Snow provides magical park experience



Photos of a recent snowfall at Scott County Park, Iowa

A few inches of snow that fell a few days ago provided a beautiful white coating on the trees and evergreens in nearby Scott County Park.

The park, located about two miles from home, is more than 1,000 acres of space (scottcountyiowa.com/conservation/scott-county-park). Park View, the largest unincorporated community in Iowa, is located on the park's southern and southeast sides.

The park includes a paved 2.4-mile loop of road used by runners and walkers, like my husband and me. This was a gorgeous trek early Saturday, with birds so evident against the snow-covered trees, and a sense of quiet wonder at the wintertime beauty.

We walk in the park whenever possible but it was not on the Baker agenda for Saturday. However this type of snowfall is unusual; the temperatures was about 29 degrees Fahrenheit and the snow was warm enough to stick to tree branches. There was not too much breeze, but in a few places, the wind blow snow off the trees (and onto us walkers, or road, below).

We also walked in the park as part of our New Year's Day activities. This year we had a lot of company. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, 2020 celebrates the 100th anniversary of the state park system, and on Jan. 1, the state sponsored the First Day Hike.

Many hikers and walkers were in Scott County Park that day.

This First Day Hike has been held in the state parks since 2012. The weather was beautiful this year.  The DNR reported that more than 4,300 people took part in the hikes across the state and that's not counting those of us exercising in local or county parks.

Scott County Park is managed by the Scott County Conservation department, and overseen by the Scott County Conservation Board. It includes an 18-hole golf course (Glynn's Creek), a heated outdoor pool, several areas for camping and picnicking, as well as rental housing. The walking and hiking trails are well marked, and views of the wildlife are outstanding.

We are lucky to live so close to this gem.


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