June is Great Outdoors Recreation Month

Ranger, Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges


President George W. Bush issued a proclamation designating June 2006 as Great Outdoors Month. This is the third year the month has carried national designation. National Trails Day and the start of National Fishing and Boating Week are included in the designated outdoors month. Great Outdoors Week begins with an action-packed agenda of activities around the country. The events will continue right to the end of the month with National Clean Beaches Week commencing on June 29.

In our local area, the staff of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges invites you to enjoy recreational opportunities offered at both refuges. On the Levy county side of the Lower Suwannee Refuge, the 1/3 mile River Trail is a short shaded path to the historic Suwannee River with no sign of civilization other than the boats that come and go on the river. If you enjoy archeological sites or merely want to experience the view of the Gulf from an altitude of 30 feet, travel to Shell Mound for the day. The adjacent Dennis Creek Trail, a one mile loop, is shaded with lush growth, except for the three bridges that cross a salt barren that is alive with fiddler crabs. Take your fishing tackle and throw in your line from the fishing deck at Shell Mound

Boaters take time to familiarize yourselves with the unique islands of the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Maybe take your daughter or son fishing before they think their i-pod is more fun. Whether you use a motor or you paddle your way across Gulf waters, enjoy the historic Atsena Otie, with its hiking trail, 19th century cemetery, and ruins of the Faber pencil mill. Beachcomb and swim off the point to counter the warm summer temperature. If you feel energetic, you could help the refuge by picking up litter blown along the shore from passing boats and storms.

Fishing at Shell Mound

America's citizens play an important role in protecting our natural spaces. Throughout our country, Americans are volunteering in their communities with their local parks, refuges, and other natural areas for environmental education, bird counts and other stewardship opportunities. You, too, can join your community in taking part in Great Outdoors Month.