Let's Move Outside

Let’s Move! Outside Engages Youth in Over 50 Cities

sbard — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 14:12:57 +0000

Posted by:

David Jayo, Senior Adviser to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell

In 51 cities across the country from Anchorage to San Juan, young people are charting their own paths in America’s great outdoors. They are cleaning beaches in San Diego, planting gardens in Houston, paddling rivers in Minneapolis and dissecting invasive lionfish in Miami.

Through the Department of the Interior's Partnership with the YMCA of the USA, American Express, local governments and hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Let’s Move! Outside is getting millions of kids to play, learn, serve and work outdoors. Through hard work, strong partners, leadership and vision, we have not only met our ambitious goals – we have exceeded many of them.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell launched Let’s Move! Outside in Seattle, Washington last week, making it the 51^st Let’s Move! Outside city in the United States.

Tapping into the energy, curiosity and creativity of our nation's youth not only provides opportunities to learn from young people but also helps them create powerful, lifelong connections to nature that will help all of us address the critical and complex challenges impacting our planet, our health and global communities.

A child in Seattle, Washington participates in a Let’s Move! Outside event in August 2016.

If you live in a city where Let's Move! Outside is active, join us! If you're in a community that doesn't have a coalition working on this issue, consider creating one. Our kids and our environment need advocates and champions, and there are ample opportunities for each of us to play, learn, serve and work outside.

To learn more about Let’s Move! Outside visit: letsmove.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/lets-move-outside

Making History: First-Ever White House Campout

kdoohan — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 18:54:04 +0000

Posted by:

Deb Eschmeyer, Executive Director of Let’s Move! and Senior Policy Advisor for Nutrition

On Tuesday, the First Lady hosted the first-ever White House Campout on the South Lawn, one of America's most iconic National Parks. Fifty Girl Scouts were invited to participate in the campout, co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Interior, that celebrated the centennial of the National Park Service and promoted getting kids and families moving while taking advantage of America’s great outdoors as part of Let’s Move! Outside.

Honorary Co-Chair of the National Park Service Centennial and Honorary National President of Girl Scouts USA, the First Lady said, “What better way to highlight Let's Move! Outside than to have the Girl Scouts camping out right here in a National Park at the White House.”

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in tent pitching activity during the White House Campout as part of the "Let's Move! Outside" initiative, with Girl Scouts on the South Lawn of the White House, June 30, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The group, representing Girl Scout councils in Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Oklahoma, spent an afternoon of outdoor activities, working toward earning Girl Scout outdoor badges. The activities included climbing a rock wall, tying knots, pitching tents, and participating in orienteering exercises with the First Lady.

Girl Scouts scale up a rock climbing activity on the South Lawn of the White House where First Lady Michelle Obama hosts the White House Campout as part of the "Let's Move! Outside" initiative, June 30, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

In the evening, the President and the First Lady joined the Girl Scouts out on the South Lawn for a campfire sing along.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama sing songs with Girl Scouts during the White House Campout, as part of the "Let's Move! Outside" initiative, on the South Lawn of the White House, June 30, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

After dark, Astronaut Cady Coleman and NASA scientists enlightened the girls with amazing stories of space and new sights through their telescopes. In addition to seeing the moon’s craters and Saturn, the girls were able to view Venus and Jupiter, which were “in conjuncture,” only one degree apart and visible in the same frame.

We prepped the girls for our storm plan as they (somewhat) quietly settled into their tents for the night. Due to a mighty storm that swept through the nation’s capital in the wee hours of the morning, we moved the girls safely indoors. After eating breakfast and packing up to go home, an Oklahoma Girl Scout shared with me very softly and sweetly, "Thank you for letting us make history with you."

Out is In for Park and Recreation Month this July

sknell — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 19:54:48 +0000

Posted by:

Kelly Miterko, Deputy Associate Director, Let’s Move!

July is Park and Recreation Month – time to head outside, get involved in activities in your community, and have fun! Having a safe and enjoyable place to play is an important part of staying active and healthy. Many public parks have free programming such as swimming, dance classes, Zumba, picnic opportunities, music concerts, cook outs, and more! Click here to find fun outdoor activities near you this month.

