Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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02/03/2021

DEEP Hosting 15th Annual No Child Left Inside® “Virtual” Winter Festival Feb. 6

Event is Virtual Due to Pandemic, All Are Welcome to Join via Facebook Live

 

Grab your cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, as well as your warm blanket, and join us from the comfort of your home for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s 15th Annual No Child Left Inside® “Virtual” Winter Festival!

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are unable to host an in-person event this year. Instead, events will be live-streamed on the DEEP Facebook page via Facebook Live throughout the day Saturday, Feb. 6, starting at 9 a.m. and running until 3 p.m. This FREE Winter Festival promises fun for the entire family! Participants are able to view the live-streamed events from any portable device. No registration is required. 

The Winter Festival event is a partnership between the No Child Left Inside® Program and the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (“CARE”) Program. Last year, a record crowd of nearly 1,400 people came out to Burr Pond State Park for what has traditionally been a highlight of the Connecticut winter season. However, since we are unable to host this event in person this year, we hope to reach even more people than last year through Facebook with a variety of activities and programs to celebrate the winter season.

Those participating this year will be able to join CARE for a live-streamed ice-fishing trip with instruction, tips and cooking on the ice. There will be several additional programs, including: live animal interactions with White Memorial Conservation Center; a winter hiking program with Reach Your Summit; an animal track program with Environmental Learning Centers of CT; a letter boxing demonstration and hot chocolate science with the Girl Scouts of CT; and much more. During the event, staff will also be sharing other fun activities that families can do together to celebrate the Winter Season.

Go here for a full agenda and start times for the day’s activities.


Helpful tips to stay safe in the outdoors this winter:

DEEP reminds those wishing to venture onto the ice, that safety comes first. Be aware that ice thickness varies on all water bodies due to a number of environmental factors including in-lake water circulatory patterns, snow cover, and the type and amounts of recent precipitation. Please check the ice carefully before venturing out and check repeatedly to make sure the ice thickness is sufficient. For more information about ice safety, please visit DEEP’s ice safety page: www.ct.gov/deep/icesafety.

Keeping Warm Outdoors During the Winter:

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on cold weather safety and how to keep your children safe and warm on a cold winter day.

  • Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens (to keep hands warmer), and a hat. Layering is a good idea; so are moisture-wicking fabrics and clothing that’s geared to the sport.
  • The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
  • Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Have children come inside periodically to warm up.
  • The sun’s rays can still cause sunburn in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow. Make sure to cover your child’s exposed skin with sunscreen.

About Connecticut State Parks:

Visiting a state park is a great way to stay active during the winter season! The Connecticut State Park system was founded in 1914 with the purchase of land that became Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. Today, Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests attracting more than 9 million visitors each year, generating over $1 billion in revenue for the state and supporting 9,000 private sector jobs. Those driving Connecticut registered motor vehicles are provided free entrance to the parks thanks to the Passport to the Parks program. For more information on Connecticut State Parks visit: www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks.

For more information about this year’s virtual No Child Left Inside® Winter Festival, visit the No Child Left Inside® website at: www.NoChildLeftInside.org.

More at: portal.ct.gov/deep| Follow on Facebook at CTDEEP| Follow on Twitter @CTDEEPNews

 

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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110