OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795 |
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DEP TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL TRAILS DAY IN NEW JERSEY ON JUNE 1 WITH (19/P044) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection invites residents and visitors to spend time outdoors on Saturday, June 1 in observance of National Trails Day in New Jersey, Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe announced. Governor Phil Murphy has issued a proclamation designating June 1 as New Jersey Trails Day. More than 30 events are scheduled across the state that day to entice people of all activity levels to try hiking, biking, running and more on New Jersey’s vast network of trails.
In addition to hiking or walking, trails may be used for jogging, cycling, horseback riding, backpacking, skiing, canoeing, kayaking and nature observation. “There are some 1,500 miles of trails throughout New Jersey, putting a trail or pathway close by for many residents, regardless of where they live,” Division of Parks and Forestry Director Olivia Glenn said. “National Trails Day is a great opportunity for families to get outdoors and see what our many parks, forests and historic sites offer the public year round.” As an initiative of the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day was first celebrated in 1993 to commemorate the enactment of the National Trails System Act in 1968. This annual event, now in its 26th year, is a day to recognize and promote the many benefits of trails, near and far. The DEP has been recognized as a National Trails Day champion for the past two years, thanks to the number of events hosted and the variety of activities available. A wide variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and novices are planned throughout New Jersey on National Trails Day. Among them:
In addition to the annual celebration, the intent of Trails Day is to develop a public understanding of trails' importance and the perseverance required to establish, preserve and maintain them throughout the year. Trails provide health and fitness opportunities, outdoor classrooms for nature study, greenways for wildlife conservation, links with New Jersey’s historic past and economic boosts to regional tourism. National Trails Day helps to bring these efforts and values into focus so more of the public is introduced to this type of recreation. For a full list of National Trails Day events, visit the American Hiking Society’s website at https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/find-an-event/. For additional information on the Trails Program in New Jersey, visit www.trails.nj.gov. For more about all of New Jersey’s Parks, Forests and Historic Sites, visit www.njparksandforests.org. Like the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks. Follow the New Jersey State Park Service on Instagram @newjerseystateparks Follow the DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP. ### |
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“New Jersey has many types of environments throughout the state for people to enjoy and explore,” Commissioner McCabe said. “From urban waterfronts to coastal areas, or the Pine Barrens to the hilly terrain of the Skylands, there are countless areas to enjoy nature by going for a walk or ride.”
Discover new trails on a bike ride through Camden’s many parks, Camden County;