Aside from the various organized activities, parks are a great space to gather with family and friends to shoot some hoops or throw around a baseball. Just be sure that with all that running around, you bring lots of water and drink up to stay hydrated!

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to park and recreation opportunities, and this year they increased their efforts to support kids’ health by making a commitment to the Partnership for a Healthier America to create healthier environments for their kids’ out-of-school time programs. Through this commitment and their existing work, NRPA is providing kids and families across the country with opportunities to lead fun and healthy lifestyles, and we hope you’ll take advantage of them!

For more ways to get active with your family this month and all summer long, check out Let’s Move Outside.

Let’s Move! This Summer

ccorbisiero — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:41:54 +0000

Posted by:

Courtney Corbisiero

Summer is here and Let’s Move! has some fun ideas for you to enjoy the sun and stay healthy for the next few months.

Take a Stroll – Explore your neighborhood by taking a walk around the block or heading to the woods for a hike as a family.

Wheel Around – Grab your helmet and get ready to move! Whether you’re lacing up your rollerblades, jumping on your bike, or breaking out your scooter, spending your summer wheeling around is a great source of exercise.

Make a Splash — Spending time in the water is not only a great way to cool off on a hot summer day – it’s also the perfect way for you to stay active. Grab your bathing suit and swim some laps in the pool, paddle down the river, or surf the ocean!

The Ultimate Workout – Grab some friends and head to the park to throw around a frisbee. This is not only fun to play, but also a great way to build muscle and endurance.

Get on Your Feet – There are so many fun outdoor activities you and your friends can take part in this summer. Find some friends to run around and play a game of Capture the Flag. Participate in a hula hoop contest and strengthen your core. Sign up for the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge. You can even grab a basketball and shoot some hoops like President Obama!

First Lady Michelle Obama hula hoops with children during the Healthy Kids Fair, on the South Lawn of the White House, Oct. 21, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

Picnic – Prepare a healthy summer meal, break out your red checkered table cloth, and head to the park. Don’t know what to make? Check out this great summer recipe that the White House chefs whipped up.

Other Ideas — Sometimes it’s just too hot to spend the day outside. Visit a Let’s Move! museum or garden or turn on the radio and dance in your living room!

June is Great Outdoors Month!

kcoccaro — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 20:22:04 +0000

Posted by:

Nahal Hamidi, Department of the Interior

Now that summer is almost here, it is the perfect time to get outside and celebrate our country's magnificent landscapes, waterways and historical sites. In cities and towns across the country, public lands and waters provide unparalleled opportunities for affordable, family-friendly recreation. From rugged trails to urban rivers, and from sandy coastlines to rolling battlefields, these places are meant to be explored and enjoyed by all!

(Credit: Share the Experience Photo Contest)

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month, here are a few national events to get you and your family moving outside:

June 1^st is National Trails Day, a celebration of America’s trail system. There are exciting adventures such as hikes, bike rides, festivals, and paddle trips in every state! Find an event near you here. Be sure to check out the 28 new recreational trails just designated!
June 1^st-9^th is National Fishing and Boating Week. The best way to celebrate is to get out on the water! Fun, stress-relieving activities, fishing and boating are some of the best ways to unwind. Find a fishing and boating spot near you so you can hit the water and some states even have free fishing days. Learn to fish or improve your skills. Lastly, check out some tips to get your family out fishing!
June 8^th is National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event meant to encourage healthy outdoor activity. With nearly 150 events throughout the country, each GO Day site is unique and offers outdoor activities where kids and families can climb, explore, bike, jump, garden, dance, learn, and play!
June 22^ndis the Great American Backyard Campout. Join thousands of people across the nation and spend the night under the stars in your backyard, neighborhood, or local park.

If you don’t make it out on one of these days, there are still endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Check out Nature Rocks for inspiration on everyday activities outside. See you outside!

Ready, Set, Play...May 18 is National Kids to Parks Day!

csponn — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:54 +0000

Posted by:

Nahal Hamidi, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary Policy, Management and Budget Department of the Interior

This Saturday, May 18^th, join thousands of families nationwide and take a trip to a nearby park or open space for National Kids to Parks Day! For the third year in a row, The National Park Trust is encouraging kids and their parents to explore their neighborhood parks and discover the history, nature, and adventure right around the corner or just across town.

