Forest Service plans to offer October hikes
<p class="p1">During October, the U.S. Forest Service/Shawnee National Forest is planning to offer two free guided hikes.</p><p class="p1">The first hike will feature the reptiles and amphibians of LaRue Pine Hills/Otter Pond Ecological Area near Wolf Lake.</p><p class="p1">Participants will have a chance to take a guided walk down the famous Snake Road as Scott Ballard, a herpetologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources interprets the many species of reptiles and amphibians and why this area of the forest is so unique. </p><p class="p1">The guided tour takes place Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon. Participants are asked to meet at the north end of Snake Road at the Winters Pond parking lot. </p><p class="p1">The Snake Road is a 2.5-mile road which is closed bi-annually for the protection of migrating snakes and amphibians as they make their journey from their summer swamp habitats to their winter hibernation areas (and back again in the spring). The road will remain closed until Oct. 31.</p><p class="p1">Though the road is closed to vehicular traffic, the ability to travel to the migration area by foot is available. </p><p class="p1">The gradual, two-month migration event has attracted people from across the country who are eager to witness the rich diversity of reptile and amphibian species along this single stretch of road.</p><p class="p1">October is Oak Awareness Month in Illinois and the Forest Service is celebrating this tree species with a guided hike along the Rim Rock Trail. </p><p class="p1">Beth Shimp and Shannon Sharp, who are forest botanists with the U.S. Forest Service/Shawnee National Forest, will interpret the many oak species of Southern Illinois. </p><p class="p1">Participants will learn about the life cycle of this tree species and its importance within the natural ecosystem. </p><p class="p1">Interested participants are asked to meet at the Rim Rock Trail parking lot on Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. </p><p class="p1">The hike does involve some steps and steep inclines and will last about two hours. </p><p class="p1">No preregistration is required for either of the hikes. </p><p class="p1">Organizers say that it is recommended that participants wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and bring items such as water, snacks, binoculars and a camera.</p><p class="p1">For more information contact the Shawnee National Forest headquarters at 618-253-7114 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee. </p>