Dec. 1 Walkabout at Veterans Memorial Park 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Meet at Veterans Park entrance stone pillars near the Bayside Y for a walk through the eastern side of the park to examine trails and wetlands in preparation for the next phase of park projects to improve trail conditions, close trails where needed and complete the new trail system. We will be walking off trail or in wet conditions as part of our review.

Dec. 22 Cookie Exchange and Anniversary Winter Walk at Sowams Woods 1 p.m – 3 p.m. 
Can you believe is it the 6th anniversary of Sowams Woods protection? Bring a dozen wrapped cookies or other holiday treats to exchange at the start. Then enjoy our first hike of winter featuring owl and sky watching tips and traditions. Learn about ongoing projects to remove invasive plants. Easy hike for everyone. Will have some treats and cider to share after the walk.  Cookie exchange is not required for participation. For those bringing treats to exchange, please package by dozen and label. Be sure to note if the item contains either wheat or nuts.

Please park along Tallwood Drive, Spinnacker Drive or Lighthouse Lane. (No parking available on either Washington Road or South Lake Drive.) Meet up at the Sowams Woods sign on South Lake Drive. Rain or bad weather date will be Monday, Dec. 24, same time.

Dec. 28 Winter Vacation Owl Prowl at Veterans Memorial Park 4:30 p.m.
Winter nighttime walk to listen and look for screech and great horned owls. Learn and practice owl calls. Easy looping trail appropriate for anyone who is not afraid of the dark!  Bring a flashlight and a non-perishable canned food item for donation to Tap-In. With the cold weather, Tap-In is especially in need of protein items such as peanut butter or canned tuna. Park in Town/Bayside YMCA parking lot on West Street. Meet at park gate.  Rain/bad weather date will be Friday, January 4th.

Also, check out the ‘rediscovered’ red trail at Veterans Memorial Park. Dan Horne, Bob Read, Saundy Patrick, Susan Hoagland and Helen Tjader worked to clear fallen trees, trash and overgrowth from the trail. Susan id’d an invasive shrub laden with oval blue berries – privit. An Eagle Scout project will work this fall to remove more of the invasive plants along this path. The red trail has several entrances from the dirt road behind the ball field and cell tower near the Bayside Y. Follow the markers to reach the East Bay Bike Path. The trail crosses over curious piles of broken and misshapen bricks discarded from the old brickyard drying kilns. All hikers are invited to pick up any litter throughout Vets Park – thank you “Park Angels’!

Coming soon – ‘Doggie Poker’ at Veterans Memorial Park  Anyone who would like to volunteer for planning and running this event should contact Helen.

For more information, please contact Helen Tjader: helen@acornnpsolutions.com or 401-480-8329

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