Students getting ready to enjoy a canoe adventure on the Anacostia River in Washington, DC in honor of Kids to Parks Day. As the National Park Trust's mascot Buddy Bison says "Explore outdoors, the parks are yours!" (Photo Credit: National Park Trust)

Already, more than 122,000 people have signed up for nearly 350 active, outdoor events across the country! Meanwhile, 280 mayors have signed proclamations to celebrate National Kids to Parks Day in their cities and towns.

Check out the links below and make a plan for this Saturday:

Find a park or an event in your neighborhood
Plan your own event in your community
Check out Buddy Bison’s Adventure Booklet for fun activities and games outside
Become the next Adventurer of the Month or Junior Ranger at a national park or forest
Host a BioBlitz

Don’t forget to bring a camera! Capture your memories from Kids to Parks Day and submit them to the Share the Experience photo contest for a chance to be featured on the America the Beautiful Pass – an annual pass that grants access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.

Take a look at this video from the NFL Players Association in support of Kids to Parks Day here!

Have fun out there!

Are you up for an adventure?

csponn — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:14:25 +0000

Posted by:

Ali Kelley, National Park Service

If you enjoy the outdoors and appreciate awesome imagery, you are a natural fit for the “Share the Experience” photo contest. The official federal recreation photo contest, “Share the Experience” invites people ages 13 and above to submit photos of the outdoors to be featured on the America the Beautiful Pass – an annual pass that covers entrance fees at over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

Can you top this action shot from the 2012 Share the Experience photo contest? (Credit: Heather Garrison)

This year, the federal land management agencies and their partners are making a special effort to promote healthy, active lifestyles through a new, Let’s Move Outside! photo category. The contest begins today and runs through December 31, 2013. In addition to being featured on the America the Beautiful Pass (which is distributed to more than 500,000 people each year), all contest entrants will be eligible for a series of prizes. To get started, follow these easy steps:

Visit the Let’s Move Outside! page on Recreation.gov for a list of free, outdoor events and activities taking place in 2013. Also use this page for ideas of where to go and what to do near you.
Take your family out to a participating federal site and choose an activity that allows everyone to get moving.
Click away! Follow these simple guidelines to submit up to 2 photos per week.
For inspiration, check out the winning shots from the 2012 contest.

Short on time? Remember that there are federal recreation sites in or near cities and towns across the country. All you need to get started is a camera (on your phone is fine) and an adventurous spirit!

Celebrate National Park Week!

csponn — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:49:46 +0000

Posted by:

Jon Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service

Saturday, April 20^th was the first day of National Park Week – an annual tradition celebrating, enjoying and giving back to our country’s great natural and cultural landscapes. For the next five days, parks across the country will waive their entrance fees to provide free access to thousands of miles of trails and coastlines, as well as battlefields, archeological sites and waterways. With spring now in full swing, National Park Week is a great opportunity to dust off your bicycle or sneakers, grab some healthy snacks and a water bottle and get moving outside.

You don’t have to be an outdoor expert or live near an iconic park to enjoy the broad network of national parks across the country. Some of the most treasured and well-used parks are located in and around America’s major cities, including San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis, Miami, San Antonio, Baltimore – and right here in Washington, D.C.

President Barack Obama and his family hike on Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park in Maine, July 16, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

If you don’t have a national park in your city or town, chances are the National Park Service has played a role in increasing access to outdoor recreational opportunities in your community. Through the Land & Water Conservation Fund, the National Park Service has funded recreational facilities, such as playgrounds and trails, in 99% of counties across America.

Take advantage of mild temperatures and loads of free activities and plan a national park experience with your family this week.

If you are interested in:

Recreation- Find a national park near you and pick your adventure – hit the trails with your family and seek out free, ranger-guided tours and activities.
Service- Roll up your sleeves and give back on Volunteer Day, April 27.
Education- Encourage your kids to explore and learn about their natural and cultural heritage. Throughout the week, many parks will offer free programming for National Junior Ranger Day. In certain parks, the Let’s Move Outside! Junior Ranger program boosts activity levels and promotes healthy lifestyles.
History & Culture- National Park Week provides an opportunity to appreciate the landmarks, monuments and historical landscapes that define our national identity. Take this chance to discover the sites in your city or state.

