Usher in the new year with a walk

The 8th annual New Year’s Eve Candlelight Labyrinth Walk takes place 6-9 p.m. New Year’s Eve at Heritage Park Gardens, 1461 Ezell St., in Gardnerville.

The New Year’s Eve walk invites participants “to create hopeful tomorrows” as they “walk out the old year and welcome the new year.” Participants are also invited to enjoy the warmth from the fire pit while sipping hot cocoa and cider refreshments.

A labyrinth has a continuous path that circles and turns toward the center, and there’s only one way in and out. Labyrinths are found all over the world; walking one can be a form of moving meditation and a way to practice mindfulness.

This event is hosted by Main Street Gardnerville in cooperation with the Town of Gardnerville. For more information, go to mainstreetgardnerville.org.

State Parks host New Year’s Day walks

A couple of nearby state parks have “First Day” hikes planned on New Year’s Day.

Washoe Lake State Park invites hikers to walk the 3-mile South Loop Equestrian Trail from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. This family friendly hike starts at the Equestrian Pavilion and is described as “easy,” but it does include some loose sand areas. The event is open to pets, though they must be kept on a leash.

Washoe Lake State Park is located at 4855 Eastlake Boulevard in New Washoe City, 89704. The park can be reached by phone at 775-687-4319.

Walker River State Recreation Area offers two hikes on New Year’s Day. The first takes place from 9 a.m. to noon and the second is from 1-3 p.m.

The route is 4 miles long and described as “moderately difficult.” Hikers will trek from the Pitchfork visitor center up to Eagles Roost to enjoy the view. An apple cider toast will be offered at the top to commemorate the new year.

Walker River State Recreation Area is located at 211 East Walker Road in Yerington. Call 775-463-1609 for more information.

These New Year’s Day hikes are free and open to the public, and state park entrance fees are waived for the events. Participants should arrive prepared for the weather, which is predicted to be mostly sunny and cold (low-to-mid-30s). More information can be found online at parks.nv.gov under the “Events” tab.

Mystery tracks

Speaking of walks, I came across this three-toed imprint in the snow while strolling through my neighborhood the day after Christmas. Anyone have an idea as to what animal might have caused this track?

Library LEGO building challenge open through Jan. 5

There’s still time to enter the Douglas County Public Library’s Winter LEGO Building Challenge, which is active through Jan. 5.

The theme for this year’s challenge is “Wings and Things.” Entries must be original builds constructed from LEGO® or DUPLO® bricks and cannot exceed 16 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 12 inches high.

The contest has six different age categories: 2-3 (must use DUPLO® bricks), 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12, and 13 and older or Family Build.

Rules and entry forms are available in-person at either library branch or online at library.douglascountynv.gov. Entries must be accompanied by the completed form and brought to the Zephyr Cove branch by Jan. 4 or the Minden branch by Jan. 5. Winners will be announced Jan. 19.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Douglas County Public Library. Check the library webpage for each branch’s hours. More information is available on the DCPL Facebook page or by calling 775-782-9841.