Susan Frechette, Deputy Commissioner Department of Environmental Protection
During the late summer, it is easy to forget there are many opportunities to enjoy CT’s wonderful outdoors. Summer camps end, and as the first day of school approaches many families are busy shopping for new school clothes and accessories. For some, it’s one of the last chance to steal away on vacation before fall arrives. The sun sets earlier, and the temperature can be hot and humid during the day, yet chilly at night.
In spite of busy schedules, the waning days of summer can be one of the best times to visit a CT state park with your family. There are plenty of opportunities for kids of all ages to enjoy the last warm days relaxing or have a memorable adventure at one of the many state parks near you.
On Thursday, August 27 from 10 am to 2 pm, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) research vessel, “Bold” will be docking at Fort Trumbull State Park, New London. The “Bold” is a converted U.S. Navy 224-foot surveillance ship that is designed to help the EPA monitor and assess the health of our coastal and ocean waters. Visitors will have the chance to explore this fascinating vessel and learn more about how the research activities help protect CT’s renowned Long Island Sound.
If you can’t make it to the “Bold,” there are a number of other chances to experience CT’s outdoors this summer:
• Fort Trumbull will host the US Coast Guard Band on September 6. Tours of the U.S. Coast Guard Eagle begin at 1:00 pm and the concert begins at 3:00 pm admission free.
• Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford, will host Family Day on September 13 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, a day of fun activities.
• Haddam Meadows State Park, Haddam, hosts an Antique Tractor and Engine Show on September 19 and 20.
• Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill, offers many interesting and educational programs about dinosaurs and the world they lived in.
Visit our website www.nochildleftinside.org to learn about these and other late summer and fall programs.
CT is home to 139 state parks and forests; chances are that one is located 15 minutes from where you live. These parks offer a number of attractions, from swimming and boating, to camping, biking and hiking. All showcase different aspects of CT’s splendid landscape. Some prominent parks in southeastern CT include scenic Hopeville Pond State Park, Griswold, historic Nehantic State Forest, Lyme, and mountainous Pachaug State Forest, which spans the towns of Voluntown, North Stonington, Griswold, and Sterling. At Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, visitors can explore the actor William H. Gillette’s former residence, a fantastic creation of local stone overlooking the CT River.
As this summer winds down, set aside a little time to explore our great state’s magnificent outdoors. CT state parks are full of wonderful natural resources, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Spend a memorable day with your family in one of them before the summer passes us by.
Sincerely,
Susan Frechette
Deputy Commissioner
Management of Parks and Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Protection
