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DNREC celebrates new year with First Day Hikes across the First State

January 14, 2018

Delaware State Parks offered 14 different First Day Hikes Jan. 1, giving individuals and families an opportunity to reconnect with nature to begin the new year. Despite cold temperatures, 272 participants hiked 525 miles in Delaware, joining almost 32,000 hikers nationwide in hiking almost 70,200 miles. Several four-legged family members also participated on hikes across the state.

Hikes ranged from 1/10 mile to more than 3 miles, and covered terrain such as piedmont, beaches, farmland and pondside. Some parks even hosted Second Day hikes to further encourage year-round outdoor recreation. Participants enjoyed scenic views, chilly weather and the chance to enjoy a guided hike.

While out on Delaware's First Day Hikes, some participants got a head start on the new web-based parks Passport Program. Taking selfies as their passport stamps, participants upload their photos and cool stories to destateparks.com/Passport to track their adventures. When all 19 locations are completed, participants win annual passes and enter a raffle for a cabin stay.

The First Day Hikes began more than 20 years ago in Massachusetts, and are part of an initiative by America's State Parks to encourage year-round outdoor recreation. Today, parks in all 50 states participate, making it a national event. The goal is to get kids and families outside to create unique connections with nature, to promote physical and mental well-being, and to encourage stewardship of shared resources.

For more information about programs offered at Delaware State Parks this winter and the rest of the year, go to www.destateparks.com.

 

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