GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUN EVENTS ~Boating, fishing, camping and picnicking are popular outdoor activities for connecting with nature~ Boating and fishing are two great outdoor activities that can be enjoyed at some of Florida's state parks, like at Lake Manatee State Park in Bradenton shown above. TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service is joining with Governor Rick Scott to celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Governor Scott has proclaimed that June is a time to celebrate the rich, natural beauty of our state and learn about the wonders of the landscapes through fishing, biking and walking in nature. "June is a wonderful time to explore Florida's natural treasures," said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. "Now that young people are out of school for the summer, parents have the opportunity to take them outdoors to enjoy fresh air, sunshine and recreation." Florida’s state parks and state trails offer many opportunities for outdoor recreation. In Florida, visitors and residents will find beaches, freshwater springs, lakes and rivers where swimming, canoeing or kayaking and fishing are very popular. Trails offer the opportunity for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Most state parks offer playgrounds where children can play and parents can sit in the shade to keep a watchful eye. Most parks also offer picnicking facilities with tables, barbecue grills and shelter. In June, enjoy these special events hosted at Florida State Parks: Northwest Florida Campbell Lake Canoe Trip 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 4 Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Santa Rosa Beach Evening Under the Stars Sunset Saturday, June 29 Big Lagoon State Park Pensacola Northeast Florida Geocaching Challenges Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park South of Gainesville Lawn Games 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29 Fort George Island Cultural State Park Jacksonville Central Florida 20th Annual Beach Bash Saturday, June 1 Anastasia State Park St. Augustine Youth Fishing Tournament Saturday, June 8 Colt Creek State Park Lakeland Battle of Bloody Mose Living History Program 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Fort Mose Historic State Park St. Augustine Southwest Florida Yoga, scavenger hunt, canoe tours and art 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 8 Little Manatee River State Park Wimauma Learn how to use a compass 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16 Oscar Scherer State Park Osprey South Florida Kayak Class 10 a.m. Sunday, June 2 John D. MacArthur Beach State Park North Palm Beach Photography Class 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 15 Jonathan Dickinson State Park Hobe Sound Whether you prefer hiking, fish, canoeing or sitting under a shade tree, Florida's state parks have the perfect place to explore Florida's great outdoors. To plan an adventure at a state park this month visit Florida State Parks or download the mobile app.

About Florida State Parks and Trails Florida’s 171 award-winning state park and trail properties have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the official Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and for an enhanced experience while visiting. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org