The People Supporting Our Parks and Refuges 
            --- Piney Woods Journal Submission 2016

So much of nature and wildlife preservation begins with deeply committed, dedicated folks who help establish these wonderful resources for us all. Ken Burns' six-part production for PBS on the history of our US national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges described many Americans who worked hard and convinced others to set aside and protect our public lands. Visionaries like John Muir, business leaders like Stephen Mather, government leaders like Theodore Roosevelt, and many others played key roles in establishing the network of natural resources that we can all visit and enjoy.

One of the more beautiful jewels in the necklace of public lands in Louisiana is Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is just a few miles north of the city of Monroe and right off US Hwy 165. It would probably take several typical PWJ articles to describe most of the educational, recreational, and environmental attributes of this refuge. Although I'm sorely tempted to do this, I'll direct attention instead toward some of the many people and the public-spirited efforts that helped establish this particular refuge starting just two decade or so ago. One of these public leaders, Ann Blosom Smith, took considerable time to describe for me how BBLNWR has evolved.

The "Blue Goose" (symbol of our national wildlife refuges) at the entry to BBLNWR


A plaque at entrance of BBLNWR commemorates the founding role played by George Mouk of Monroe. He communicated, lobbied, and negotiated for almost a decade trying to open Black Bayou Lake to the public. It had been privately owned as a members-only hunting and fishing club. Mouk tried mightily, but unsuccessfully, with local civic groups and state politicians to make the area a state park. When the city of Monroe bought the area as a back-up water resource, Mouk recognized the opportunity for the federal government to become involved. His involvement continued, even after the national wildlife refuge was established in 1997, as a member of the Friends of Black Bayou until his death in 2010.

The refuge, with a 1700-acre lake owned by the city of Monroe, is managed by US Fish and Wildlife Service under a 99-year lease. The founding refuge manager was Kelby Ouchley, who envisioned the eventual visitor center, pier, trails, environmental educational program, and other attractions. Ouchley also inaugurated the Friends of Black Bayou (FoBB) as a means to support the many plans for the refuge. Ouchley’s radio program “Bayou Diversity” aired on KEDM public radio, and he called for a meeting of interested community members at the Monroe News Star office. About 50 folks attended that initial meeting and a later meeting at the old 1880s planter’s home, on the adjacent Richland Plantation, that had been offered to Ouchley as a potential visitors center for the refuge. Although the plantation owners and partners who farm the land offered the house to the refuge, it needed to be moved. For this to be accomplished, the support group formed and registered as a 501(c)(3) organization and the recipient of the old house. The support group next tackled the project of renovating the old house, which was in bad shape, through lots of fundraising and four years of manual labor.

The Friends of Black Bayou started with ULM economics professor, Dr. Robert (Bob) Eisenstadt as its first president. He continued as president for about six years. It incorporated and eventually received non-profit designation so it could accept donations. One of its first big project was the building of the original 400-foot pier over the lake, using funds from FWS and International Paper. For its initial four years, Eisenstadt and Mouk concentrated on fund raising, while Ann Blosom Smith, as vice-president, focused on publicity work. They and others also did physical labor on renovating the old planter’s home as the refuge’s visitors center -- all under the direction of Dave Tyler, a retired Air Force officer who acted as the volunteer contractor. Tyler worked full-time for no pay, patiently instructing all who were willing, if many were quite inexperienced. Others at FoBBs took on diverse assignments, such as an early and big fundraising project of a "Friends Quilt" that was made of $50 squares bought by community members.

As Eisenstadt’s tenure as president of FoBB was ending, the group realized that the beautiful visitor center was not sufficient as an educational center due to the growing interest of many school groups and visitors. As Smith took over as FoBB president, fundraising for a Conservation Learning Center began. It was divided into two sides -- a "wetlab" classroom and a display area for live animal exhibits. With financial help from the FWS, the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, International Paper Foundation, Scott Foundation, and many other organizations and private citizens, a local builder began constructing the building. It was designed pro bono by a local architectural firm, Architecture +. In October 2005, the ribbon was cut for the Conservation Learning Center, turning over the key to the FWS.

