2022 First Day Hikes
Put your best foot forward in the New Year!
Saturday, January 1, 2022 — 8 am to 2:30 pm — Ennis, Texas
Photo by Adam Cochran.
NTMN member John Wilt is generously opening his beautiful rural property to us on January 1 to start the new year off right with invigorating and informative hikes. Wilt’s land is a 108-acre blend of Blackland Prairie, upland forests, and riparian corridor near the Trinity River in Ellis County. See lots of photos here. Address and directions at bottom of post.
Monarch caterpillars enjoying milkweed. Photo by John Wilt.
Join us to hike on your own in the early morning or enjoy one of several guided hikes. Spouses are welcome (please include them when signing up). As a courtesy to your fellow NTMN members, we ask that you sign up for only one hike per session (i.e. all members are limited to one hike in the “early bird” session, one hike in each of the the morning sessions, and one hike in the afternoon session, maximum). Information on hikes below. Reserve your spot here.
Early Bird Hikes
Trout lily. Photo by John Wilt.
8:00-9:30 am: Birding hike led by Jeanne Kuehn. Max. 15 attendees
8:00-9:30 am: Self-guided hiking on the property’s trails (please note: not eligible for AT hours)
Morning Hikes
Photo by John Wilt.
10:00 – 11:30 am: Birding hike led by Janie Henderson. Max. 15 attendees
10:00 – 11:30 am: Hike with yoga led by Bob Richie. Max. 15 attendees
10:00 – 11:30 am: Identifying winter trees led by Dana Wilson. Max. 20 attendees
Western false gromwell. Photo by Alan R. Lusk.
10:00 – 11:30 am: Interpretative hike led by Sam Kieschnick. Max. 20 attendees
10:00 – 11:30 am: Native grasses prairie hike led by Rich Jaynes and John Wilt. Max. 20 attendees
Wilt barn, lunch location. Photo by Adam Cochran.
Lunch Break — 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Bring your own lunch. Sign up if you’d like to share a black-eyed peas dish, cornbread, or whatever food you associate with good luck to celebrate New Year’s Day! Some seating will be provided in the Wilt barn, but bringing your own chair is helpful. Sign up to bring a dish here.
Afternoon Hikes
Photo by Samantha Smith.
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Birding hike led by Caroline Humphries. Max. 15 attendees
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Hike with yoga led by Bob Richie. Max. 15 attendees
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Identifying winter trees hike led by Dana Wilson. Max. 20 attendees
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Interpretative hike led by Sam Kieschnick. Max. 20 attendees
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Native grasses prairie hike led by Rich Jaynes and John Wilt. Max. 20 attendees
Important Details
Click to enlarge map.
Bathrooms will be available at the property.
Helpful things to bring:
- Refillable container for drinking water
- Camp chair for relaxing between hikes
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Hiking pack or belt
- Insect repellent
- Trail snacks
If you have any questions, please contact event coordinator Sarah Jang at (386) 208-2241 or at pr******@**mn.org
Address & Directions
Photo by Marcie Haley.
1127 Stacks Rd, Ennis TX 75119
From Dallas, head south on I45. Take exit #266, the Ferris exit (FM 660).
Turn on to FM 660 and travel south to the second stop sign.
Turn left to continue on FM 660 and travel 8 miles to the town of Bristol.
At the T intersection, turn left onto Stacks Road. There is no stop sign at this intersection.
Travel about 2 miles on Stacks Rd. The address number, 1127, is on the fence post. Turn left into the farm and park on the grass.
Special Hiking Book Offer
Author Mick Tune spoke to NTMN in January 2020 about hiking and backpacking. Being a big fan of Texas Master Naturalists, Mick is offering the paperback version of his book, Wildering: Anyone’s Guide to Enjoying the American Wilderness, for free from January 2 to 6. The Kindle version is always free. Find both versions here.