“Just doing something with the family” at the FallTastic Trail Walk are mom April; Carson, 5; Mason, 11; dad Jason; and Ryan, 10. The family hails from Syracuse and this was their first time participating in the walk.
By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews
SYRACUSE — For the sixth year, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation is hosting its annual FallTastic Trail Walk from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8-9.
Those unable to attend the event Saturday still have time Sunday afternoon to walk 2 of the 3 miles of WACF’s Halloween-bedecked trails and learn about the foundation, Lake Wawasee and how the ecology, flora and fauna prepare for winter.
Visitors should check in at the Ruddell Pavilion and then follow the series of ghosts and other Halloween figures pointing the way around the trials. Walkers, of the two- and four-legged variety, are invited to return to the pavilion for water and treats after their excursion.
If you are planning to take the hike Sunday, be prepared to be educated. Pam Schumm, WACF’s education officer, highlighted three reasons for the annual event.
“First and foremost, the purpose is education. We have signs and posters along the trails that tell a lot about the comprehensive Wawasee Inlet Nutrient Study and its findings. Other posters tell what fall is and what the lake and animals do to prepare for winter.
“Secondly, we want to get people out and just enjoy walking in nature. We added a few decorations just to make it interesting.
“Thirdly, we want to familiarize people with our property and have them realize it is always open. They can come in and walk anytime.”
The day was fair-to-middlin’ as weather goes. The chill breeze, though shielded somewhat by the trails’ surrounding foliage, held the walkers’ attention, sometimes prompting a quicker pace back to the car.
But Schumm noted the extremes of prior years. “Last year it was a beautiful 70 degrees,” she said, “and we have had snow and rain as well. But if we have no precipitation we are good to go. So today was a good day.”
Additional coverage of the event will appear in the Wednesday, Oct. 12, edition of The Mail-Journal.
Some scenes from Saturday’s walk:
