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CONSERVATION CORNER
(For the week of May 26, 2008)
Great Outdoors Month
by James L. Cummins

Outdoor recreation is enjoyed by nearly every one of us. It provides economic, mental, physical and social benefits. As we approach the end of May, I want to discuss some of the upcoming events that are scheduled in June. June is an especially active time for recreation in America. Recognition of the value of recreation and the importance of June as a time of recreational activity prompted Presidential designation of June as Great Outdoors Month for the first time in 2004. There are lots of events to participate in such as National River Cleanup, World Environment Day and the Great American Backyard Campout.

The National River Cleanup will be held the first week of June. It officially kicks off on May 31 and runs through June 8. There is a shocking amount of trash that finds its way into our nation’s rivers and streams. In 2007, over 95,000 volunteers cleaned over 7,400 miles of river and removed approximately 600 tons of trash. Some notable items that were removed are lawn mowers, propane tanks, toilet seats and washing machines. For more information, go to www.americanrivers.org.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations to stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment and enhance political attention and action. World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5. The slogan this year is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Since climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, communities, companies and countries are being asked to focus on greenhouse gases and how to reduce them. We need to take a closer look at the state of our environment and take action to preserve it. Visit http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english for more information.

Although June is Great Outdoors Month, June 11 - 15 is Great Outdoors Week. The goal is to highlight the benefits of active time outdoors to communities, families, people and the nation. America’s youth need to receive the message that outdoor recreation is a fun, healthy use of leisure time. More information can be found at www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org.

The Great American Backyard Campout is scheduled for June 28, 2008. Having a backyard campout is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. You can listen to nocturnal wildlife sounds, stargaze, cook over an open fire, catch and release fireflies and tell ghost stories with a flashlight. More ideas and information are available at www.backyardcampout.org.

Celebrate June to the fullest! Go out and do something positive for the environment and have some fun while you do!