Ecology

Prepare, engage, explore

Lizzy Ryan
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve

(7/2020) Many cherished summer activities from camp to community festivals have been cancelled this year. However, as we all know, summer itself cannot be cancelled. Over the past several months, outdoor recreation has provided ample ways to enjoy nature while remaining safe and active as the seasons change. We invite you to explore some of these opportunities at Strawberry Hill and make the most of your summer.

First, let me tell you about the amenities available during your visit. Strawberry Hill, located at 1537 Mount Hope Road in Fairfield, offers free parking dawn until dusk. Just across from the parking lot is a kiosk stocked with trail maps, program information, doggie bags, and a spot for both your trash and recycling. We offer a pavilion with picnic tables, as well as picnic tables and benches located throughout the property. There is also a small nature playground for the younger kids to burn off energy.

Strawberry Hill is home to both "exceptional value" mountain creeks and a pond. We welcome you to splash around in the creeks, catching crayfish and enjoying the cool water. Fishing is permitted in Middle Creek and the Strawberry Hill pond, but we ask that you follow our organization’s fishing policies. Fishing is permitted dawn until dusk and is catch and release only. Per the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, fishing licenses are required for those 16 and older. Lastly, fishing is a benefit of Strawberry Hill members. Please note, swimming and boating are strictly prohibited in the Strawberry Hill pond.

Of course, Strawberry Hill also offers easy access to Michaux State Forest and endless miles of trails. Hiking is a beloved summer activity that is easy to enjoy. I have been leading children and families on hikes for five years and along the way, I have learned several foolproof ways to ensure your hike is enjoyable for the whole family. My goal is to provide you with a few helpful pointers to prepare for your hike, as well as ideas to make your hike fun and engaging for even your littlest nature lover.

First and foremost, let’s talk about safety. Always remember to have the right gear when hiking. Carry a first aid kit, food, water, a compass (you will not have cell service in most wild places!), and extra clothes. Other helpful items include bug spray, sunscreen, and a plastic bag for wet clothes or trash.

Check the weather before you go. Know if there is a chance of rain or extreme heat. Do not take young kids or older adults for a long hike if it is supposed to be dangerously hot and humid. Doing so will lead to a bad and potentially hazardous experience.

Hiking, as well as any activity, will not be fun if your children’s basic needs are not met. Make sure they are fed (this is where the trail snacks come in handy), hydrated, kept dry and cool (or warm if it’s winter). As parents and grandparents are all too aware, children will not always express their needs.

Keep an eye on their behavior. If they are getting red-faced from heat, break frequently for water or even pop into a stream for a quick cool-off. Water breaks are especially important after going up hills. Some may roll their eyes and moan, "another water break? I feel like I just drank some!". Trust me, it is for their own good. Many of us, adults and children alike, do not realize when we are becoming dehydrated.

Be mindful of the pace at which you are walking. Do not walk too fast or too slow. Let the kids set the pace. For the littles ones, do not be surprised if they walk super slow. Avoid saying, "Come on, hurry up." That will discourage them and wear down their morale.

Let them explore! Exploration is an important part of childhood. Too many times we witness parents make their kids stay at their side, discouraging them from picking up sticks, touching "dirty" things, or getting their hands muddy. A general rule of thumb is let the kids wander down the trail as long as you can see them. Let them use their imagination and play with that branch! Let them dig in the dirt!

However, it is important that you establish some safety rules. These would include admiring wildlife from a distance, pointing out poison ivy, staying on the trail, staying within eyesight of an adult, respect of the forest, and what to do if they get lost.

Speaking of what to do if you get lost, here are some tips to share with kids:

• Make sure they know your full name, address, and phone number. Or, if they are too young for to memorize things, write it down on a slip of paper to put in their pocket or shoe.
• Discuss with them the importance of staying put should they get separated from you. This, of course, makes them easier to locate.
• If they are old enough, give them a copy of the map and explain the route you are taking.

If your children are old enough, involve them in the planning of your hike. Let them help decide what to put in the hiking pack. Let them help select a trail and destination. Engaging them in the planning only makes it more of an adventure!

In addition to preparation and safety, I want to share ways you can make the hike fun and educational. Below are some tried-and-true games you can play on the trail.

• Eye Spy
• Scavenger Hunts - There are so many different versions of the classic scavenger hunt. I have done the color wheel hunt where you give the child a color wheel and they must find things on the trail that match each color. You can enjoy a scavenger hunt looking for shapes in nature. Or, stick with a classic by printing out a scavenger hunt online. We recommend laminating them and using a dry erase marker for reusable fun.
• Journey Sticks - Let your child pick out a stick - one that really "sticks" out to them (pun intended). Tie a few rubber bands or string around the stick. Put the first thing found at the top of the journey stick to represent the beginning. Work your way down the stick until it is full. The things you find could include other really cool sticks, leaves, pinecones, even litter! Use the string or rubber bands to tie on the object. At the end of the hike, have each child tell about their journey and what they found. You can also have them paint it and make it their walking stick for future hikes.
• Follow the Leader - Have everyone get in a straight line. The person in the front is the leader. Everyone behind the leader needs to repeat everything the leader does (make motions, sounds, etc.).
• 20 Questions
• The ABC’s - This is a great game for kiddos just starting to learn the alphabet. Along the hike, starting with the letter "A," everyone must name something on the trail that starts with that letter. Eventually make your way through the alphabet but remember not to rush.
• The Unending Story - One person begins a story and passes it on to the next person to continue. Let your creativity shine.
• A Silly Walk - Our wee Little Timbers loved this activity. Name animals for the children to walk like. Some favorites include gorillas, penguins, frogs, and horses.

So, while some of your favorite summer activities may not be happening this summer, I hope I have provided you with some new twists on hiking with kids. Keeping these in mind, your hike is bound to be a fun and rewarding experience with memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to visit Strawberry Hill and enjoy the fresh air and great outdoors!

Download trail maps and learn more about environmental education at StrawberryHill.org. Become a member of Strawberry Hill and support our mission by donating online. Strawberry Hill inspires stewardship of our natural world by connecting the community with educational opportunities.

Lizzy Ryan is the Education & Outreach Coordinator for
 the Strawberry Hill Foundation.