State parks are the perfect place for summer activities

 This is the perfect time to take in the beauty in the state of Kentucky and the good news is that you can get in a lot of good exercise while we are doing it.

In fact, walking and hiking can help you lose weight, decrease blood pressure and improve bone strength.

We have 52 state parks in Kentucky. Each park provides different possibilities for hiking. There are more than 300 miles of trails for all types of hikers – there are easy and moderate trails such as the .5 mile self-guided trail at the Columbus-Belmont State Park. There are also many choices for those with more experience, such as the 28-mile-hike at the Pine Mountain Trail State Park, known for strenuous climbs and breathtaking views. And, don’t forget to check out the walks and trails at our own General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton.

Whichever trail you choose, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Follow all written and posted trail rules

• Do not hike alone

• Take plenty of water

• Know the level of the trail and be aware of your ability to hike it

• Wear good socks and shoes – hiking shoes or boots are suggested and will help stop getting blisters.

• Dress in layers – weather can change as you get into the woods and mountainous areas.

• Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return

When you are out on the trails please keep the following in mind:

• Take your time

• Be careful when hiking up and down hills – especially if they are covered in gravel or lose dirt

• Watch your step if you are crossing a stream – rocks in the stream can be very slippery

• Do not leave trash behind

To locate a state park check out parks.ky.gov.

Reference: Kentucky State Parks. Explore hiking. Accessed on Jan. 5, 2010 at parks.ky.gov/explore/explorehiking.htm.Source:  Nicole Peritore, Get Moving Kentucky Coordinator, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture

Burning trash in a campfire

Whether you’re packing up your tent and sleeping bags for a weekend camping trip or simply planning an evening around a backyard fire pit, remember that garbage should never be burned in a campfire or fire pit.

Burning trash, even in small quantities, can release toxic pollutants, many of which have been linked to increased risk of cancer and other dangerous health problems.

These pollutants can be inhaled and even ingested when contaminants fall and settle on food or drinks.

Burning trash is not only harmful to our health and our environment’s health, but it is also illegal. Kentucky has an open burning regulation that prohibits burning plastics, Styrofoam, fabric, metal and slick-coated paper products.

Before you light your next campfire, remember to only burn seasoned, dry wood. Never burn plywood or wood that has been treated, stained or painted. Dispose of all trash properly, and recycle whenever possible.

For more information on open burning call 888-BURN-LAW or contact our Carroll County Solid Waste Coordinator Mitchell Perkins at (502) 732-7123.

ca: Kentucky Division for Air Quality: Open Burning. n.d. Retrieved on April 27, 2012 from air.ky.gov/pages/openburning.aspx. What’s Burning in Your Campfire? Garbage in, Toxics Out. 2004. Retrieved on April 27, 2012 from air.ky.gov/sitecollectiondocuments/whatsburninginyourcampfire_article.pdf.

Dates of interest

May-September:RiverView Farmers Market will be Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m., courthouse square; Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (or sold out) at Hometown Pizza; and monthly at First Fridays on the Courthouse Square  from 4-8 p.m. 

June 1: First Friday on the Courthouse Square, 4-8 p.m., Extension foods demonstrations.

June 2-9: Carroll County Fair.

June 5: Fun, Family Meals, 6 p.m., nutrition program at Carroll County Library.

Grace Angotti is Carroll Co. Extension agent for family acand consumer sciences. Call her at (502) 732-7030 or send e-mail to gangotti@uky.edu.