials found in nature. Class size is limited to 40 participants ages 5 to adult. Outside the pavilion, take a self- guided walk around Sunday Lake. Stop by the Wakefield Visitors Center and visit Peter Toth's 60th monument in "The Trail of the Whispering Giants" carved from a local pine tree.
Never tried tennis? No problem. Take a quick lesson at the tennis courts. Stop by and say “Hi” to Woodsy Owl. There will be some fishing poles available (worms provided) if you feel like fishing. And don’t worry; this is a Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan (no license required although all fishing regulations will still apply). Stumped about setting up a tent or campfire cooking? Let the experts give you some free advice and suggestions at the camping expo site.
“Enthusiasm for encouraging participation in outdoor fun is exploding – uniting government agencies, concerned parents, recreation business, the healthcare community and more, “ remarked American Recreation Coalition President Derrick Crandall. “Evidence of this new and potent force is the growing array of events and activities in June, which is Great Outdoors Month.” Other special outdoor designations in June include National Trails Day, National Fishing and Boating Week, National Get Outdoors Day, National Marina Day, and the Great American Backyard Campout.
GO Day activities at Eddy Park in Wakefield run from 9 to noon, but everyone is encourage to come and spend the day. Bring family and friends. It’s a community affair! For more information, contact Vicki Nelson (906-663-4045 ext 13) or Mary Powell (906-663-4512).
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Just the facts…
Everyone… pick up your “Get Outdoors Bingo” card for fun outdoor activities and prizes. |
