May 6, 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

"The Great Park Pursuit" Kicks-Off At Dinosaur State Park

Families Across the State Register to Participate in Eight-Week Outdoor Adventure

ROCKY HILL/CONN. May 6, 2006 -Families from across the state began an eight-week adventure today that will take them on a tour of Connecticut state parks and forests. These families joined Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Gina McCarthy to officially kick-off "The Great Park Pursuit - The Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure" at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, Conn. The game is part of the No Child Left Inside℠ campaign - a statewide initiative designed to raise awareness for state parks and forests and build enthusiasm for the outdoors among children.

After welcoming the excited crowd and acknowledging the generous support of game partners, Commissioner McCarthy encouraged teams to get in the competitive spirit and explore the park. Families participated in various activities including hikes, three-legged races and "Mesozoic Bingo." Registered teams that attended the event are now eligible to win fabulous grand prize packages, including kayak, hiking and camping equipment provided by North Cove Outfitters of Old Saybrook.

"We are delighted and encouraged by the tremendous response to this game," says Commissioner McCarthy. "Our goal is to get more children and families to our state parks and forests to enjoy the beauty, history, recreational and educational opportunities they offer. Families responded by accepting The Great Park Pursuit challenge, allowing them to experience our state parks and forests and their many resources first hand."

In fact, after Commissioner McCarthy joined Governor M. Jodi Rell in March to launch the No Child Left Inside campaign, families flocked in droves to the campaign Web site - www.nochildleftinside.org - to register for the game. In just a few short weeks, more than 400 teams totaling over 1,000 people signed up for "The Great Park Pursuit."

"The Great Park Pursuit" will take Connecticut families on a journey to eight different state parks and forests over an eight-week period. At each location, teams will be asked to complete various activities such as a scavenger hunt, hike, fishing and more. At the end of each task, families will receive a clue to the following week's park or forest. Additional clues to the location will be available on the campaign web site.

Family teams will be awarded 10 points for each park where the required activity has been completed. In the event of a tie, all top point scorers will compete in a final park challenge to determine the winners, who will receive one of the three grand prize packages. Additional prizes, including binoculars, personal floatation devices and flashlights will be awarded to the remaining top teams.

Registered families also have the opportunity to create their own personal family page on the campaign web site. Many teams have already posted photos and comments to express their excitement for the game. Teams are encouraged to track their progress throughout the adventure with additional pictures and stories.

Families that missed the registration cut-off are encouraged to continue visiting the No Child Left Inside web site to learn more about Connecticut's state parks and forests and receive information on other programs. Details on various activities and events will be posted to the site, and people can sign-up to receive information on future campaign initiatives.

"We want to thank everyone for their interest in this endeavor, and all the activities associated with the DEP's No Child Left Inside initiative," adds Commissioner McCarthy. "Connecticut has many wonderful outdoor opportunities for families to enjoy and we urge people to visit the beaches and trails in our state parks and forests to fully understand how wonderful they are!"

The No Child Left Inside campaign was created by the DEP to raise awareness for the recreational activities available at the state's 137 state parks and forests, attract families to the parks and build enthusiasm for the outdoors among children. "The Great Park Pursuit, The Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure" is being executed by DEP with support from the Friends of Connecticut State Parks, Connecticut Forest and Park Association, WFSB-TV/3, North Cove Outfitters and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.