Modified: October 14, 2015 1:21pm
Nature Walks, Halloween-Themed Activities Scheduled to Take Place in Scenic Seasonal Settings
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has announced three special events that will take place this month, providing the general public with unique opportunities to enjoy family-oriented recreation activities in the great outdoors.
“These events will allow residents to enjoy the scenic beauty of the fall season,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “The free activities represent a celebration of Erie County’s parks system. I encourage residents to get outside, enjoy the weather and be a part of the fun.”
“Each of these events has a fall theme that will allow residents to enjoy the natural settings of our parks and also help to promote public awareness of the many resources within our park system,” said Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel.
A summary of the October program schedule is as follows:
- October 18th, 11am, Fall Nature Hike at Sprague Brook Park
Join an Erie County Park Ranger on a fall themed nature hike along the Cross Country Ski Loop Trail at Sprague Brook County Park. This 2.1 mile long loop trail will take us through the southeast portion of the park where we will learn about the animals and trees of the forest. Please bring along a full water bottle, weather appropriate clothing, and sturdy closed-toed footwear. The hike will start and end at the x-country warming hut parking lot in the lower portion of the park. After entering the park, take your first right turn and then follow the signs towards camp sites 1-30. Just before entering the actual camping area take the dirt road on your right to the warming hut.
- Fall Foliage Photo contest continues through October 21
Residents are encouraged to grab their cameras and head for the Erie County Park of their choosing to capture digital images of beautiful fall foliage, serene park scenes, or other natural beauty in the Parks. Rules for the contest can be viewed at http://www2.erie.gov/parks/ . Submitted entries will be judged by Parks Department personnel, with prizes awarded for the top three photos.
- October 25th, 2pm, Scarbuck Trail Hike at Erie County Forestry Lot No. 1.
Join an Erie County Park Ranger on a nature hike along the Scarbuck Trail at Erie County Forestry Lot #1 on Genesee Road in East Concord. This 2.7 mile hike will take us through the eastern portion of the county forest lot where we will learn about the human benefits of forests and forest products. Please bring along a full water bottle, weather appropriate clothing, and sturdy closed-toed footwear. The hike will start and end at the trailhead located on the south side of Genesee Road, across from the county saw mill and sugar shack.
- October 31st, 2pm, Ghost Stories at the Chestnut Ridge Park Eternal Flame
Join Erie County Park Rangers as they lead a family friendly fall hike down to the eternal flame at Chestnut Ridge Park. Along the hike the Park Rangers will stop to share Halloween ghost stories. Have a favorite story of your own? Share it with the group at the eternal flame! Please bring along a full water bottle, weather appropriate clothing, and sturdy closed-toed footwear. Halloween costumes are welcome as long as they don’t pose a hazard to hiking safely. The hike will start at the Eternal Flame Trailhead parking lot located on the west side of Route 277, south of the Chestnut Ridge Park main entrance.
For more information about Erie County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit www.erie.gov/parks or call 858-8355.