Normally
this time of year, Saratogians are getting out their ice skates, snow shoes,
sleds and skis and heading to the various trails and rinks available in our
lovely parks and mountains. However, since
we have been graced with unseasonably warm weather for the Northeast, it is the
perfect time to take advantage of some of the wonderful hiking in our area with
the whole family.
Saratoga
P.L.A.N. is a land trust, directly
protecting and managing land and water resources through conservation easements
and outright acquisition of property in Saratoga County. They have protected over 3,302 acres of
farmland, forestland, natural areas, trail corridors and historic sites in the
Saratoga region and have over 1,000 acres of projects in the works. As a community partner, they help landowners,
developers, community and government agencies find innovative ways to guide
development, reduce sprawl,
preserve and enhance outdoor recreational areas and
protect the natural qualities of the region. They are also responsible for
Letterboxing, a scavenger hunt program set up on 9 Preserves and Trails in
Saratoga and its surrounding neighborhoods.
This is an absolutely fabulous adventure for parents and kids
alike. Saratoga PLAN offers clues on
each of its trails to its hidden letterbox, where kids will find a stamp for
their notebooks and a pad of paper to leave Saratoga PLAN and other hikers a
note about their experience and log their discoveries.
Letterboxing
is an ancient hobby that began in England in 1854, and made its way into the
United States in the 1998. It is an
intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a
charming “treasure hunt” style outdoor quest. Now Saratoga has this
family fun activity for all to enjoy, with trails ranging from ½ mile to two
miles. Each of the trails is unique and
offer new lessons for kids and parents.
Orra Phelps Nature Preserve is a densely forested trail that winds along
a stream. There are many little bridges
covering creeks and idyllic firs surrounding the path. In comparison, Bog Meadow Trail drops quickly
down to a large open trail lined with white birch trees and marked with
recycled train tracks from the old Saratoga Lake railway. The path crosses over some marshland where
the trail derives its name, “Bog Meadow.”
Some of the trails have had volunteers hide
the letterboxes and make up
the clues. We visited one that was
hidden by 4-H’ers and they made up a cute little rhyme for the clues, which my
girls loved! “Use your feet to cross the street,” or “The
third fork is what you will be seeking; the excitement is growing and almost
peaking!” There are additional trails
that PLAN has on its “to-do” list that will be added to Letterboxing, and
anyone can volunteer to hide the treasure themselves!
You
can find all of the participating preserves and trails, along with directions
and clues for your scavenger hunt at saratogaplan.org/Letterboxing. Also, check out Mamatoga.com for more family
friendly activities, indoor and out!