Tennessee State Parks is launching a new program aimed at teaching fundamental skills to visitors interested in outdoor recreational activities. The “How To” series is specifically designed for people who are either unfamiliar with Tennessee’s state parks or new to engaging in outdoor recreation. The program will cover introductory-level skills for activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
The first site for these skill-building sessions will be Pickwick Landing State Park, starting on September 7. The sessions are free of charge, and all necessary equipment will be provided to participants.
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“While many of our visitors are well-versed in various recreations in the parks, we recognize that many Tennesseans want to learn the basics of some outdoor recreational activities in order to fully engage and have a great experience,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “We want to make our parks welcoming for everyone, so we hope this program will give more people the ability to enjoy our parks in ways they might not have before.”
The program has received a grant of $15,000 from the Ford automotive company’s Bronco Wild Fund. One of the key programs, named “How To Explore,” focuses on teaching participants how to navigate the parks, choose the best trails, whom to contact in an emergency, and how to use a map. Other programs cover hiking, camping, stargazing, backpacking, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. There will be two programs per month from September through December, with a 20-person limit for each session.
“This initiative by Tennessee State Parks is a vital step in making outdoor recreation more accessible to all,” said Lewis Ledford, president and CEO of the National Association of State Park Directors/America’s State Parks. “By offering these introductory programs, we’re not just teaching skills; we’re opening doors to lifelong connections with nature. We are grateful for the support of Bronco Wild Fund that increases public accessibility with similar grants to other states.”
The Bronco Wild Fund aims to get more people outdoors, build their skills for future outdoor activities, and tackle barriers to engaging in new outdoor experiences.
For more information and to join the program, visit this link.
Source: Read Original Release
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