No Child Left Inside Newsletter September 2011

No Child Left Inside® September 2011

A Newsletter from the Connecticut Department Volume 4

of Energy and Environmental Protection

In This Issue

Great Park Pursuit Outdoor Recreation Challenge

Featured Events

Featured Activity

Quick Links

No Child Left Inside® Website

DEEP Website

DEEP Calendar of Events

State Parks and Beaches Open for Free Friday Through Monday

At the direction of Governor Malloy admission fees for the holiday weekend - starting Friday - will be waived for those parks that have re-opened after the storm. We know there are still many residents of our state waiting for the power to come back on and still working to recover from the storm. But, we hope that as many people as possible will take advantage of the Governor's offer and get outside to enjoy a relaxing day at one of our parks over the holiday.

The free admission to state parks and beaches applies only through Labor Day and does not apply to state park campgrounds, where normal camping fees will be charged. At some parks that are open, some services may not be available and some areas will be marked as off limits due to storm damage.

List of state parks, state swim areas, and state park campgrounds that are open.

The Great Park Pursuit Outdoor Recreation Challenge - Family Camping Weekend

On Saturday, September 10^th and Sunday, September 11^th we will be hosting Family Camping Weekend at Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold, CT. The event runs from 12:00 pm Saturday - 12:00 pm Sunday.

Come out for a fun family weekend of camping. Afternoon festivities will include canoeing, swimming, pond study, hiking and will continue on into the evening complete with bonfire and s'mores. Be sure to check the list of Camping Essentials.

If you are planning on attending the campout PLEASE LET US KNOW! There are also tents available to borrow.

For more information please visit No Child Left Inside®

Hope to see you all September 10^th at Hopeville Pond!

Featured Events

Event: Reptile and Amphibian Walk

Date: Saturday, September 3, 2011

Time: 2:00 pm

Location: White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield

Brief Description: Participate in a walk around Ongley Pond in search of our native reptiles and amphibians. Learn to identify frogs and toads by their voices! Meet in front of the A.B. Ceder Room. For more information please contact White Memorial Conservation Center at gerry@whitememorialcc.org or (860) 567-0857.

Event: CT Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day

Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington

Brief Description: An open house with many wildlife and fish-focused activities and presentations for sportsmen, children, families, and the general public. There will be children and adult activities, including fish casting, archery, wildlife track making, children's crafts and educational presentations. For more information please contact Laura Rogers-Castro at laura.rogers-castro@ct.gov or (860) 675-8130.

Event: Celebrating Agriculture

Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Woodstock Fair Grounds, Woodstock

Brief Description: A day filled with agricultural displays, family events, food, and entertainment! There is no admission charge. Parking is free too. For more information please contact Dawn Pindell at dawn.pindell@ct.usda.gov or

(860) 774-8397 x109.

View a Complete List of Events

Featured Activity

With warm days and cool nights what better way to spend a lovely late summer weekend than camping! Connecticut State Parks & Forests offer over 1,400 campsites found in a variety of settings including woodlands, sandy shoreline beaches, inland lakes, and even secluded islands.

Reserve a spot today! And don't forget to check out our Camping Essentials Checklist.

List of CT State Parks and Forests Where You Can Camp

No Child Left Inside® is an initiative of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.