The North Face has announced the launch of the Explore Your Parks program, a partnership with the Maryland and Virginia State Parks, American Hiking Society and The National Park Trust, to encourage families to get outdoors and enjoy state parks in the Washington, DC, area this fall.
By providing families the tools they need to enjoy the open spaces near them, these groups are actively supporting Let’s Move Outside, the outdoor recreation component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign to end childhood obesity. Since Let’s Move Outside kicked off in early June, thousands of American children and families have taken part in fitness-boosting activities such as hiking, biking and canoeing on public lands and waters across the country.
During the month of September, people living in the greater DC area can receive a free one-day pass (good until December 31, 2010) for use in any Maryland or Virginia State Park with a $50 purchase or more of any The North Face product. Additionally, people who retrieve a code at 10 featured trails in state parks can receive a free Explore Your Parks stainless steel water bottle from participating DC-area retail locations (found at www.exploreyourparks.com under “Retailers” section).
Special launch events for the Explore Your Parks program will be held Saturday, September 18, at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, with Chris Bushman, deputy superintendent of the Maryland Park Service, attending, and on Sunday, September 19, at Mason Neck State Park, in Lorton, VA, with Virginia State Parks Director, Joe Elton, attending. For more information on the events and directions to these parks, please visit www.exploreyourparks.com
Maryland State Parks have been recognized as having one of the top 12 trails in the United States for viewing fall foliage, and in 2009 alone, they had more than 10.1 million visits. Similarly, Virginia State Parks had more than 7.5 million visits last year, and have received more than 100 awards for being recognized as having the best beaches, campgrounds trails, scenic views and programs. Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Throughout the month of September, The North Face will donate $1 to trail preservation in Maryland and Virginia State Parks for each new member to PlanetExplore.com, a resource for local outdoor events, or new download of the Trailhead App.
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