“We will meet at the Enchanted Cottage at the park and start the evening with an ice breaker, so we can get to know each other,” said Jess Henning, naturalist with Erie MetroParks. “Afterward we will begin the night hike.”
The event will celebrate the shortest day of the year and the first day of winter.
Want to go?
WHAT: Winter Solstice Celebration
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21
WHERE: East Sandusky Bay MetroPark, 3819 Cleveland Road, Huron
COST: Free
INFO: www.reservations.eriemetroparks.org/
“Friday is the longest night of the year, so we want to celebrate that and encourage people to get out and enjoy nature,” Henning said. “While weather will be a factor in how far we hike, we hope to complete a half mile to a mile hike.”
The plan is to walk through some prairies and meadows on the 92-acre property and make it all the way to Eagle Point.
“It will be a dark hike, but there will be a full moon in a week, so we should have some natural light to guide us,” Henning said. “We do recommend that people dress for the weather because we will be outside the majority of the time.”
Hikers will also have flashlights to help them guide their way through the property and can wear reflective clothing if they chose.
The hope is to see some nocturnal animals like owls while on the hike as well.
After the hike, participants are invited to come back to the Enchanted Cottage for some hot chocolate and cookies.
“At the cottage there is an amazing view of Plum Brook, so participants can enjoy that as they warm up.” Henning said. “It will be a nice evening to get outside and get some excise in the winter. It is always fun to explore your own backyard and see a new place you may have not seen before, so come out and enjoy the first day of winter with us.”
The cost to participate in the Winter Solstice Celebration is free, but is limited to only 30 people. It is recommended that you RSVP to the event. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.reservations.eriemetroparks.org/.
The Erie MetroParks will be having their annual Winter Solstice Celebration at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 21 at the East Sandusky Bay MetroPark, 3819 Cleveland Road in Huron.
