The Owl Prowl is Back by Popular Demand

Naturalist and teacher, Gregg VanDeusen will answer all your owl questions on CATS Owl Prowl hike Friday, December 15, beginning at 5:30 on the Black Kettle Trail in Essex.

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is again sponsoring one of the most popular hikes in the CATS outdoor education program, the Owl Prowl, on Friday, December 15, at 5:30 at the Black Kettle Trail in Essex.

Are owls really that wise? How do owls see in the dark? How can owls fly so quietly in the night? How do we, as humans, see at night?

Led by naturalist and teacher, Gregg VanDeusen, this popular early-evening hike will answer those and other questions about these fascinating hunters of the night. Participants will learn about the various species of owls in the Champlain Valley area and will make owl calls to elicit their responses. VanDeusen will also discuss other types of wildlife in the area and how people cope with the dark. All ages are welcome on this family-friendly hike.

Because of the need for quiet, the Owl Prowl is limited to 15 people and advance registration is required. Call the CATS office at (518) 962-2287 or register on the website at www.champlainareatrails.com/our-events/our-events.

The cost for the Owl Prowl is $10 per person, couples are $15, and under 21 is free.

It’s highly recommended that Owl Prowl participants dress appropriately for the season as the class may remain in one spot for some time.

CATS’ Owl Prowl is a great way to get to know our nocturnal neighbors.

Gregg VanDeusen is a Waldorf early childhood teacher, licensed wilderness guide, and, to his children Wren, Luna and Otis, the World’s Greatest Dad. Gregg has degrees in Resource Management and Natural History, is a volunteer EMT and firefighter, and has taught and traveled across North America with his wife Jen.

“The Owl Prowl hikes are completely fascinating,” said Chris Maron, CATS executive director. “They introduce people to hiking at night and being comfortable in the dark. Plus, it’s amazing to hear Gregg make owl calls, listen to his stories, and learn about nature at night.”

About CATS

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a nonprofit organization that creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley, with the goal of linking communities, connecting people with nature and promoting economic vitality. CATS is also an accredited land trust working to conserve natural communities, farmland, clean water, and scenic vistas. Information on future CATS events and activities is available on the website at www.champlainareatrails.com and by following CATS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Please call (518) 962-2287 for more information.

About Champlain Area Trails (CATS)

Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is a non-profit organization, begun in 2009, which creates and maintains hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Champlain Valley that link communities, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality. In its short history, CATS has developed 35 miles of trails that when added to existing trails, gets it half-way toward the long-envisioned goal of a 30-mile trail loop between Westport and Essex. CATS will extend its trails to neighboring towns and eventually connect them to trails in the Adirondack Mountains, Vermont, and Quebec. Learn more on the CATS website.