June 29, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Sarah Melnitsky, Cronin and Company, Inc., 860-659-0514 smelnitsky@cronin-co.com

AnnMarie Kemp, Cronin and Company, Inc., 860-659-0514 akemp@cronin-co.com

Connecticut State Parks Feature Outdoor Events And Activities For July 4th Holiday Weekend

HARTFORD, CONN./June 29, 2006 - The July 4th holiday moves us into the heart of the summer season, and it is the time to experience the outdoors and Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests.

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy says, “Whether you’re looking for a 'drop in’ activity for your family or a few days of organized activities for your children, look no further than Connecticut’s state parks and forests. All parks and forests are easy to reach for an exciting, adventurous day trip or if you love to camp, make reservations and stay a few nights. It’s all just a stone’s throw from your own backyard. You’ll be glad you did!”

Weekend highlights include activities and programs at the Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonassett Beach State Park in Madison. Every Tuesday through Sunday visit the center for nature walks from 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. or learn what turtles eat and how they protect themselves from 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. Call (203) 245-8743 for more information on these and other summer programs including: Touch Tank or Seining, Junior Ranger, Outdoor Explorers, N.S.I. (Nature Scene Investigators), Snake Demonstrations and Canoe trips.

Throughout the summer, Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill features fossil, rock and mineral demonstrations taking place every Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and nature walks taking place at 1:00 p.m. On Friday’s, bring your rock, mineral or fossil specimen for identification from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Call (860) 529-5816 for more information.

And what would July 4th be without fireworks? On July 8, enjoy the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal fireworks over the Thames River at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London and Fort Griswold State Park in Groton. The show starts at approximately 9:45 p.m. Raindate is July 10.

Other Upcoming Events

On July 9, the Lion’s Club “Rollin’ on the River Car Show” pulls into Haddam Meadows State Park in Haddam. Join about 1,000 spectators from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to see approximately 300 cars including antique fire trucks and a special class of Barracuda’s and Chargers. Free of charge.

For two special weeks, July 10 – 14 and July 24 – 28, participants aged 12 – 16 can learn all about birds including general biology, identification and research techniques at the WILD Kids at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby. Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and the fee is $40 per week. Call (203) 734-2513 to register.

On July 15 families are invited to attend a hike focusing on forest ecology and woodland wildlife at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington. Call (860) 675-8130 for more information.

The state of Connecticut operates 137 state parks and forests. The state park system dates back to the early years of the 20th century. These lands include:

• 19 swimming areas and beaches.
• Nine historic sites of significance.
• More than 800 miles of hiking trails.
• 230 lakes and ponds.
• 2,000 miles of rivers and streams.
• 1,300 campsites at 14 state parks for both tent and RV camping.
• More than 100 public boat launch areas.

To learn more visit www.dep.state.ct.us/stateparks.

For more information about Connecticut’s state parks, pick up a copy of A Shared Landscape, A Guide & History of Connecticut’s State Parks, compiled by the Friends of Connecticut State Parks, a non-profit advocacy group. The guidebook offers everything you need to know about our public lands. To order a copy visit www.friendsctstateparks.org.