It's Great Outdoors Month!

Cool ramps guide riders along the Meadowood Trail in Virginia. 

Image from https://www.doi.gov/blog/how-will-you-celebrate-great-outdoors-month

Photo by Leslie Kehmeier, International Mountain Bicycling Association.

Great Outdoors Month is here just in time for summer.  On May 29, 2020, President Trump released a proclamation naming June 2020 as Great Outdoors Month. The celebration began as a one week focus in "Great Outdoors Week" under President Clinton in 1998 and has continued to grow.  Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations have grown the celebration to last a full month and have partnered with governors to highlight our nation's natural treasures and promote outdoor activities.

The Department of the Interior encourages everyone to celebrate by "getting out to America's public lands and waters." Spending time outdoors can improve physical and mental health. Whether it is hiking up a mountain, practicing yoga on the plains, or reading a book in your backyard, June is a great month to go outside and explore. How will you celebrate Great Outdoors Month? Visit the Department of Interior's Blog or the National Park Service website for more ideas.

The National Park Service reminds us that access and park rules may be affected by COVID-19.  "COVID-19 Response: Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local public health authorities, we are increasing access and services in a phased approach across all units of the National Park System. Before visiting a park, please check the park website to determine its operating status. Updates about the overall NPS response to COVID-19, including safety information, are posted on www.nps.gov/coronaviruswww.nps.gov/coronavirus."

The OSU Library has many publications and maps of the National Parks and wilderness places for outdoor recreation.  You can view these physical materials in person or by request through Interlibrary Loan.  For updated access information please visit the OSU Library's website and Coronavirus Response page.