Friends of Wooster Memorial Park to hold winter hike
A hike at Wooster Memorial Park on Saturday, Dec. 28 is the perfect way to end the year. The 1:30 p.m. group hike is a Friends of Wooster Memorial Park event that is free to the public.
The hike will be 2 to 2 1/2 miles and is expected to take two hours or less. Starting at the Education Area parking lot, the group will hike east and down into the valley of the Rathburn Run, then on to an unnamed trail circling the Kenwood east meadow. There will be hills but no water crossing. The trek is considered moderate.
“With the drop of leaves in the fall, winter allows hikers to see deeper into the woods,” said John Abt, chair of the FWMP Education Committee.
Ridge trails can afford a view all the way across to the opposite ridge. “The green of Ohio’s native hemlocks stand in contrast to the browns and grays of the deciduous trees,” Abt said. “Also standing out are the smooth bark beech trees, which hold many of their leaves well into winter.”
Friends of Wooster Memorial Park is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that works with the City of Wooster as an advocate for the park in a variety of ways. Membership helps support this local natural resource.
“In joining FWMP, you will help support the continued upkeep, maintenance and possible expansions of the park,” Abt said. “It costs only $10 per year, and you will more easily be kept informed about doings at the park and volunteer opportunities.”
The park is always in need of volunteers for a range of tasks including trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, hikes, education, and media and marketing. On the membership form, individuals may indicate an interest in volunteering. Members receive newsletters of goings-on at the park and email notices of upcoming hikes.
Additional questions and reports of trail issues may be sent to friendswmp@gmail.com. The FWMP membership form can be found at www.friendsofwmp.com/becomeamember. It may be filled out online or downloaded and mailed.
On Dec. 28 children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required, but groups are asked to call the Wooster Community Center ahead of time at 330-263-5207. Participants should wear sturdy footwear and bring water, insect repellent and anything else needed. Dogs must be leashed.
All FWMP events are sponsored by Wooster Recreation.