| First Snowfall of the Season
The second week of November brought a dusting of snow to most of Connecticut and reports of up to two inches in some locations. Just because the temperatures have dropped that is no reason to stay inside. Remember to dress in layers and include a hat and mittens to keep you and your children warm. Over the next few months there are plenty of programs to guide you in your outdoor explorations. Take a walk and discover wildlife at Sessions Woods in Burlington, look for stars or search for seals at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, or go for a Saturday morning bird walk at Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby. If you would rather cuddle up with a book perhaps you should first head out to James L. Goodwin Forest, Hampton and find out how to choose the right firewood to cut and gather from your property. And then as you are enjoying your fire read the wonderful, award-winning book Owl Moon by Jane Yolen to your young child about a father taking his daughter out on a cold winter night for her first time owling.
American Public Health Association
Nice to hear others continue to recognize the philosophy of No Child Left Inside®.
This month (November) the American Public Health Association (APHA), the oldest, largest and most diverse group of public health professionals, adopted 17 new policy statements and one of them focused on nature, health and wellness.
“To aid in promoting healthy and active lifestyles, encourages land use decisions that prioritize access to natural areas and green spaces for residents of all ages, abilities and income levels. Calls on public health, medical and other health professionals to raise awareness among patients and the public at-large about the health benefits of spending time in nature and of nature-based play and recreation. Also urges such professionals to form partnerships with relevant stakeholders, such as parks departments, school districts and nature centers. Calls for promoting natural landscaping.”
SoJourn 2013
Connecticut State Parks Centennial Celebration SoJourn was an 11-day, 195 mile summer outdoor journey that began at Quaddick State Park in northeast Connecticut and concluded in Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. A group of 20 people, including four (NCLI®/GPP) children ages 11-15, biked and paddled across the state. It was an amazing experience bringing attention to our beautiful Connecticut State Parks, highlighting the wonderful recreational opportunities they provide, and focusing on individuals and families becoming healthier. For more on the route and the parks they visited along the way, go to www.ct.gov/deep/StateParks100. Check out the CT State Parks Centennial SoJourn Video http://youtu.be/9lLwYKObnSY or State Parks SoJourn 2013.
Mark your calendars for August 9, 2014 if you would like to join the 2014 SoJourn.
Great Park Pursuit 2014
We are planning the 2014 Great Park Pursuit and we have some great activities that we are sure you will enjoy. Some old favorites and new - fishing and farming, wildlife and wetlands, boating and bike riding, kite flying and camping are just some of the activities we will explore. So mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10 – June 21, 2014. | 
