To commemorate the day’s 50th anniversary, a walk will be held at Burlington County’s Long Bridge Park in Hainesport.
Burlington County Freeholder Deputy Director Linda Hughes is inviting residents and visitors of all ages to join her and the County Department of Resource Conservation in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of National Trails Day this Saturday, June 2, by taking part in a commemorative walk.
Officials say an easy paced stroll, guided by a County Park Ranger, will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the County’s Long Bridge Park in Hainesport.
“It has been a long-standing goal of the Freeholder Board to preserve open space and provide our residents with both passive and active recreational opportunities. We have accomplished this through our expansive and beautiful county parks system,” said Hughes, who serves as liaison to the County Department of Resource Conservation. “National Trails Day is a perfect opportunity for us to come together as a community and enjoy one of the many great natural outdoor areas that we have right in our own backyards.”
According to officials, each year the nation joins together on the first Saturday in June to recognize the values of trails with National Trails Day. Events are held throughout the United States to promote the benefits trails provide, help people discover their local trails, and create excitement for the outdoors.
Encompassing 115 acres, Long Bridge Park is a forested sanctuary. With upland and lowland trees, a freshwater pond and wetlands, tidal marshland, Rancocas Creek shoreline, and meadows, officials say visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing and picnicking in a rustic natural setting.
No pre-registration is required, and there is no cost to take part in Saturday’s walk. Officials say participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle. In the event of inclement weather, a notice of cancellation will be posted on Burlington County’s website and in Long Bridge Park.
“Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or looking to try it for the first time, I encourage you to discover all that Burlington County parks have to offer,” Hughes said. “We’re fortunate Burlington County has so many wonderful preserved areas that are just waiting to be explored.”
For decades, officials say Burlington County has amassed more than 61,000 acres of protected farmland and open space. County residents have free access to 1,000 acres of developed parkland where they can enjoy 39 miles of park trails and more than 11 miles of regional trails. Last year, there were more than one million visitors to the county’s nine county parks.
The Long Bridge Park is located at 895 Deacon Road in Hainesport. For more information, residents may contact the County Department of Resource Conservation at (856)-642–3850 or visit http://co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks.
