June is Great Outdoors Month
The weather is getting warmer, and summer vacation is about to begin. It is the perfect time to slather on some sunscreen and explore the outdoors.
Great Outdoors Month began in 1998 as Great Outdoors Week. It is now a month-long celebration of America’s public lands and waters at the national, state and local levels. Even though Lowell is a city, we have a variety of places to enjoy the outdoors—numerous parks, the Merrimack and Concord rivers, and the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest. The ocean and mountains are not far. Take a look at the websites below for places to visit this month and throughout the year. You might find your next day trip or the perfect place for an afternoon walk.
National Parks in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home to 18 National Parks, including our very own Lowell National Historical Park, the Cape Cod National Seashore, Minuteman National Historical Park, the New England National Scenic Trail, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, and the Appalachian Trail.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages over 150 state parks in Massachusetts. We have mountains, forests, beaches, and historic sites. Parks in our area include the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest, Lowell Heritage State Park, Lawrence Heritage State Park, and Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover.
Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust
The Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust is a private, non-profit land trust with a vision to protect Lowell’s natural resources. Their programs focus on land protection, stewardship, environmental education, and special places. The Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust has protected over 30 acres of land in Lowell that will be left undeveloped, such as the Concord River Greenway, Hawk Valley Farm, Jollene Dubner Park, Donahue Park, and West Meadow.
The City of Lowell is home to many city parks, playgrounds, fields, and facilities.