Check out the National Park Week event calendar and plan your visit today.

Once you get out there, you can capture and share your experiences online through the National Park Foundation’s photo app.

See you out there!

Spring Is Here and It's Time to GO!

ccurtis — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:17:50 +0000

Posted by:

Ali Kelley, Special Assistant to the Director, National Park Service

With cities and towns across the country enjoying warmer temperatures and longer days, it is time to break out of your indoor routine and get moving outside!

Throughout the month of April, the Children & Nature Network is coordinating a series of free, outdoor events to promote Let’s G.O. (Get Outside)! a national initiative to connect kids and families to the great outdoors.

Hartford, Connecticut's Inner City Outings takes students from Capital Preparatory Magnet School out on a day hike to Pennwood State Park. After a great hike to the top of the mountain to enjoy the view, the group had an outdoor picnic/Christian Alvarado

Last year, more than 300,000 people participated in Let’s G.O. events in cities and towns across the country. This year’s lineup includes events ranging from nature hikes and fishing workshops to beach clean-ups and music festivals.

Outdoor activities like walking, running, bicycling, and hiking provide fun and affordable exercise options for the entire family. In addition to the health benefits of being active outdoors, regular time in nature has been shown to increase kids’ concentration and creativity levels, while lowering stress and anxiety. No matter where you live, there’s a way for your family to get G.O.-ing this month:

Gather a group of friends and host an event at your local park or waterway.
Join a G.O. event near you.
Give back to nature. Participate in a service project in your community on the 43rd annual Earth Day on April 22.
Visit a National Park near you and enjoy fee- free admission during National Park Week April 21-27.
Become a Junior Ranger! Parks across the country will offer kid-friendly programs on National Junior Ranger Day on April 20.
Plan a tree on Arbor Day on April 27.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's G.O.!

Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You: The 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll

apettibone — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:09:51 +0000

Posted by:

Colleen Curtis

Ed. Note: This is a cross post from WhiteHouse.gov. You can find the original post here.

The First Family today welcomed more than 30,000 guests to the South Lawn for the 135th annual White House Easter Egg Roll. This year's theme, "Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You" was inspired by Let's Move!, and the day's fun included numerous opportunities for the young guests to get moving, from the traditional Egg Roll to the Eggtivity Zone, an obstacle course where players and coaches from professional sports teams taught kids how to play sports and showed them easy, fun ways to stay active and fit.

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, and Marian Robinson listen to Jessica Sanchez sing the National Anthem on the South Portico at the 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll, April 1, 2013. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

After being introduced to the crowd from the Blue Room Balcony by "Kid President" Robbie Novak, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha headed over to cheer on some of the youngest visitors as they raced down the Lawn in the Egg Roll. The President and Bo then made their way to the Storytime Stage where he gave a dramatic reading of "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom", calling it "one of my favorite books." Next up for the President was a drop by at the White House basketball court, where he joined some of the Washington Wizards in throwing the ball around with kids.

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Sasha and Malia, along with "Kid President" Robby Novak, join children on the South Lawn for the 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll, April 1, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Mrs. Obama stopped by the Kids Kitchen stage in the Play With Your Food section, where top chefs were giving families tips on cooking healthy meals at home, and offering demonstrations on how to prepare some of their favorite simple dishes. The First Lady joined chef Anne Burrell and Al Roker on the stage before making her way over to the Storytime Stage to listen in as Malia and Sasha read "Brown Bear Brown Bear, What do you See," by Bill Martin Jr. to the gathered children. Mrs. Obama then sat with Bo to read "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" by Judi Barrett, and talked with the kids about the message of the popular picture book.

Other highlights of the day included performances by Jordin Sparks, Austin Mahone, Coco Jones, Sesame Street, and The Wanted on the Rockin’ Egg Roll Stage, Jessica Sanchez singing the National Anthem, and readings by Danica Patrick, Gordon and Rosita from Sesame Street, the full cast of Super Sprowtz, The Wanted, and actress Quvenzhané Wallis on the Storytime Stage.

