Des
Moines – Iowa
State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in five 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.
Priscilla
Geigis, president of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD),
said last year, state parks across the country hosted nearly 28,000 people who
hiked 68,811 miles as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes. “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,” Geigis said.
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.”
First
Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a
state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to promote both
healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state
parks. Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems have
joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.
Park
staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or
longer depending on the state park. Details about hike locations,
difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on
the America’s State Parks website. Visit www.naspd.org to find a First Day Hike nearest
you.
In
Iowa, hikes will be offered at the following locations and times:
- Bellevue State Park, Jackson County – 1 p.m. – meet at South Bluff Nature Center
- Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Webster County – 1 p.m. – meet at Prairie Resource Center
- Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, Dubuque County – 1 p.m. – meet at EB Lyons Nature Center
- Walnut Woods State Park, Polk County – 9 a.m. – meet at Walnut Woods Lodge
- Waubonsie State Park, Fremont County – 1 p.m. – meet at park office
For
more information about the hikes, go to the events calendar on the DNR website.
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.
Media Contact: Todd Coffelt, Chief, State Parks Bureau, Iowa
Department of Natural Resources,
515-725-8485.
