Issac and Jude Burnworth on a trail walk with their parents Thomas and Camerin.

SYRACUSE — While the winds blew strong and a few rain drops fell, including some snow and sleet, at least one of the trails on the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation property sheltered walkers from the elements and provided a Falltastic Trail Walk Saturday afternoon. Today was the first of two opportunities to participate in the annual WACF Falltastic Trail Walks, the second opportunity will be Sunday, Oct. 21, from noon to 4 p.m.

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Two of the three trails were decorated in Halloween and fall themes, with one of the trails including numerous educational opportunities. Walkers could learn how the wetlands help the lakes, learn how various items work just like a wetland, how birds, insects, wildlife and even the lake prepare for winter. There was also information provided about the fall, how to recognize various animal tracks, the colors of fall, the autumnal equinox and even a quiz about water.

Additionally the trail walk provided an opportunity to see the work on the memorial gardens and the progress on the new amphitheater. Many took the opportunity to sit on a bench and look out over the wetlands of Conklin Bay, or take the trail out to the shores of Lake Wawasee.

Over 60 guests came out to the WACF property to walk the trails by 2:30 p.m. with their children, grandchildren and their family dog. Many gathered at the Ruddell Pavilion for a break half-way through their walk on the trails for a refreshment break of water, coffee or cider and doughnuts, or ended their adventure at the pavilion before heading to other activities in their life.

The WACF Levinson-Larbrosse Educational Center is located on SR 13, south of Syracuse.