New York’s campaign, “Get Offline, Get Outside” is aimed at inspiring kids and families to put down the screens (phone, tablet, computer) and enjoy some time outside in nature. 

More and more studies are showing that social media is addictive – and it’s affecting everyone’s mental health, especially young people’s. 

The simple act of going outside can show immense improvements in both mental and physical health. 

New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has a Get Offline, Get Outside challenge inviting kids aged 12-18 to complete all 50 activities before the age of 19. 

It encourages participants to try new activities and visit parks, forests, wildlife management areas, and other outdoor locations in their communities and across the state (visit the DEC website for a checklist and more information). 

One thing is imperative in that list of outdoor options: public land. 

The state has also announced $10 million will be made available to fund the development and improvement of municipal parks and recreation sites for the public to enjoy. 

The Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant Program will provide funding to playgrounds, courts, playing fields and facilities for swimming, biking, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, camping and other recreational activities. 

Available to counties, cities, towns, and villages, we hope our Sullivan County officials take advantage of this opportunity. 

We are home to many publicly accessible outdoor spaces, from hiking trails to parks. 

But one thing that is lacking in public access is the Delaware River.

Approximately 95% of the land along the 73.4-mile stretch of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is privately owned. While the National Park Service manages the river corridor, federal ownership is limited to roughly 30 to 124 acres out of the 55,575-acre total area. 

Which is why we look forward to the opening of the Callicoon Riverside Park, a 38-acre, county park located on the Delaware River in the Town of Delaware, formerly operated as a campground. Currently, the park is closed as Sullivan County and the Trust for Public Land rehabilitate the site for public access, which will include access to the river. Work is expected to begin soon. 

As we await springtime and warmer temperatures it’s important to remember outdoor winter safety tips: dress in multiple, moisture-wicking layers; make sure all your skin is covered; and wear insulated, waterproof boots to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. 

Be prepared: check the wind chill and weather before heading out. Once outside, take frequent indoor breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion. Always make sure to tell someone before heading outside for a long period of time and carry the essentials. 

Enjoy your hike!