Along the way, FoBB was named the nationwide Friends Group of the Year (2004) and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation's Governor's Conservation Award winner (2003). Several members of the group also received awards as volunteers and educators. Following Smith as FoBB president, Wallace Hardy served for five years, succeeded by Allen Dunn. Eisenstadt took the job again to finish the third year of Allen's term and continues as president until the end of 2016. Ouchley was the refuge manager until his retirement about five years ago when Brett Hortman took the position. Maury Bedford, the project leader over the five refuges in north Louisiana,Red River, D'Arbonne, Upper Ouachita, Handy Brake, and Black Bayou Lake, is temporarily serving now as the BBL refuge manager. Gay Brantley was the original educational specialist until she retired a couple of years ago and was followed by Nova Clarke. There were many others in FoBB who contributed to the development of the refuge, such as the late Jim Moore, the late Nell Odom, Dr Fred Groves and Amy Ouchley of ULM, Miriam Norris Schrock, Carol Mouk, Leslie Calhoun, and Gloria Dedmon.

Other volunteers at BBLNWR, elsewhere in Louisiana, and across the country also deserve praise and deep appreciation for helping make our beautiful national and state parks, forests, and refuges what they are today.

                             One of the signs along the Wilderness Challenge Trail (for children)

Tenacious Terriers  --- Piney Woods Journal Submission 2016

Dogs can be great companions on many outdoor and wilderness excursions. I grew up reading wonderful articles written by Ted Trueblood and published in Field and Stream Magazine in which he described the almost human personalities and eccentricities of some of his favorite hunting dogs. At various stages of my life, I have had close bonds with five or six dogs that accompanied me on many jogs, hikes, and rambles through the woods.

Having a dog or two is great encouragement for getting a bit more exercise, even if it's only a daily walk around the block. The dogs obviously like this or longer trips when they can use their olfactory senses and repeatedly "mark" their presence. Confinement in apartments and houses for long stretches of time certainly runs against the natural tendencies of many dog breeds, particularly certain types of small terriers.

Our latest family addition has been variously called Beebee, Trouble, or Scruff Bucket -- depending largely upon her recent conduct and our reactions to it. Back in March we rescued this terrier mix from loitering and scrounging in the parking lot of a local convenience store. She was undernourished and had an injured paw. Our vet said that she weighed only seven pounds and was between six and eight months old.

 

Jack Russell Terriers have received more recent attention and notoriety for their stubbornness, but many other small terrier breeds (Feists, Fox Terriers, and Rat Terriers) share similar characteristics. They are definitely feisty, lightning-quick, mischievous, entertaining, and eager to hunt for bugs, snakes, squirrels, mice, and most other small critters. Beebee has the head and body of a Rat or Fox Terrier and only the scruffy fur of a Cairn Terrier. Unlike some small terriers with short, stubby legs, she is has long, skinny legs.

Rat terriers are a storied dog breed that dates back centuries to rural and urban Europe. These dogs were bred specifically for family and public service in catching and killing rats, mice, and other above- and below-ground vermin. As more people left rural and farming lives and crowded into cities, lack of public sanitation and garbage accumulation resulted in dangerous levels of rat and mice infestations, as well as related diseases and plagues. A "ratter" was a city resident who bred these small, quick, long-nosed terriers and was paid according to the dogs' success in killing rats and other vermin.

President Teddy Roosevelt apparently had a particular fondness for these small terrier breeds. Wikipedia describes at least two terriers that the President and his family had. Jack was a Manchester Terrier and “absolutely a member of the family.” Scamp was described in another Roosevelt letter as a Fox Terrier who “is really an extraordinary ratter and kills a great many rats in the White House, in the cellars, and on the lower floor and among the machinery. He is really a very nice little dog.”

Almost all of our American Presidents received attention because they proudly owned a particular dog breed. President Obama spent considerable time selecting Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog, in part due to the breed’s hypoallergenic trait and one of his daughter’s allergies. George W. Bush’s dog, Barney, was a Scottish Terrier. Bill Clinton had a Chocolate Lab, and George H. W. Bush owned a Springer Spaniel. President Lyndon Johnson had beagles and created a small controversy by holding one called "Him" by his ears and walking him on his back legs. Richard Nixon described a Cocker Spaniel, "Checkers," that a donor had given his children in one of his memorable speeches.

Small terriers, like Beebee, can demand a lot of attention and watchfulness, or it certainly seems so to us, in comparison to the Labs and lap dogs that we’ve also owned. She is ever ready for adventures outdoor every time I start getting ready to leave home, and will accost dogs many times her size if given any provocation. With the ever-rising costs of vet bills and related food and care expenses, having multiple dogs is a luxury and a responsibility that many can’t reasonably assume. The special bond or relationship that forms between humans and their dogs, though, can seem priceless.

Our State Roads and Highways  --- Piney Woods Journal  2016

Our environment includes the social infrastructure through which we navigate our busy lives. There are serious threats facing this critical infrastructure as well as those threats confronting our natural environment.

Our transportation infrastructure is a vital inheritance and obligation that we can overlook in our headlong pursuit of life goals. We have greatly benefitted from some of the finest air, rail, and road systems that the world has ever known. Interstate and local transportation options, most created decades or longer ago, allow us personal freedoms and flexibilities that most second- and all third-world nations do not have.

This transportation infrastructure is affected, over time, by our political and social choices. Recent choices don't represent anything like the huge improvements that we saw about a half-century ago with air and ground transportation investments. Our interstate highway system is certainly one example. I can remember as a boy watching over many months the progress in construction of sections of I-20 between West Monroe and Ruston. I remember, too, how much easier it was afterward to travel through our larger cities. It seemed to take forever before to travel by auto through all of the east-west stop lights of cities such Birmingham on summer vacations.

One state newspaper recently carried a letter to the editor from a reader complaining about the condition of Louisiana highways, in contrast to those that he had driven in other states. Certainly, oil industry slowdown, state budgetary constraints, and extensive flooding damage in north and south Louisiana have negatively affected the quality of our state roads and seriously delayed some bridge maintenance and repair projects. Prospects in the short-term future do not offer promise for much positive change of these overall road conditions. Some have proposed higher gasoline taxes and more toll roads to try to generate needed funds, but these options are hardly popular ones.

Given existing road conditions with more potholes, cracks and erosion, Louisiana drivers can expect increased tire wear and replacement expense, as well as need for more frequent front-end auto alignment. How we drive our state roads makes some difference in tire and alignment expense. There seem to be two types of drivers -- those who seem generally unaware of potholes and road obstructions and hit these often and those who try to navigate carefully around most of these hinderances.

I wonder if there aren't a few lessons in life regarding what we notice and then focus our attention and what we ignore and just accept. Sometimes ignoring and just accepting obstacles might be OK; other times we pay a big price for these attitudes and behaviors. Some of us focus more attention on changing environmental realities and think more about their life-impacting consequences. Actually doing something meaningfully about our changing environmental realities is a huge challenge. We seem to have gridlock often between activists and those apparently attuned to other values and considerations. Finding common-sense compromises and even a few creative solutions shouldn't be too much to expect. The low public rating of national and state legislators suggests that they are not meeting public expectations though.

One hundred years ago in our state, perhaps the most common political slogan was we need "more good schools and good roads." Huey Long and other populist-minded leaders fully recognized the ballot-box appeal of responding to these voter sentiments. Louisiana transformed itself from 1915 forward through more and better paved roads and with road graters to make its many dirt and gravel roads passable after heavy rains. These improved roads particularly helped state farmers get their crops to market quicker and more reliably.

Good schools and good roads are a vital part of our social infrastructure. The state of our schools (K-college) and our roads seems among the best measures of our overall social health and well being. Let's hope we have more bipartisan support for strong investments in both.

Becoming a Hobbyist Beekeeper  ---  Piney Wood Journal Submission 2016

The worldwide decline in numbers and health of pollinating bees has certainly received a lot of public coverage in recent years, along with multiple reasons that have been suggested for causing this decline. There has also been unprecedented interest or curiosity among many about honey bees and beekeeping.

Some of this interest has come from individuals, couples and families who view beekeeping as a possible pastime and a means to do a little to help preserve the key crop pollination and environmental niche that bees fill. Many baby boomers who are in or near retirement years can remember the rural roots of their grandparents or great-grandparents who likely kept a bee hive or two on their ranches or farms. They have homes now in rural or suburban areas and also more spare time for hobbies than during their work careers.

