Lower Howard’s Creek Preserve manager Clare Sipple has announced the winter hiking schedule at Clark County’s historical nature preserve.

“Winter is a great time to explore Lower Howard’s Creek without its usual cover of vegetation blocking our views of its unique topography,” Sipple said in a news release. “It’s an opportunity to visit areas not usually seen in the other three seasons of the year, and heat is not an issue.”

All hikes will begin at 10 a.m. at the main entrance on Athens-Boonesboro Road unless otherwise noted.

— Feb. 4: Dust off your hiking boots and come hike with Dr. Bill Crankshaw, 91 years young and the Preserve’s most active volunteer.

— Feb. 18: The Preserve’s manager, Clare Sipple, will be leading this hike, and will take visitors to some of her favorite out-of-the-way places within the Preserve.

— March 4: In like a lion or a lamb, the days are getting longer now and we will explore old homesteads looking for signs of spring. Dr. Crankshaw will lead this hike.

— March 18: A few ephemeral early wildflowers may be showing themselves on this hike. Clare Sipple will lead this hike.

Since Lower Howard’s Creek is a Kentucky State Nature Preserve, no dogs are allowed on the hikes. All children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.

The terrain at the Preserve is steep and rocky, so participants should wear appropriate shoes or boots.

Group size is limited, and it is requested that those interested make reservations in advance.

Since these hikes are contingent on decent weather, Sipple asks that participants call the preserve office at 744-4888 if there is a question about suitability of the weather.