President Barack Obama, with Bo, the Obama family dog, reads to children on the South Lawn during the 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll, April 1, 2013.(Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Let’s Move! White House Social: Easter Egg Roll

apettibone — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:58:53 +0000

Posted by:

Kasie Coccaro

We're excited to announce that our next White House Social will be a Let's Move! Social here, at the White House. On Monday, April 1st, 2013, the First Family will host the 135th annual White House Easter Egg Roll with the theme "Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You!" We are inviting Let's Move! followers on Twitter and Facebook and their children, ages 5 - 13, to join the fun on the South Lawn and of course to share their experience with their followers! The day's activities -- which will include sports and cooking demonstrations -- will help educate families on smart ways to incorporate healthy eating and exercise choices into their daily routines, key pillars of First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative.

Interested in joining? Sign up for your chance to join other @LetsMove followers for the White House Easter Egg Roll at WhiteHouse.gov/Social

In order to apply, you must follow @LetsMove on Twitter or Facebook and you must have children ages five to thirteen. After you sign up for your chance to attend, spread the word! Let your followers know that you submitted your entry for the #WHSocial and tell us @LetsMove. Be sure to sign up soon! Registration closes on Friday, March 22nd at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

Places to Play in New Orleans

csponn — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:20:34 +0000

Posted by:

Susan Hildreth & Julia Bland

The eyes of the world were on the athletic abilities of the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers as they squared off in Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, but the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) chose to focus on the health and creativity of that city's youngest citizens.

Recognizing that healthy lifestyle habits begin early in life, the museum asked four-year-olds from community Head Start centers and nursery schools to talk about the places they play to stay active and healthy. Children discussed their favorite parks, sports, and games, and then drew illustrations of family members, friends, and pets playing together. Places to Play in New Orleans was published in time to celebrate a world championship watched by millions of fans across the globe.

Children talk about their favorite activities and draw pictures of staying active.

The shared goals of PLAY 60, Let’s Move!, and the Fit NOLA Partnership (New Orleans’ own comprehensive health and fitness action plan) served as the museum’s inspiration to create Places to Play. And to support the city's Super Saturday of Service, the National Football League and community volunteers renovated five playgrounds for New Orleans youth the day before the big game. With the assistance of the bright blue Imagination Playground, a mobile playground made of different shaped blocks, children spent their Saturday playing together with family and friends.

“We recognize that childhood obesity will not be eliminated until children and families are aware of their health habits and can turn that awareness into behavioral changes with daily exercise and activity – as individuals or as a family,” said Julia Bland, CEO of the LCM, a Let’s Move! museum. “Offering our four-year-olds a chance to share their ‘play places,’ and documenting the experience through their artwork, stories and photography, will help increase awareness and active lifestyles.”

Places to Play gives children the chance to express the importance of play through artwork.

The Places to Play books were distributed to the four-year-old authors and the media. New Orleans Health Commissioner Dr. Karen DeSalvo was presented with a copy, along with a set of Imagination Playground blocks from the museum and the maker. “We believe that New Orleans can become one of America’s fittest cities by 2018, the 300th anniversary of New Orleans,” said Dr. DeSalvo. “Fit NOLA is a dynamic effort designed to shape our work as a Let’s Move! city.”

The voices of children were heard throughout the day from their play activities but will last much longer through their collected stories about memories and play aspirations, reminding us that it is never too early to begin a lifestyle of playing together.

Susan Hildreth is the Director at the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Julia Bland is a director at the Louisiana Children’s Museum and a National Museum and Library Services Board Member

Winter Wonderland in the Outdoors

csponn — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 18:35:42 +0000

It’s tempting to hibernate during the winter, but cooler months are a great time to get out and try new activities with your family. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Sledding

Grabbing a sled and a cruising down a slope is a fun winter tradition. Also, the return hike on an incline promotes a great workout. Safe steering!

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a great way to exercise the lower body, engage your core and best of all, spend time outdoors. Try this popular winter sport that balances fun and exercise. Check with local officials before skating on frozen ponds and lakes.