Among these baby boomers, and also many people much younger, are those who yearn for a simpler and closer-to-nature existence. Some are very concerned about the state of our natural environment and issues such as healthier food consumption. Some are gardeners themselves or have orchards on their property for which pollinating insects can benefit the quality and quantity of crop yield.

There are currently 15 local beekeeping clubs active within the state of Louisiana and associated with the Louisiana Beekeepers Association. Anyone interested in learning more about honey bees and beekeeping can obviously go to a bookstore or library to find and read basic books on these subjects. As valuable as this information can be, it really can't compare with the more personal information and advice that veteran, local beekeepers can offer. Few "how to" books consider the specific area conditions and challenges that beekeeping in parts of the Deep South present. An example is one particular pest, the small hive beetle, which if unchecked can result in major hive problems in this region of the country..
Critical to beekeeping is hive location and recognizing the more important trees and plants upon which bees can potentially forage for pollen and nectar. There's quite a difference in some of these foraging sources even within a state such as Louisiana. Chinese tallow can be a very important foraging source for honey production in parts of south Louisiana while much less so in north Louisiana. Row crops such as cotton and soybeans can really help nearby hives produce surplus honey, but beekeepers must be aware of potential crop dusting and pesticide spraying that can be fatal to hives. Mosquito abatement efforts occur in many Louisiana parishes, and contact with those local officials can help prevent mosquito spraying near bee hives. Much of Louisiana has abundant wild growth of goldenrod in the fall that can be a great foraging source that allows hives to produce and store honey to keep the hives going through the winter months. Many beekeepers like to harvest their honey though before the start of this goldenrod bloom, usually in September, because the taste of goldenrod honey is often considered funky, earthy, and less than desirable.

Veteran beekeepers can help novice beginners get started and have a much higher chance of hive survival and productivity. They can give advice on how to purchase bees and the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing options, such as "packages," "nucs," or whole hives. Often beginners get interested in beekeeping and want to start in the spring, but they can find that some hive and queen suppliers are overbooked then. Checking several months in advance with these suppliers is recommended.

Some beekeepers start with little cost by catching swarming bees. How to catch swarms or to remove an existing hive of bees from a tree (a "trap out") can be easy or difficult depending on the actual situation and your knowledge of methods. Basic clothing, equipment, and supplies for beekeeping are just some of questions that beginners can have. There's almost always some time at monthly beekeepers’meetings for beginners to ask veterans specific questions that they may currently have.

Beekeeping clubs in the state vary considerably in terms of their history, number of members or individuals attending monthly meetings, and degree of formal programs and presentations at their meetings. The Hill Country Beekeepers, based now in West Monroe, started over 25 years ago with beekeepers meeting in Farmerville. Clubs often start with a some experienced beekeepers who meet and share knowledge and viewpoints, but grow over time as newcomers visit, benefit from the advice of veteran beekeepers, and join the club. Some clubs have fundraising efforts, post informative newsletters, and offer various membership benefits, such as "field days" when members can share knowledge and skills in working on actual hives.

The Louisiana Beekeepers Association holds an annual convention on a Friday and Saturday in early December each year with many beekeeping topics and presentations, as well as invite national and area vendors who sell beekeeping equipment and supplies. The LBA also sponsors an October field day on a Saturday each year at the Baton Rouge Honey Bee Research Lab at which demonstrations and advice are given for more and less experienced beekeepers. The official web site for the Louisiana Beekeepers Association offers contact information for a club fairly near to you, as well as information on the LBA's activities such as the annual field day and convention. A few of these local clubs in the state have their own web sites or Facebook pages. One Facebook site, Beekeeping in Louisiana, offers a means to reach and query many state beekeepers. If you have specific questions about becoming a hobbyist beekeeper, I'll try to respond to these (steve-payne1@live.com) or at least point you in the right direction.

