Kids Outdoors Otsego plans fall hike at Groen Preserve
GAYLORD — A family fall hike is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Louis M. Groen Preserve in Johannesburg.
Sponsored by Kids Outdoors Otsego (KOO), the hike is designed for children from infants to eight year-olds and their parents, caregivers and other family members. Libby Benjamin, education specialist from the Otsego Conservation District, will attend to help explain what participants will see when they explore the trails at the Groen Preserve.
The trails are natural surfaces, best for walking, but not good for strollers or wheelchairs. KOO will provide explorer things to share, including bug catchers and hand lens. Activities will include a quick make-it project.
The preserve has a porta-john near the parking lot and a restroom back on the trails. Activities are all outside so everyone is encouraged to dress for the weather that day. Parents/caregivers must stay with their children at all times.
There is no charge for the event and participants can come and go as they please. The hike will begin at about 10:15 a.m. Water will be provided for water bottles and a trail snack will be provided.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Louis Groen donated over 700 acres to Otsego County for the preserve in 2009. It is at 2043 Gingell Road just west of Johannesburg. From M-32, turn north onto Gingell Road and go one mile to the entrance at the intersection of Gingell and Waters roads.
For more details and information, email kidsoutdoorsotsego@gmail.com or visit the organization's Facebook page. Kids Outdoors Otsego is a local volunteer organization that encourages outdoor activity in nature for young children with their parents and families.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Kids Outdoors Otsego plans fall hike at Groen Preserve
