The first HYP hike of 2017 will be at Boyd’s Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area on Saturday April 29, 2017.  Carpool group will meet at 11:00 in front of the parking garage at City Island, will leave promptly at 11:30, and arrive at the preserve at around noon.  The hike will cover roughly 4 miles of easy trails, with no steep inclines on planned route, with an optional ridge-top climb adding about 1 mile.  Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and suitable footwear.  Packing some water and a light snack is also advised.  Leashed dogs are welcome!

The large mature trees and thick woods of Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area make it and ideal habitat for a large variety of woodland creatures. The park is home to white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse and eastern gray squirrels. Bluebirds and warblers can also be observed at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area. There is an observation area on Blue Mountain where bird watchers can see the annual migration of hawks.