Environmental Education for Louisiana Youth
Piney Woods Submissions -- 2016

The future of Louisiana’s natural environment depends on the awareness, caring, and responsiveness of younger state residents. The environmental movement of the 1960s and 70s saw the creation of the EPA and Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, and this concern for resource conservation and sustainability has continued and intensified for many. Youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts, FFA, and 4-H, have long fostered aspects of environmental learning and skill development. Many parents, also, have had a huge role in passing on these values and knowledge to their children.

Public and private schools certainly shape the environmental literacy and commitment of students through their curricula and courses in basic biology and other sciences. The extent to which these academic courses really promote student environmental values and knowledge is a function of individual teaching excellence and a variety of school resources that can help teachers attract student attention and stimulate their imaginations. Learning is often enhanced when students can work together in outdoor settings and can bounce questions and viewpoints off one another and teachers. If we could visit individual primary, middle, and secondary schools in this state, it probably wouldn’t take us that long to determine which schools and classes were really stimulating a lot of student interest, interaction and involvement.

Our public and private sectors have key roles to play in encouraging and supporting environmental education in our schools. The Louisiana Environmental Education Commission (LEEC), under the direction of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has held symposia, provided educational programming for students and teachers, and given awards and grants to public and private schools. LEEC grants are awarded annually to individual and team educators in K-12 grade schools as well as to post-graduate university researchers. Part of the LEEC’s role is also to publicize schools that have had exemplary student programs and achievements. A recent and specific initiative of LEEC along these lines of encouragement and recognition is the Green Schools Program. These programs are designed to reduce negative environmental impacts and costs, improve public health and wellness, and promote effective environmental and sustainability education. Its Green School Grants, up to a maximum of $5000, support projects that further the mission and goals of the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Program.

Green School grant recipients in 2015 included KIPP Central City Primary (New Orleans), Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School (Alexandria), St. Martin’s Episcopal School (Metairie), and Nesom Middle School (Tickfaw). Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School (Baton Rouge), Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans), and Baton Rouge Magnet High School were selected as Green Ribbon School Honorees in 2016, the first such recognition for Louisiana Schools. Brian Gautreau, appointed last year as Green Schools Coordinator, commented that there had been relatively less headway made so far in discovering exemplary environmental education programs in north Louisiana schools. Exceptions do exist, though, such as at West Ouachita High School. The West Ouachita FFA chapter in West Monroe was awarded a $2,000 grant in 2015 from the national FFA organization for its service-learning sustainable recycling project.

The future of environmental education in Louisiana faces challenges, including current state budgetary concerns and perhaps less funding for these and other worthwhile state programs. One way that outdoor enthusiasts can help at least a little is to purchase the specialty state vehicle license plate for environmental education. Purchase helps to fund grants for educators and students, the annual Environmental Education State Symposium, and other programs designed to further environmental knowledge and stewardship in Louisiana. The Office of Motor Vehicles can be contacted at 1-225-925-6146 to ask for the Environmental Education Plate and obtain a quote, or secured online at https://expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov/SpecialPlatesPublic/SpecialPlates1.aspx.

 Addressing the Evidence of Climate Change

--- Piney Woods Journal Submission 2016

I'm sure that almost all of us have heard or read about the issue of climate change and its projected impact on humans and the natural environment. Most earth scientists warn of drastic measures that appear necessary to prevent suffering and great harm from occurring in the not-too-distant future. The question seems whether we as have the moral, political, and economic courage to confront these huge environmental concerns and actually agree on paths to take. Our overall approach and success in this regard so far can certainly be questioned.

So many of us are busy with many day-to-day life challenges that only direct examples of environmental damage catch our attention. Even then, we as citizens often feel powerless to make any real difference in the debate and inertia about what to do. We know that traditional "factory" models of industrial production have given our country both great wealth and deadly serious environmental concerns. Many corporate business cultures provide a "mixed" bag of positive and negative environmental outcomes. In our country and many others there doesn't yet seem the political consensus to agree on practical changes to begin to cope with the evidence of harmful climate change.

Still the migration of those adversely affectedI'm sure that almost all of us have heard or read about the issue of climate change and its projected impact on humans and the natural environment. Most earth scientists warn of drastic measures that appear necessary to prevent suffering and great harm from occurring in the not-too-distant future. The question seems whether we as have the moral, political, and economic courage to confront these huge environmental concerns and actually agree on paths to take. Our overall approach and success in this regard so far can certainly be questioned.

