For Release: Tuesday, September 26, 2006
DEC Announces Third Annual Outdoor Recreation Day In Recognition of National Disability Awareness Month
On Saturday, September 30, 2006, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will host a day of inclusive outdoor recreation activities in recognition of National Disability Awareness Month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Delmar, Albany County, NY. This event will include exhibits, demonstrations, and guided walks designed to introduce people of all abilities to new ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Information will be available on DEC's programs for access to public lands, including wheelchair accessible campsites, boat launches and fishing piers in the Adirondacks and Catskills. Hand cycles will be available for attendee use. Representatives from the Upstate Access Network will display their interactive Accessibility Guide, a resource for people with disabilities featuring information on recreational and social attractions.
This year, Chris Keefer, columnist and lifelong birder, will present a talk at 1 p.m. entitled "Birding is for Everyone" to introduce a truly inclusive and inexpensive outdoor hobby.
Volunteers will provide guided walks on the trails to talk about the plants and animals along the trail's shaded woodlot habitat. There will also be instruction on how to prepare for a camping trip at the "Let's Go Camping" display. Children and adults alike will enjoy meeting wildlife up close as a rehabilitator brings her animal friends at 11:30 a.m.. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.
The Capital District Transportation Authority has donated a STAR bus to shuttle people requiring transportation to Five Rivers from the Park-and-Ride across from the Delaware Plaza. Buses will leave the Park-and-Ride every 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and return buses will run until 3:30 p.m..
All events are wheelchair accessible. Sign language interpretation and sighted guides will be available upon request. For further information, call DEC's Access Coordinator, Carole Fraser at 518-402-9428.
For directions to Five Rivers Environmental Education Center call 518-475-0291.
This event is part of the "We all Chase the Same Dreams" series of events for Disability Awareness Month. Other events include the Universal Access Expo at Crossgates Mall on October 7, 2006, and a free film festival at various locations throughout the month of October.
