Des
Moines – Iowa
State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 17 state parks on New Year’s Day
as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50
states.
America’s State Parks First Day
Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year
rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on
January 1 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to
get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and
family.
“We
are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get
people outdoors and into our parks. First Day Hikes are a great way to
cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the
New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state
parks,” said Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Bureau.
“Last
year, we hosted a record-breaking 41,000 people who hiked 72,442 miles in our
state parks across the country when we launched America’s State Parks First Day
Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, President of the National Association of State
Park Directors (NASPD). “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy
lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or
traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s
Day.”
Iowa’s
state parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor
recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the
unique natural and cultural treasures close to home.
“Studies
have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the
body, mind and spirit,” stated Lewis Ledford, NASPD’s executive director.
“We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an
individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”
Staff and volunteers will lead
First Day Hikes in Iowa’s 17 participating state parks. Hikes will average one
to two miles or longer depending on the location. Details about the hikes
can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes
and to see a comprehensive map of First Day Hikes across the country, visit www.naspd.org
Iowa First Day Hikes will take
place at the following 17 state parks:
NORTHWEST
Gitchie Manitou State Preserve
Stone State Park
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Brushy Creek State Recreation
Area
Ledges State Park
Springbrook State Park
SOUTHWEST
Wilson Island State Recreation
Area
Green Valley State Park
Waubonsie State Park
SOUTHEAST
Walnut Woods State Park
Honey Creek State Park
Honey Creek Resort
Lake Darling State Park
NORTHEAST
Backbone State Park
Mines of Spain State Recreation
Area
Pikes Peak State Park
Yellow River State Forest
America's State Parks is committed
to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity,
especially among children. Getting kids outside and unplugged from video
games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that
promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and
stewardship of our shared resources.
(From the Iowa DNR News, 12/08/15)