So many of us are busy with many day-to-day life challenges that only direct examples of environmental damage catch our attention. Even then, we as citizens often feel powerless to make any real difference in the debate and inertia about what to do. We know that traditional "factory" models of industrial production have given our country both great wealth and deadly serious environmental concerns. Many corporate business cultures provide a "mixed" bag of positive and negative environmental outcomes. In our country and many others there doesn't yet seem the political consensus to agree on practical changes to begin to cope with the evidence of harmful climate change.

Still the migration of those adversely affectedI'm sure that almost all of us have heard or read about the issue of climate change and its projected impact on humans and the natural environment. Most earth scientists warn of drastic measures that appear necessary to prevent suffering and great harm from occurring in the not-too-distant future. The question seems whether we as have the moral, political, and economic courage to confront these huge environmental concerns and actually agree on paths to take. Our overall approach and success in this regard so far can certainly be questioned.

So many of us are busy with many day-to-day life challenges that only direct examples of environmental damage catch our attention. Even then, we as citizens often feel powerless to make any real difference in the debate and inertia about what to do. We know that traditional "factory" models of industrial production have given our country both great wealth and deadly serious environmental concerns. Many corporate business cultures provide a "mixed" bag of positive and negative environmental outcomes. In our country and many others there doesn't yet seem the political consensus to agree on practical changes to begin to cope with the evidence of harmful climate change.

Still the migration of those adversely affectedI'm sure that almost all of us have heard or read about the issue of climate change and its projected impact on humans and the natural environment. Most earth scientists warn of drastic measures that appear necessary to prevent suffering and great harm from occurring in the not-too-distant future. The question seems whether we as have the moral, political, and economic courage to confront these huge environmental concerns and actually agree on paths to take. Our overall approach and success in this regard so far can certainly be questioned.

So many of us are busy with many day-to-day life challenges that only direct examples of environmental damage catch our attention. Even then, we as citizens often feel powerless to make any real difference in the debate and inertia about what to do. We know that traditional "factory" models of industrial production have given our country both great wealth and deadly serious environmental concerns. Many corporate business cultures provide a "mixed" bag of positive and negative environmental outcomes. In our country and many others there doesn't yet seem the political consensus to agree on practical changes to begin to cope with the evidence of harmful climate change.

Still the migration of those adversely affectedI'm sure that almost all of us have heard or read about the issue of climate change and its projected impact on humans and the natural environment. Most earth scientists warn of drastic measures that appear necessary to prevent suffering and great harm from occurring in the not-too-distant future. The question seems whether we as have the moral, political, and economic courage to confront these huge environmental concerns and actually agree on paths to take. Our overall approach and success in this regard so far can certainly be questioned.

So many of us are busy with many day-to-day life challenges that only direct examples of environmental damage catch our attention. Even then, we as citizens often feel powerless to make any real difference in the debate and inertia about what to do. We know that traditional "factory" models of industrial production have given our country both great wealth and deadly serious environmental concerns. Many corporate business cultures provide a "mixed" bag of positive and negative environmental outcomes. In our country and many others there doesn't yet seem the political consensus to agree on practical changes to begin to cope with the evidence of harmful climate change.

Still the migration of those adversely affectedI'm sure that almost all of us have heard or read about the issue of climate change and its projected impact on humans and the natural environment. Most earth scientists warn of drastic measures that appear necessary to prevent suffering and great harm from occurring in the not-too-distant future. The question seems whether we as have the moral, political, and economic courage to confront these huge environmental concerns and actually agree on paths to take. Our overall approach and success in this regard so far can certainly be questioned.

So many of us are busy with many day-to-day life challenges that only direct examples of environmental damage catch our attention. Even then, we as citizens often feel powerless to make any real difference in the debate and inertia about what to do. We know that traditional "factory" models of industrial production have given our country both great wealth and deadly serious environmental concerns. Many corporate business cultures provide a "mixed" bag of positive and negative environmental outcomes. In our country and many others there doesn't yet seem the political consensus to agree on practical changes to begin to cope with the evidence of harmful climate change.

