Delta National Forest Hosts Trail Day Celebration

Hiking. Biking. Birdwatching. Those are some of the activities waiting for visitors in Delta National Forest. Come and visit Delta National Forest on Saturday, June 4 and participate in its 1st National Trails Day event at the Blue Lake Recreation Area.

“We want people to get outdoors, to visit their ‘national forest,’ and to participate in this day that is dedicated to connecting youth and the surrounding community to this great treasure,” said District Ranger Valencia Morris.

The National Trails Day event, which begins at 9 a.m. with registration and a safety briefing, celebrates America’s 200,000 miles of trails that allow us access to the natural world for recreation, education, exploration, solitude, inspiration, and much more.

“During the first part of the day, we will work on trails maintenance, sign rehab, and installation, and overall area clean-up,” Morris said. “Lunch will be provided at noon and then we will have activities for youth and adults to enjoy the Blue Lake Recreation Area. Bring comfortable clothes and a curious mind.”

The restoration and other activities are sponsored by Tread Lightly! Inc., Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership, Sharkey Issaquena 4H Youth Shooting Sports, and Cary Christian Center. Those interested in attending are invited to visit http://nationaltrailsday.americanhiking.org/events/blue-lake-recreation-area-hiking-trail-day for more information and to register for this event. However, registration is not required – just come on out!

“Trails give us a means to support good physical and mental health,” said Morris. “The day also aims to highlight the important work volunteers do to take care of trails. Trails do not just magically appear for our enjoyment. Their construction and maintenance takes hours of dedicated planning and labor. So give thanks to your local volunteers and consider taking a day to give back to your favorite trail.”

The Delta National Forest, located in Sharkey County, includes more than 45 miles of recreational trails, two developed recreation areas, and five green-tree reservoirs for waterfowl habitat. It is the only bottomland hardwood forest in the National Forest System. For more information about the Delta National Forest, contact the Delta Ranger District at (662) 873-6256 or visit us at www.fs.usda.gov/mississippi.