With or without snow, a popular winter eventis scheduled to happen this coming weekend.
Last year, 125 visitors turned out for "Winter Fun Day" at Ward Reservation, situated in Andover and North Andover.
Many visitors had cross-country skis, snowshoes and sleds to enjoy the snow. But the winter of 2012 has been so different. The winter has been snow-free, instead hitting more than 50degrees on some days.
"I keep waiting for a winter storm to move in, but that's not happening," said Chris Ward of the Trustees of Reservations.There will still be refreshments and a warming fire at the event on Sunday, Feb. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. Trail hikes are scheduled as follows:
12:30 p.m. - Guided hike to Boston Hill, 3 miles, 90 minutes.
1 p.m. - Guided hike around Holt Hill & the bog, 1 mile, 30 minutes.
2 p.m. - Guided hike around Holt Hill & the bog, 1 mile, 30 minutes.
Visitors should park at reservation entrance on Prospect Road, Andover, east of Route 125. They can follow signs to the activities.
If it does not snow, this won't be the first snow-free Ward Winter Fun Day, Ward said.
"We started this about five years ago as a cross country skiing event. About five skiiers showed up," Ward said. "Since then, we've had no snow before but it was really cold. We don't cancel."
The free event is a great way to be outdoors and enjoy the trails at Ward Reservation.
The Trustees of Reservations and Ward Reservation Property Committee, in partnership with the Andover Trails Committee, and Friends of North Andover Trails, will host this event. Leashed dogs are welcome.
For more information, call 978-682-3580 x 13, or email arollfs@ttor.org.
