This spring, Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson will once again offer monthly guided walks to visitors. With 1,000 acres and nearly 30 miles of trails, it can be a little intimidating to venture too far at HVNC. On the other hand, as vast as HVNC is, there are never-ending possibilities for exploration and discovery. Visitors can plan their route around Little Dyer Pond; they can make a loop around the bog; or they can design a route to take them to the cliffs at North Head and back. Even though there are always trail maps at the Gatehouse, and signs along the way, it is a big help to have a personal guide.

Volunteer Sheryl Bickel will lead visitors on a different route each month. Each walk will feature a different area of the nature center. Participants can expect to walk for an hour and a half. Most walks will be only moderately difficult and are suitable to most visitors. Bickel will lead participants on a preplanned walk and will offer some interesting information along the way. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join the group.

Bickel will head up these walks on the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 10 a.m. Visitors should meet her at the main gate along the Egypt Road, and should bring water and any food they may want. Be sure to come prepared for the weather. These walks are free, but HVNC does suggest a $5 donation from non-members for each visit. All day-use donations are used to maintain trails and to support educational programming.

HVNC in Jefferson is a nonprofit education and recreation center hosting many diverse opportunities to explore the outdoors. For more information about HVNC’s events, or to find out how you can support HVNC visit www.hvnc.org, write to info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.