Adults and families are invited to begin the new year with a healthy and fresh start at Rice Creek Field Station. Naturalist Tim McMonagle will host a First Day Hike at 11 a.m. on New Year's Day, January 1, lasting approximately 1 hour and covering fairly gentle terrain. Snowshoes for adults and youth will be available free of charge to participants on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Participants will explore the winter landscape along one of Rice Creek's trails, learning about the field station's ecology and land history, and looking for signs of resident winter animals.

The First Day Hike will take place rain, snow, or shine, so please dress for the weather. Snow or hiking boots are best as trails can be seasonally wet, muddy, snowy, or slippery, depending on outdoor temperatures. The building will be open briefly before and after the hike for anyone who needs the bathroom facilities or water fountain.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations to attend this event should contact Rice Creek staff at rcfs@oswego.edu two weeks in advance. Please note that Rice Creek's trails are not accessible to people who use wheelchairs.

Participants should please note that children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.