January 5, 2016 Attention Hikers: icy trails, ticks

Please use caution when visiting any of LGLC’s parks and preserves (or other public lands). Recent snow and cold temperatures have made trails slick, even when flat. Use crampons or other traction devices on your shoes, and proceed slowly.

The warmer than usual temperatures earlier this winter have resulted in an abundance of ticks that are being found even now, after the cold snap. Please be aware that tick-borne diseases can be very serious, and are still a threat at this time of year. Hike on cleared trails and check your clothes and skin after hiking for ticks. The New York State Department of Health also recommends the following:

• Wear light-colored clothing with a tight weave to spot ticks easily.
• Wear enclosed shoes, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and shirt into pants.
• Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors.
• Consider using insect repellent.
• Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails. Walk in the center of trails. Avoid dense woods and bushy areas.
• Avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls.
• Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after going indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that may be on you.
• Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets), and remove ticks promptly.

For more, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/.

(Notice posted 1/5/2016)