COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has teamed up with the Girl Scout Councils of Ohio’s Heartland, Western Ohio, and North East Ohio to support troops during the second-annual Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend.

“Ohio’s state parks are excited to welcome the Girl Scouts,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “By exposing young girls to things like creeking and birding we are nurturing a future generation’s calling to be environmental stewards.”

ODNR, along with the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), recognizes the importance of exposing girls to the outdoors, especially in times of social distancing. A study done by the Girl Scout Research Institute in 2019 revealed that 70 percent of girls who were not already outdoor enthusiasts at the start of the study increased their confidence, interest, and commitment to the environment through Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout councils and state parks are hosting live virtual events Sept. 12-13 for girls and families to access fun outdoor programming from home. Events are free and open to Girl Scouts, families, and friends. The lessons from Ohio State Parks include: Turtles & Creek Critters, Fossil Hunting in Ohio, Virtual Tour of Marblehead Lighthouse, She’s a Force of Nature, and more.

Visit www.girlscouts.org/lovesstateparks to access the new interactive map of state parks and browse live virtual events.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.