First Day Hikes Program To Be Offered in 9 Cape Cod Towns

Filed Under: Non Profit News

Barnstable Land Trust and eight other Cape Cod conservation groups are collaborating to launch #FirstDayHikesCapeCod on Jan. 1, 2022.

Building on the popularity of the national state park program originally launched in Massachusetts, this first-of-its-kind regional celebration features 11 free special walks, talks, and hikes in nine communities across Cape Cod, providing a range of opportunities for families, children, residents and visitors to get outside and explore on the first day of the new year.

“We are excited to take the lead in championing the inaugural launch of First Day Hikes Cape Cod, a new collaborative effort to encourage people to get outdoors with free guided walks and activities to explore Cape Cod’s parks, trails, and natural resources,” said Janet Milkman, Executive Director of Barnstable Land Trust. “This is a perfect opportunity for both residents and visitors to explore how the efforts of the conservation community are protecting and conserving the natural places that make Cape Cod so special.”

“Massachusetts began hosting First Day Hikes nearly two decades ago, leading to an annual tradition embraced across the nation that encourages people to begin the New Year by getting outside, connecting with nature and exploring the unique natural resources we have here in the Commonwealth,” said DCR Acting Commissioner Stephanie Cooper. “DCR is pleased to build on its own First Day Hike offerings throughout the state parks system by working with valued partners like the Barnstable Land Trust to provide Massachusetts residents with greater access to open spaces.”

Other conservation organizations participating in the program are the towns of Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Falmouth, Harwich, Provincetown, Wellfleet and Truro.

All hikes are free and include morning meditations, sunrise salutes, history talks, family activities and more.

A full schedule is available at www.blt.org , as well as on participating conservation partner websites and social media channels. Check individual websites for event details concerning registration, weather cancellation policies and any changes to individual events.