Champlain Area Trails (CATS), a nonprofit land trust working to build and maintain trails, protect natural areas, and connect people with the outdoors in New York’s Champlain Valley, hosted its first-ever Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk on December 21 at the Essex Quarry Nature Preserve.

Over 100 people from across New York’s North Country and beyond gathered to walk a peaceful half-mile trail lined with 100 luminarias (battery-powered “candles”) providing a warm glow to guide visitors on a wintry stroll through the woods. One attendee said, “It felt magical, like walking through another world.”

“The solstice walk provided an enjoyable time for togetherness and reflection during the longest night of the year,” said Chris Maron, CATS’ Executive Director. “We wanted to create an opportunity for people to get outside, connect with nature and community, and find light during this season of darkness.”

Founded in 2009, CATS has made 78 miles of trails, protected 983 acres of land, and engaged thousands of volunteers and visitors in outdoor activities. The Essex Quarry Nature Preserve, a 35-acre preserve with about 2 miles of trails at a historic limestone quarry, features dramatic cliffs, a pond in the biggest quarry pit, and a globally rare “limestone forest natural community”. CATS purchased the property in 2020 to protect the natural and historic resources and open the land for public recreation and education.

“The Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk is part of CATS’ work to encourage people to get outside year-round and experience the therapeutic benefits of nature during all seasons,” said Chris Maron. “Our mission includes connecting people to nature, so events like this luminaria walk are a perfect way to do that during a time of year when people tend to stay indoors. We were thrilled with the turnout and the positive feedback has us looking forward to making this an annual tradition.”

Torey Patenaude, CATS’ Director of Fun added that she’s already developing more winter programs, including snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing, and winter ecology education. “All we need is some snow, so we’re hoping for some normally cold weather soon so we can get these going in late January into March. After that, stay tuned for our spring and summer hikes.”

For more information on Champlain Area Trails and its upcoming events and programs, visit www.champlainareatrails.com.