Discover the Northwoods' Hidden Wonders With TFT's Free Guided Hike
Step off the beaten path and into the forested wonders of the Northwoods with a guided nature hike hosted by Trees For Tomorrow (TFT) Saturday, Aug. 23, from noon to 3 p.m. Participants will meet at TFT’s campus in Eagle River and caravan to the Tara Lila Sundstein Road Trailhead for the hike.
Led by a naturalist from Trees For Tomorrow, this hike invites participants ages 15 and older to explore one of the Northwoods’ hidden gems.
"You'll walk beneath a canopy of late-summer trees, feel the crunch of pine needles underfoot, and listen for the calls of warblers and woodpeckers as you uncover the small wonders that are often overlooked — like fungi nestled in the forest floor, animal tracks winding through brush, or the stories moss-covered stumps have to tell," said Bethany Heft, TFT environmental educator and program coordinator. "This is a chance to experience nature through a more curious lens. Our naturalist will help participants uncover fascinating details about the plants, wildlife, and ecology that make the Northwoods so unique."
The hike will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours through 1-2 miles of occasionally unlevel terrain. The small-group format ensures an engaging and personalized experience, with plenty of time for questions, exploration and reflection. This outdoor program will be held rain or shine, so attendees should dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Bringing a water bottle also is encouraged. Restrooms/outhouse will be available at TFT and the trailhead, but there are no restrooms on the trail.
Thanks to a generous partnership between Tara Lila and Trees For Tomorrow, this guided hike is offered free of charge to participants. Space is limited and registration is required to reserve a spot. Interested attendees also can call the TFT office at 715-479-6456, Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to hold their place.
Tara Lila LLC is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to making private conservation lands accessible to the public for low-impact outdoor recreation and nature education. The geology walk will take place on one of Tara Lila's protected trail systems, highlighting the organization's commitment to preserving natural landscapes and fostering community learning experiences.
Heft added that whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape from daily life, this outing is an invitation to step outside, breathe deep, and discover what's waiting in the woods.
About Trees For Tomorrow
Trees For Tomorrow's campus, located in Eagle River, includes national forest property under permit from the USDA Forest Service. Private property owned by TFT, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and Tara Lila LLC are also utilized for education and outreach purposes.
TFT is an accredited nonprofit environmental center specializing in overnight environmental education programs for K-12 school groups with facilities that include dormitories, a full-service dining hall, and classrooms. It annually serves 14,000 youth and adults with the mission to promote sustainable management of our natural resources through transformative educational experiences.
