The Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Department along with the Keystone Ancient Forest Volunteer Trail Guide program announce this summer's open hike schedule at the Forest. Additionally, a new astronomy viewing session will be held next month, weather permitting.
The astronomy session is planned for Friday, June 20, with a back up date of Saturday, June 21. This event is free and open to the public and will begin at dusk. If it's a heavily clouded night, or if stormy weather is present, visitors should plan on attending on the June 21 date. For the latest details and updates follow the Keystone Ancient Forest on Facebook or call the Case Community Center at 918.246.2561.
"We're very excited to partner with local astronomer Tim Gilliland for the first time out at the Keystone Ancient Forst to promote this evening astronomy and hike opportunity," stated Grant Gerondale, Parks Director for the City of Sand Springs. "Tim offers a great educational viewing of planets, the moon and whatever other sky features reveal themselves that night. It's a great evening out for families looking for something to do beyond their normal routine."
While at the astronomy session, the short Childers Trail (paved and ADA accessible) will be available for hiking. The larger, longer trails will not be open at that time.
For those looking to hike even more this summer, the following new dates have been announced at the Keystone Ancient Forest: Saturday, June 14, Saturday, July 12, Saturday, August 9 and Saturday, September 13. All summer hikes will run from 7 am to 2 pm.
With the new 7 am start time, hikers can enjoy slightly cooler temps and a greater chance to take in songbirds and wildlife before the heat develops later in the day. Later this fall, look for additional hike dates that will take advantage of premier hiking weather.
"We want to again thank our wonderful volunteer trail guides and trail crew members who work tirelessly to share this magnificent forest with others," stated Gerondale. "Without their commitment of time and energy, we would not be able to present this beautiful forest to the public for hiking."
The Keystone Ancient Forest was opened in October of 2007 and has since hosted thousands of day hiking activities. The site offers three difficulty levels of hiking trails, interpretive signage, parking and porta potties. Pets are not allowed.
A master planning effort is underway with LandPlan Consultants, Inc. to create the vision for this Oklahoma destination and to better host future guests A visitors center, increased trails system, forest observation platforms and more are planned.
For more information about the forest, check out www.sandspringsok.org and find the Keystone Ancient Forest dropdown menu.