From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 1, get outdoors and ring in the new year at Rogers Environmental Education Center, located at 2721 State Route 80 in Sherburne. The First Day Hikes will take novice and experienced hikers alike along the scenic trails, with a chance to win a giveaway provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. (Photo by Dustin Genter of 5th Dimension Photography)

SHERBURNE — Rogers Environmental Education Center, located at 2721 State Route 80 in Sherburne, will be celebrating the start of 2023 with their annual First Day Hikes from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 1.

"It’s kind of a thing that a lot of places do, and actually the DEC has a big deal to do with it as well. So they promote a lot of places," said Rogers Environmental Educator Ellen Rathbone. "So DEC state parks, the canal organizations, they all sponsor these first day hikes."

In addition to experiencing the idyllic scenery at Rogers Environmental Education Center, Rathbone said hikers may also have the chance to win a giveaway provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The guided hikes are completely free to attend and are geared toward all skill levels. Rathbone said generally an easier hike and a more challenging hike are available.

"I think we are anticipating at minimum two groups: one for an easy hike, and one for a more challenging hike. And then from there it depends on how many people we get. So we could end up with two groups doing easy hikes and three doing challenging hikes. You just never know," she said.

For the easier hike, Rathbone said she expects groups to walk the Channels Marsh Trail behind the Visitors Center at Rogers, with the potential addition of the Boundary Trail, making the hike just under 1.5 miles.

For more experienced hikers, she anticipates groups will be taken along the Farm Tower Trail, which features inclined pathways. Add on the Pine Ridge Trail, which Rathbone expects will be added to the advanced hike, and the total distance comes to a little over a mile.

Rathbone added the hikes are generally educational in some way, although experiences will vary depending on each group's hike leader and group size. She said leaders' guiding style could be anything from educational about the surrounding nature and wildlife, a question and answer style, or even delve into the philosophical.

"If you’ve got one leader who’s leading 40 people it’s kind of tough to do a real educational hike because the three people next to you will get it, and those way in the back, you’ll need to send them a postcard so they get the information. But I know that when I lead hikes I try to make it educational," she explained. "I know other people who lead hikes, they make it more just we’re out having a good time and if someone asks them a question they’ll try to answer it. I know other people who lead these hikes and they are more spiritual, philosophical. So a lot of it really depends on who your leader is."

Registration for the First Day Hikes are encouraged, but not required. Rathbone said it's helpful to have an idea of how many people will be showing up, but those that decide to stop by the day of the hikes are more than welcome to join.

"It’s my understanding that historically it’s just a show up sort of a thing. I personally prefer to have an idea of how many people are coming, just because you know how many leaders you need and how crowded it’s going to be, and also if anybody’s going to show up at all," said Rathbone. "If people know they want to come and they want to give us a call we can just put them on the list. But they certainly don't have to. It might be a spur of the moment, 'gosh it’s a beautiful day, they’ve got this hike going.'"

The hikes are set to begin at 10 a.m., but it's recommended that hikers show up a little early to use the restrooms and, weather permitting, get fitted for snowshoes.

"If we need to get out snowshoes, we can get people fitted with snowshoes ahead of time. If they all show up at 10 or 10:10 [a.m.] and they want the snowshoes, then your hike is now 20 minutes shorter than it was going to be," Rathbone said.

"If you have your own snowshoes, bring them," she added. "We’ve got a few pairs, but if 80 people show up and they all want snowshoes, they’re not going to get them. We don’t have that many."

Lastly, Rathbone encourages participants to dress for the weather to make the hike as enjoyable as possible.

"Dress for the weather. You know, if it’s cold and windy, extra layers. It's always best to be overdressed and shed a few layers than to be out there and the wind starts blowing and you’re freezing," she said. "So leave the fashionable clothes at home, put on your thick layers, and you’ll be fine."

For more information about Rogers Environmental Education Center and the First Day Hikes, visit FriendsofRogers.org or the Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc. Facebook page.