5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Happy New Year!!!

Did you know that people have been celebrating and making New Year’s resolutions for an estimated 4,000 years? Many people make them, saying that they’re going to do something to better themselves or others. I’ve never been any good at making New Year’s resolutions (or sticking to them for that matter) but for those of you that do or would like to try, here’s an idea.

I challenge you to get out and visit one of our Great Parks every week. There are more than 50 miles of trails to explore. If you hike one mile every week, you could potentially hike all the trails in Great Parks of Hamilton County within 2014!

You’ll enjoy hiking our Great Parks for so many different reasons. I never know what I may come across when I’m on the trails. On clear days this past week, shiny green mosses and icy patterns along creek banks stood out against the bright blue sky. And now that the days are getting longer, resident song birds are once again singing their spring songs. Think of all the fascinating natural things you might be missing by spending the winter indoors.

Take the “quick cure” for cabin fever by getting out of the house and visiting one of our Great Parks! Fresh air in nature can boost spirits. So, enjoy what winter has to offer, be invigorated this time of year and good luck with your New Year’s resolutions.

Tess Jaeger, Naturalist, Sharon Woods