• Published in the

• Press-Republican

• Feb 28, 2026

• Photos and article By ALVIN REINER

• rondackrambler@gmail.com

News Article linked here.

WADHAMS — Approximately twenty pairs of brightly colored snowshoes stood out in contrast to the snow-covered field at Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center on Feb. 17 awaiting novices to strap them on and head out across the meadow, around the frozen pond and into the woods.

For many, including several parents, this was the first time they ventured forth on snowshoes during the Champlain Area Trails-sponsored event.

The participants, aged 5 and up, learned the basics of snowshoeing and participated in activities, such as a guided winter scavenger hunt and a game of hide and seek. The previous evening’s snow covered the fire pit and thus, dampened the intentions of creating a warming fire and the roasting of marshmallows.

For the scavenger hunt, the participants filled out a Bingo patterned worksheet for which “Had Fun” was designated as the middle square. Among the 24 items to be checked off were hear a bird, jumped over a log, saw icicles, met someone new, find animal scat and made a snow angel.

CATS Community Engagement and Outreach Manager Samantha Beck explained the purpose for initiating the event.

“My goal was to offer families in Essex County the chance to borrow snowshoes at no cost and experience the beauty of the local landscape,” she said. “By providing a fun and engaging activity, I hoped to encourage kids and families to explore and observe the natural spaces around them more intentionally, all while enjoying games and shared experiences.”

Another rationale was to make more people aware of the trails at the Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center, which is now open to the public since CATS assumed ownership of the property in late 2025.

Beck was pleased with the turnout.

“I found it to be a success. Our program reached capacity with the amount of staff and equipment we had,” she said. “I also heard accounts that this was the first opportunity some of the attendees had to ever wear snowshoes. In addition, the attendees let me know that they learned something new and enjoyed their time outside.”

And she said there will be more events to come.

“We are able to provide these types of experiences and programs free of charge thanks to the generosity of donors. Their support makes it possible for us to reach more individuals and families and ensure that everyone can benefit from our offerings,” Beck said.

Beck said they’re always happy to take equipment donations so more people can participate.

“We would gladly take donations of modern snowshoes (excluding the antique or decoration large wooden snowshoes) with the hopes of creating a snowshoe sign-out or borrowing program next winter.”

Some local libraries, like the Keeseville Library, offer snowshoe rentals for those with a library card.

For additional information on CATS activities, visit champlainareatrails.com.

CATS maps designating their trails may also be found at many locations, such as markets, outdoor recreation businesses and town halls.