Spend August outdoors with Ontario Parks' 30 x 30 Challenge

(News Release, Ontario Parks)

Connection to nature is more important than ever, and Ontario Parks is here to help.

 We’re open for day-use and camping to help Ontarians get their daily dose of nature, all summer long.

	Take the 30 x 30 Challenge this August This August, we are again challenging everyone to spend 30 minutes outdoors for 30 days as part of our 30 x 30 Challenge. By doing this you will be creating a nature habit that supports a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, Ontario Parks can be a great starting place. There are several parks within 100 km of many city centers. Ontario Parks are diverse and offer plenty of trails, beaches and recreational activities. If your favourite park is full, there are plenty of other parks to explore. Check out our list of park social media accounts where updates are often posted. Healthy Parks, Healthy People is a worldwide campaign that highlights the links between nature and human health. Spending time outdoors is linked to lowered stress, a better immune system, and more.
	How to enjoy parks safely this summer The safety of our visitors and staff is always our top priority. We’re counting on visitors to continue following public health guidelines, including physical distancing of at least two metres from others, wearing a face covering when physical distancing may be challenging, washing hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, and if they are worried they may have COVID-19, getting tested. To view a what’s available at each of our parks, click on the “Parks” drop down menu of our website to view the Facilities and Activities icons. To get the latest information about how we are responding to Covid-19, please visit: OntarioParks.com/covid19
	Did you know? Gypsy Moth caterpillars were first introduced to North America in the late 1860s, and they are voracious eaters! Their favourite cuisine is oak leaves, but in particularly bad outbreak years — like this one — they can spread to many other tree species. We ask visitors to do their best to remove caterpillars, pupae, and moths from their vehicles and equipment before traveling to parks, and again before traveling home. Female Gypsy Moths can’t fly, so their population cannot quickly move into new areas without being transported there.
	Photography High-resolution, credited photography can be downloaded from a photo library. For more photos, please contact judy@clearcommunications.ca. Park information sources Our Travel Media website has background information, a media library, and more: OntarioParks.com/travel. Keep up with Ontario Parks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit the Parks Blog for up-to-date content.