Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) issued the following statement marking the start of Great Outdoors Month:
“June is Great Outdoors Month — a time to recognize the power of the outdoors to unite, heal, and inspire. In a world of increasing division and daily pressures, our public lands and waters offer a much-needed respite, a space where all Americans can connect with nature and each other. Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, representing the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, is proud to once again lead this tradition, elevating the role of outdoor recreation supporting mental and physical health and driving economic growth in every corner of the country,” said Jessica Turner, president of ORR.
“Since 1998, presidents, Congress and states across the county have issued proclamations and resolutions designating June as Great Outdoors Month. This enduring commitment underscores a simple truth: the outdoors is not partisan; it’s personal, it’s about community and we look forward to this year’s proclamations, bipartisan resolutions and community events.
“We invite all Americans to join us this June — to hike a trail, paddle a river, ride a motorcycle, bike or horse, camp in a RV, cast a line or simply step outside and take in all that the outdoors has to offer. The outdoors belongs to everyone and this month, we celebrate that together,” Turner said.
Great Outdoors Month consists of events engaging millions of people in all 50 states throughout the month of June. Thousands of events, each with their own rich history and coordinated by partner organizations, celebrate all facets of the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy and supporting 5 million jobs and encourage people to get outdoors during June and beyond.
Events include:
- Kids to Parks Day – coordinated by the National Park Trust (May 24)
- American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day (June 7)
- National Fishing and Boating Week – coordinated by the National Boating and Fishing Foundation (June 1-8)
- National Get Outdoors Day (June 14) – U.S. Forest Service fee free day
- National Go RVing Day (June 14) – coordinated by Go RVing
- Great Outdoors Day of Service – coordinated by The Corps Network (June 27)
- Great American Campout – coordinated by the National Wildlife Federation
- National Marina Days – coordinated by the Association of Marina Industries
