Hike for the Highlands!
04/21/2009
At the south end of each one of our Finger Lakes, the sweeping vistas of farmland give way to forests that grow where cows once grazed. Today, these lands provide outstanding wildlife habitat and also room to roam. From the Skaneateles Highlands to the Emerald Necklace Greenbelt to the Bristol Hills of the western Finger Lakes – each of these areas host extensive forests that provide a home to a rich diversity of plants and animals. These three areas are also the focus of the Land Trust’s protection efforts.Join Land Trust Executive Director Andy Zepp for a series of three hikes that will explore each of these woodlands. While the hikes are open to all, registration is required, and participants are encouraged to seek pledges of support for each mile they hike. Funds raised through the hikes will support the Land Trust’s protection programs in these areas.
The hikes will take place on three successive Saturdays this Spring throughout the southern hillsides of the Finger Lakes (“the highlands”). There are two tracks for the hikes: two 8-mile hikes and one 9-mile hike (the 25 mile hike series) that will be more moderate in nature and a graduated series of 8, 16, and 26 mile hikes (the 50 mile hike series) for those who want to really challenge themselves.
Participants may register and participate in any or all of the hikes in the 25 mile series or the 50 mile series. You do not have to complete the whole 25 or 50 miles, the choice is yours! And you can register for any combination of hikes (e.g. Two hikes from the 25 mile series and one from the 50 etc.)
In addition, all are welcome to cheer on our hikers, enjoy a good meal, and learn about our highland resources on June 13th, when we will have an afternoon of educational programs, and family activities in Finger Lakes National Forest, followed by a barbecue with the Land Trust providing side dishes, beverages, and a hot grill. Attendees need only bring their main course.
