Jennings offers New Year's Day hike
BRADY TWP — The Jennings Environmental Education Center is offering an outdoor alternative to watching bowl games and parades on New Year's Day.
The center at 2951 Prospect Road will have a First Day Hike, a two-mile trek through various habitats on Jennings' longest trail, Oakwoods.
Led by a Jennings staff member, the hike is a perfect way to start keeping those New Year's resolutions to get more exercise and spend quality time outdoors, according to Becky Lubold, environmental education specialist at Jennings.
“This is part of a national promotion,” said Lubold. “It's basically to promote a healthy start of the new year. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will sponsor free, guided hikes in 19 state parks on New Year's Day as part of a nationwide effort to get people active outdoors.”
“Our First Day Hikes help remind people that our state parks and forests are open for healthy outdoor adventures in all four seasons, including winter,” said DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti. “They are a great way to start the first day of the year and make a resolution to enjoy nature and get more exercise.”
“Statewide, this is an annual thing, but it's the first time we've done it at Jennings,” said Lubold.
“The hike will cover varied terrain and visit several habitats including the prairie, the forest and a beaver meadow wetland,” said Lubold.
“This is an area impacted by beavers years ago,” said Lubold. “It's an interesting place, because there are dead trees, there are woodpeckers in there and lots of frogs and things.”
Lubold added the First Day Hike is a free program and registration is not required.
Participants should meet in the Prairie Trails area parking lot in time to begin promptly at 1 p.m., rain or shine.
Lubold said the hike will be guided by a Jennings employee and perhaps a skilled volunteer.
The hike is rated at moderate difficulty, she said, and participants should dress for the weather, with layers for comfort, warmth and to stay dry. Take your own water bottle and snacks as desired.
Lubold said, depending on the number of hikers and how fast they walk, the hike should end around 3:30 or 4 p.m.
That's not the only winter activity at Jennings in January, Lubold said.
Winter Trails Day, which features snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, is set for Jan. 11.
Snow shoe equipment will be provided by the Jennings Center, but participants must supply their own cross-country ski equipment.
Lubold said Winter Trails Day requires registration by Friday, which can be done online at www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar/list.asp.
For more information on the First Day Hike or Winter Trails Day, call 724-794-6011 or e-mail jenningssp@pa.gov.
WHAT: First Day HikeWHEN: 1 to 3:30 or 4 p.m., WednesdayWHERE: Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Slippery RockINFO: This is a free program, and registration is not required. For more information, call 724-794-6011WHAT: Winter Trails Day cross-country skiing and snowshoeingWHEN: 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 11WHERE: Jennings Environmental Education CenterINFO: Registration by Friday is required by calling 724-794-6011.The cross-country skiing program for ages 12 and older will include an introduction to cross-country skiing, basic instruction and guided skiing on Jennings’ trails. Equipment for this program will not be provided. Participants must bring and use their own equipment. It will take place with or without snow.The snowshoe program for ages 8 and older will include the history of snowshoes, a complete introduction to the sport of snowshoeing and a winter activity hike on snowshoes. Equipment will be provided, although personal equipment is welcomed.
