June is National Great Outdoors Month, and Georgia's 63 state parks and historic sites are kicking off "Get Outdoors Georgia" and offering dozens of recreational events - including a hike Saturday to meet the critters in nearby Mistletoe State Park..

The beginning of summer is the perfect time to improve fitness through outdoor recreation. Plus, being active in the great outdoors is a fun use of leisure time that does wonders for physical, mental and spiritual health.

Studies show that more than half of Georgians are overweight, and the trend begins during childhood. With at least one state park within an hour's drive of everyone in Georgia, families have an enticing reason to get off the couch and explore nature. State park officials are encouraging Georgians to grab their walking shoes, fishing pole, bicycle, binoculars, canoe and anything else they need to "Get outdoors in Georgia's great outdoors." Their focus is to show the link between participation in outdoor recreation and improved health for people of all ages and abilities; decreasing obesity; and emphasizing children's early involvement in nature for lifelong physical, mental and community benefits.

One recently adopted state program is the Canyon Climbers Club which encourages members to scale to the top of Amicalola Falls, explore the depths of Providence Canyon, brave the swinging bridge in Tallulah Gorge and face the daunting staircase in Cloudland Canyon. In addition to this physical challenge, dozens of state parks and state historic sites have planned guided hikes and other programs that get bodies moving. The parks also offer hiking and biking trails, swimming pools and lakeside beaches, horse trails, golf courses, fishing and boating, canoe rental, and numerous other activities.

June's "Get Outdoors Georgia" calendar is posted on www.GaStateParks.org. For more information about Georgia's State Parks, call 1-800-864-7275. What's Living in Mistletoe's Lake? Saturday, June 2; 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Mistletoe State Park - Appling.

We'll hike to one of the park's cove, where we'll collect and identify resident critters (aquatic microinvertebrates) and discover how they relate to water quality. Wear walking shoes that can get wet. Bring your curiosity, but leave your squeamishness at home. $3 parking. 706-541-0321.