MetroParks Winter Hike Series returns for third year
Four hikes will connect Butler County locals to nature in January.
The MetroParks of Butler County Winter Hike Series will return this month for the third year in a row.
Katherine Ely-Wood, communications manager for MetroParks, said the event is “a great way for people to get outside and explore parks in a structured way in wintertime.”
“I’m really excited that it’s been popular enough to keep coming back,” she said.
Four hikes will be held across Butler County on each Saturday in January from 10 a.m. to noon.
Each hike will be led by a MetroParks naturalist, who will share their insight and history of the parks.
“They (the naturalists) give a really different perspective on the sights and sounds of the park that you’ll experience during the hike than maybe you would experience on your own,” Ely-Wood said.
Another goal of the hikes, she said, is to help locals fill up the slow winter months with physical activity.
Suzanne Roth, MetroParks of Butler County’s Director of Programming, said in a press release, “Winter is a hard time of year to be active, and attending a scheduled event every week that makes exercise enjoyable is a great way to boost your physical and mental health when we’re not as motivated to get outside.”
The hiking schedule is as follows:
- Jan. 10 – Rentschler Forest MetroPark in Fairfield Township
- Jan. 17 – Timberman Ridge MetroPark in Ross Township
- Jan. 24 – Meadow Ridge MetroPark in Middletown
- Jan. 30 – Governor Bebb MetroPark in Okeana
Registration is required for each hike, with a $10 fee. Children ages four and under can participate for free.
Soup and drinks will be provided to all participants.
Anyone looking for more information and to register may visit YourMetroParks.net.
