OTSEGO OUTDOORS OFFERS NEW WINTER OCTET CHALLENGE

Otsego Outdoors is offering a Winter Octet Challenge highlighting publicly accessible trails to hike, cross country ski, and snowshoe. A collaborative effort of Otsego 2000, the Otsego Land Trust, and the Otsego County Conservation Association, Otsego Outdoors connects people with year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors throughout Otsego County.

The Otsego Outdoors Winter Octet, the fourth the group has offered, runs December 21 through March 19, 2022. In less than a year, more than 250 people have completed Otsego Octet challenges, which translates to more than 2,000 treks on Otsego County trails, waterways, and bike routes. In addition to the Otsego Octet challenges, the website otsegooutdoors.org lists parks, forests, waterways, and a growing number of outdoors organizations and local businesses.

“The challenge is great because there is a variety of ways for people to get outdoors and explore our beautiful landscape,” says Marcie Foster, Director of Stewardship at the Otsego Land Trust.

For the Winter Octet, participants can choose 8 of the 13 featured trails at State Parks (Glimmerglass, Gilbert Lake, Betty and Wilbur Davis, and Robert V. Riddell), State Forests (Goodyear Lake Waterway Access, Texas Schoolhouse), Otsego Land Trust properties (Parslow Road Conservation Area and Lordsland Preserve), a Town Park (Fortin Park) and private property open to the public (Pathfinder Village Walk, Valley View Walking Trails, Clark Tower Trail). There also is a “Choose Your Own” option that includes any outdoors activity in Otsego County, including ice skating, winter biking, sledding, tubing, and ice fishing, as well as hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing on other trails.

“We’ve had a great response so far to the Otsego Octet challenges, and we look forward to connecting more people with all Otsego County has to offer,” says Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000. “The Winter Octet features some great trails in our State Parks, as well as lesser-known local places and some new to Otsego Outdoors, like the Clark Tower Trail.” She noted that to encourage people to visit new places, at least one activity must be completed in each of four areas of the County.

After completing eight of the activities (the Octet), participants receive a special embroidered Winter Octet patch, or if completing the Winter Octet for a second time, a special add-on patch known as a rocker.

“The Otsego Octet Challenges have been really effective at getting people outside. Outdoor exploration promotes physical and mental well-being, and OCCA is proud to be a part of this effort” says Jeff O’Handley, Program Director at Otsego County Conservation Association.

To participate in the Otsego Outdoors Winter Octet, go to www.otsegooutdoors.org for more information on the featured trails and a registration form. Anyone with questions about the program or suggestions for other trails to include in future challenges can call 607/547-8881 or email outdoors@otsego2000.org.

“The Winter Octet is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get outside at a time of year when we can see the ‘bones’ of the landscape. There is so much to discover and enjoy,” says Gregory Farmer, Executive Director of the Otsego Land Trust.