Build a snow castle

Who says that castles are just for the beach? Make this summer pastime a fun winter experience.

(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Game Time

Create a winter version of your favorite game. This is a great opportunity to take Scavenger Hunts (e.g. geocaching), Tag, Red Light, Green Light and other fun games outside.

Hit the Slopes!

January is National Ski & Snowboard Month! For ideas on where to go and how to get started, visit Learn to Ski and Snowboard website.

Snow Angel Aerobics

Try to make a snow angel that ‘flys’ in sets. Perhaps you can make the snow angel as you count out loud or sing along as a group. This is a simple way to get the entire family moving outside. Be sure to bundle up, stay hydrated and wear water resistant clothing.

Walk to Better Health

mduswalt — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Posted by:

Elizabeth Rhodes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Editor’s Note: This post includes information from More People Walk to Better Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Did you know more than 145 million adults across the country now include walking as part of a physically active lifestyle? Physical activity like walking can help us live longer and healthier. Walking can also help kids get the physical activity they need every day to grow up healthy. With the cool fall temperatures, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy a walk in your neighborhood or a hike in a nearby park. Check out the tips below to get started with your kids.

Walking Tips:

Start a walking group with friends and neighbors.
Take your children on walks around your neighborhood.
Take your dog out for a long walk.
Walk around the block after work or school.
Walk to get places you want to go. Do you work near your home? Is your church or school nearby? Put on some comfortable shoes and try walking instead of driving.
Venture to a local, state, or national park, forest, or historical landmark and explore a trail. To plan your outdoor adventure and get trip ideas, visit www.recreation.gov.

Getting Moving to Cleanup a Watershed

mduswalt — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:57:37 +0000

Posted by:

David J. Hayes, Deputy Secretary of the Interior

Two Saturdays ago, I had the privilege of joining the Connecticut River Watershed Council in Hartford for their annual Source to Sea Cleanup event. This year’s cleanup was one of over 2,100 similar events taking place across the country in honor of National Public Lands Day, a day devoted to restoring and conserving our treasured public lands. Throughout the four New England states that make up the watershed, over 2,000 volunteers of all ages got to work picking up garbage, hauling debris, and enjoying a beautiful fall Saturday on the river. With volunteers of all ages and abilities pitching in to do their part, the results were pretty impressive—scores of tires, a parking meter, even full cars (pulled from the river with help from a local salvage company) were among the tons of trash removed.

Young people in Hartford, Connecticut team up to remove debris from the Connecticut River, America's first National Blueway (Photo credit: Connecticut River Watershed Council).

What used to be known as “America’s best-landscaped sewer system”, is transforming into a river full of wildlife and recreation. The cleanup builds on over six decades of work by the Connecticut River Watershed Council that has made the watershed a model in restoration and community-driven conservation. Areas that are the best places for fishing or the easiest to access are often the areas with the most trash. By cleaning and restoring the river, its banks become safer places for people of all ages. The Council has created new outdoor recreation opportunities for youth to get outside and explore the watershed, efforts that align closely with the First Lady’s Let’s Move Outside! initiative. From leading paddling, fishing, and camping trips, to constructing new trails as public lands open to visitors, the Council and its many partners have worked hard to create an environment that can be enjoyed by many.

All of these efforts point to a better future ahead for the Connecticut River watershed. But getting there takes an all-hands effort. That’s why earlier this year, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar created the National Blueways System, a nationwide effort to recognize excellence in conserving our nation’s great watersheds. In support of the Connecticut River and Watershed National Blueway, the first in the nation, the Department of the Interior, the Department of the Army, and the Department of Agriculture are committing to a major multi-agency effort to protect the watershed’s health and expand recreational opportunities. Through the cleanup, we celebrated that new commitment and met with our partners on the ground to learn about how we can work together to deliver a better future for the Connecticut River watershed.

Stories like this are happening all across the country, and as communities work to restore our nation’s great rivers and watersheds, the Obama Administration is committed to doing our part.

Check out volunteer.gov for volunteer opportunities in your own community. Visit recreation.gov for fun activities outdoors.