Still the migration of those adversely affectedI'm sure that almost all of us have heard or read about the issue of climate change and its projected impact on humans and the natural environment. Most earth scientists warn of drastic measures that appear necessary to prevent suffering and great harm from occurring in the not-too-distant future. The question seems whether we as have the moral, political, and economic courage to confront these huge environmental concerns and actually agree on paths to take. Our overall approach and success in this regard so far can certainly be questioned.

So many of us are busy with many day-to-day life challenges that only direct examples of environmental damage catch our attention. Even then, we as citizens often feel powerless to make any real difference in the debate and inertia about what to do. We know that traditional "factory" models of industrial production have given our country both great wealth and deadly serious environmental concerns. Many corporate business cultures provide a "mixed" bag of positive and negative environmental outcomes. In our country and many others there doesn't yet seem the political consensus to agree on practical changes to begin to cope with the evidence of harmful climate change.

Still the migration of those adversely affectedAlmost everyone has now heard or read about the issue of climate change and its projected impacts on humans and the natural environment.   Most earth scientists warn of drastic measures that appear necessary to prevent great suffering and harm in the not-too-distant future.  Still there are those who deny this threat, or at least question the severity of it.

Without the many vital resources from our global natural environment, we know that we cannot long survive.  So preserving and protecting our natural environment should be a primary and critical concern for all.  The question seems to be if or when we will have the insight to act upon evidence of large-scale environmental harm due to climate change and take appropriate steps. 

We as individuals are often so busy with many day-to-day life challenges that only dire or personal examples of serious environmental damage catch our attention.  Even then, we often feel powerless to make any real difference in the debate and inertia about what to do.   We are cynical of privileged and powerful interests who advocate a particular and favored agenda.  In our country and many others there doesn't yet seem a political consensus to agree on necessary changes to cope with the evidence of harmful climate change.   

Solving this dilemma will obviously not be simple or easy.   We might well agree, though, on certain values and needs:

1) recognition of at least some valid reasons for public alarm or concern;

2) need for some degree of actual responsiveness to threats, rather than a fearful paralysis and inaction;

3) need for dialogues in which key stakeholders impacted by evidence of climate change really listen to and learn from one another, without domination by the more privileged and powerful voices;

4) use of the moral imagination of scientists and other stakeholders in these dialogues in suggesting creative change potentials; and

5) assistance of fair-minded facilitators for these environmental dialogues, for subsequent decision making, and for administration of agreed-upon initiatives.    

Education is at the heart of any process to confront and cope with evidence of climate change.  Little will be accomplished until a “critical mass” of people become educated enough to perceive the life-or-death implications of climate change and until some “tipping point” of active public concern occurs.  Delay in our reaching this critical mass and tipping point means increasingly harmful environmental impacts as well as more difficulties and costs in preserving what remains of our life-sustaining natural environment.  Yes, we can do better, and do more. It’s a question of time, and our increasing knowledge and determination to act.

[June 2016 Submission]

Recreational Excellence at Lake Claiborne State Park

There are so many different recreational activities that can be pursued in our beautiful national and state parks. This issue I'm focusing on another of our state parks, Lake Claiborne, and a couple of sporting activities that are particularly enjoyable there.

Back in the early seventies, two of my friends and I were working or attending graduate school in the Monroe area. I'm not sure which of us initially got very interested in sailboats, but quickly the three of us decided to try to buy a small sailboat. Having very little spare money shortly after graduating from college, we decided to pool our funds and buy one. A doctor in that area advertised a used Snipe sailboat, and we purchased it jointly for a couple of hundred dollars. The 15-foot sailboat with a wooden mast was in fairly good condition, but we spent several months together repairing the hull, painting it, and purchasing accessories before launching it in Lake Darbonne. For a couple of years back then, individually or together we would take this sailboat out for a morning and/or afternoon cruise with family and friends.

We had great times and memories. A few scary moments happened, too, such as when thunderstorms developed quickly and we had to rush to dock the sailboat before the winds and waves could push the boat into a spillway. Although Lake Claiborne was a longer drive, it seemed a more attractive setting for sail boating than Lake Darbonne. I have to admit that I didn't send much time at the park other than on our sailing trips then, and my career soon took me away from this area. Recently, I returned to Lake Claiborne and the state park there to hike and explore a site that I hadn't visited in about forty years.

