Celebrate ‘Get Outdoors Day’ at Blue Marsh Lake

National Get Outdoors Day at Blue Marsh Lake will be held Saturday, June 11. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Berks County Parks & Recreation Department will offer a full day of outdoor activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be more than 30 clubs and organizations on site to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day, and Let’s Move Outside campaign at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area.

National Get Outdoors Day is an annual event that encourages healthy outdoor recreation. This event informs people of the outdoor opportunities that are available at Blue Marsh and throughout the region. The official welcome will be at 11 a.m. at the Lakeview Pa- vilion. Throughout the day, there will be interactive displays, presentations, workshops and hands-on demos promoting a variety of outdoor activities.

“This is a great way for the public to get out see what types of outdoor recreation are available in Berks County,” said Scott D. Sunderland, Park Manager for U.S.A.C.E. Blue Marsh Lake. “Spending time outdoors is a great way to relieve stress, develop healthy habits and stay active. Some of the goals are exposing the public to new ways to recreate, welcoming first time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors.”

There will be a tour of the Sensory Trail garden, Control Tower Tours, fitness programs, geocaching, K-9 presentations, a mountain bike ride and more. Fly fishing instructor, Edgar Payne will teach you casting skills. Cabela’s will be demonstrating campsite set up, with opportunities to try and learn outdoor cooking skills. Enjoy a s’more from our friends at Blue Rocks Campground. Berks Area Mountain Bike Association will lead a bike ride to the State Hill Boat Launch, after a tour of the control tower.

In addition to learning about recreation opportunities, safety in the outdoors will be promoted by fire crews and first responders who will be available to discuss their duties. Search and rescue units will have their equipment and modes of transportation on site. K-9 clubs will be present- ing dog training events and the use of canines in water rescues.

There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation in Berks County and beyond. Saturday, June 11 is the perfect day to get outdoors and learn about the many clubs and organizations who promote healthy outdoor activities year round. Participants can join in the Get Outdoors Day Scavenger Hunt by visiting each of the partner organizations throughout the event to be entered in prize drawings.

This event is presented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Blue Marsh Lake and Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. The Dry Brooks Day Use Area is located at 1364 Palisades Drive, Leesport, in Bern Township.