Guided nature tour kicks off at noon in Beavertail State Park in Jamestown as part of National First Day Hikes Event
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is hosting a guided walking tour of Beavertail State Park, in Jamestown, on New Year's Day. The one-mile tour is part of the seventh annual First Day Hike event organized by the National Association of State Park Directors. Guided tours will be held in all 50 U.S. states as part of this one-day event.
"DEM is excited to participate for the seventh year in the First Day Hikes event and proud to host at Beavertail State Park," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Rhode Island has an amazing selection of historic parks and recreation areas throughout the state where residents and visitors can connect with nature and get active. We are excited to welcome folks to explore Beavertail State Park and its gorgeous scenic vistas as part of this event. What a healthy way to ring in the New Year!"
WHO: Guided tour led by Tom Rosa of DEM Parks & Recreation
WHERE: Beavertail State Park Jamestown, Rhode Island
WHEN: Monday, January 1, 2018 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Participants should dress appropriately for the weather. The hike will take place on the roadway and is stroller and wheelchair-accessible. Parking is available in Lot 2, and pets on leashes are welcome. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum will be open for tours, and the gift shop will also be open. PrestoStrangO will distribute free coffee and hot chocolate to participants while supplies last. Registration is suggested; to sign up contact Tom Rosa at Tom.rosa@dem.ri.gov
According to the National Association of State Park Directors, almost 62,000 people across the country participated in the 1,300 guided tours organized last year as part of the First Day Hikes event. In Rhode Island, 380 people participated in the First Day Hike at Rocky Point State Park in Warwick. This year's tour schedule is available online at www.naspd.org. Tours are free and open to the public.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates. Hashtag your hike (#FirstDayHikes) to join the national conversation on New Year's Day!