With good weather expected this weekend, there is no reason not to get outside and be active.

Lower Howard’s Creek Nature Preserve, located at 1945 Athens Boonesboro Road, is hosting a hike-and-sketch spring hike Saturday morning. Led by Karis Pumphrey, hikers will tour some of the rock formations within the preserve. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes, bring a snack and water, and their sketchbooks.

The hike, which is recommended for ages 8 and older, leaves from the preserve at 10 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Reservations are required by calling 744-4888. Donations of $5 to $10 are suggested for expenses; hikes are free for members of Friends of Lower Howard’s Creek.

Nearby, Fort Boonesborough State Park will have its regular plant walk Saturday at 10 a.m. The walks occur each Saturday of the season to find and identify plants and discuss their uses in frontier life. Discussions will also include foraging for food, medicinal uses and natural dyes for clothing.

The plant walks are included with regular admission to the fort.

Fort Boonesborough is also the starting point for the Explore Kentucky Initiative’s second annual Bluegrass River Run. The event is the first in an 11-event schedule in 2018. Participants can paddle or float down the six-mile course, which ends near Clays Ferry near the Madison-Fayette county line. There is also a 19-mile course, which terminates at the Valley View Cemetery, which remains in operations after 238 years.

To register, go to www.explorekentucky.us/calendar/bluegrassriverrun-2018

Finally, Saturday is the “soft opening” for the Winchester-Clark County Farmers’ Market for the 2018 season. Market president Molly Stotts said options and vendors will be somewhat limited, after an inconsistent winter and early spring left many growers with later start than usual. Still, Stotts said she expects about a dozen vendors with a variety of offerings.

The market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon on Depot Street in downtown Winchester.