Winter solstice walk is Sunday

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The winter solstice walk Sunday at Mill Creek MetroParks will begin at 5 p.m., three minutes after sunset, and lead up to the beginning of the winter season, which starts at 6:03 p.m.

Ray Novotny, outdoor education manager at Mill Creek, said the astronomy-themed hike revolves around a complicated explanation of what the winter solstice is and how the exact time of winter’s arrival is calculated.

“I want people to be out at that time and experience the darkness,” he said. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. From this time forward, daylight will get progressively longer.

The hikers will meet at the lower Bears Den parking lot for the moderate hike of about 2 miles. It is free.

Though it will be dark, Novotny said ambient light should be enough for hikers to make their way. He discourages the use of flashlights because he wants hikers to be immersed in the darkness.

Novotny said he’ll probably talk briefly about the hiberation of some animals and about the Bears Den area.

Novotny said he’ll also be promoting a Feb. 1 hike that will focus on the life of President William McKinley.