PROVIDENCE - As part of ongoing efforts to encourage children, families and individuals to enjoy the recreational resources and outdoor activities our state parks have to offer and encourage more physical activity, the Department of Environmental Management will hold free activities during February school vacation.
"Winter is a terrific time to get outdoors, enjoy nature, get fit and have fun, and our state parks are some of the best places to play and experience new activities," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "I hope Rhode Islanders will visit Pulaski Park in Glocester to trek through the snow on cross country skis or snow shoes, and come out to see some of the beautiful trout DEM is raising at the Lafayette Fish Hatchery. These events are great opportunities for children and families to learn about the natural world and engage in interesting and healthy activities."
On Monday, February 17, DEM will offer demonstrations and lessons on snow shoeing, cross country skiing and ice fishing with opportunities to try each activity at Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area in Glocester from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants should bring their own equipment. If the depth of the snow is not adequate for skiing or snow shoeing or if there is no safe ice for fishing, staff will lead guided hikes and walks around Peck Pond and other trails in the park. Activities begin at the warm-up hut/pavilion in the beach area. Participants may also bring their own lunch to enjoy around the fireplace in the pavilion.
On Tuesday, February 18, the Department will offer tours of the Lafayette Fish Hatchery in North Kingstown. The tours will run continuously from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lafayette Fish Hatchery is one of three hatcheries where DEM raises fish until they are stocked in the state's waters. During the tours, personnel from DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife will explain the functions and procedures of the Hatchery as well as the life stages of fish.
Day care centers and groups are welcome. Activities are subject to cancellation/change based on weather conditions. Please contact the Division of Parks and Recreation at (401) 667-6200 or visit the website at www.dem.ri.gov for updates.
Directions to Pulaski State Park (151 Pulaski Road, Chepachet, RI) from Providence: Take US 6 West to Route 295 North. Take Exit 7B to US 44 West Putnam Pike toward Smithfield. Follow Route 44 for 15.9 miles. Turn right onto Pulaski Road. The entrance to Pulaski State Park is on the right.
Directions to Lafayette Hatchery (424 Hatchery Road, North Kingstown, RI) from Providence: From Route 95 South turn left toward Route 4 South. Take exit 5B toward Route 102/Exeter. Turn left onto Route 2 (South County Trail) and then turn left onto Long Lane. Turn left onto Hatchery Road and follow until you reach the hatch house.