The park has miles of nice hiking trails and a beautiful scenic overlook of Lake Claiborne from one stretch of these trails. What impressed me the most on my visit, though, was how the state park had constructed two 18-hole disc golf courses that gracefully paralleled or joined parts of the hiking trails. The park guide explains that its two courses, the first completed in 2014 and the second in 2015, are the top and second ranked disc golf courses in Louisiana. The blue tees are for more skilled players while the red tees are for those less experienced at this sport.

I didn’t know much about this increasingly popular sport or game, but had noticed more of these types of courses in my trips to various recreational and nature areas. I quickly discovered that there are now thousands of disc golf courses in the USA and perhaps 10 million individuals who have played this game. Disc golf courses require no clear cutting of trees, no grading of land, and no costly mowing and fertilizing like regular golf course. If designed effectively, these disc courses can use the existing topography and terrain found in parks and recreation areas. Trees, streams, hills and undergrowth provide obstacles and challenges for players. Unlike regular golf, disc golf is relatively inexpensive for players. Having a disc or Frisbee is just about the only requirement. Disc golf is considered a great lifetime fitness sport that is accessible to folks of widely diverse ages and fitness levels, and it’s easy to learn the game rules.

Now I associate two very different recreational activities, sail boating and disc golf, with Lake Claiborne. Yes, you can enjoy these two activities in many locations in the area and state, but Lake Claiborne State Park stands out as a great destination for either.

[May 2016 Submission]  Environmental Education for Louisiana Youth

The future of Louisiana’s natural environment depends on the awareness, caring, and responsiveness of younger state residents.  The environmental movement of the 1960s and 70s saw the creation of the EPA and Clean Air and Clean Water Acts, and this concern for resource conservation and sustainability has continued and intensified for many.   Youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts, FFA, and 4-H, have long fostered aspects of environmental learning and skill development.  Many parents, also, have had a huge role in passing on these values and knowledge to their children.

Public and private schools certainly shape the environmental literacy and commitment of students through their curricula and courses in basic biology and other sciences.  The extent to which these academic courses really promote student environmental values and knowledge is a function of individual teaching excellence and a variety of school resources that can help teachers attract student attention and stimulate their imaginations.  Learning is often enhanced when students can work together in outdoor settings and can bounce questions and viewpoints off one another and teachers.   If we could visit individual primary, middle, and secondary schools in this state, it probably wouldn’t take us that long to determine which schools and classes were really stimulating a lot of student interest, interaction and involvement.

Our public and private sectors have key roles to play in encouraging and supporting environmental education in our schools. The Louisiana Environmental Education Commission (LEEC), under the direction of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has held symposia, provided educational programming for students and teachers, and given awards and grants to public and private schools.  LEEC grants are awarded annually to individual and team educators in K-12 grade schools as well as to post-graduate university researchers.  Part of the LEEC’s role is also to publicize schools that have had exemplary student programs and achievements. A recent and specific initiative of LEEC along these lines of encouragement and recognition is the Green Schools Program.  These programs are designed to reduce negative environmental impacts and costs, improve public health and wellness, and promote effective environmental and sustainability education.  Its Green School Grants, up to a maximum of $5000, support projects that further the mission and goals of the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Program.

Green School grant recipients in 2015 included KIPP Central City Primary (New Orleans), Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School (Alexandria), St. Martin’s Episcopal School (Metairie), and Nesom Middle School (Tickfaw).  Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School (Baton Rouge), Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans), and Baton Rouge Magnet High School were selected as Green Ribbon School Honorees in 2016, the first such recognition for Louisiana Schools.  Brian Gautreau, appointed last year as Green Schools Coordinator, commented that there had been relatively less headway made so far in discovering exemplary environmental education programs in north Louisiana schools.  Exceptions do exist, though, such as at West Ouachita High School.  The West Ouachita FFA chapter in West Monroe was awarded a $2,000 grant in 2015 from the national FFA organization for its service-learning sustainable recycling project.

The future of environmental education in Louisiana faces challenges, including current state budgetary concerns and perhaps less funding for these and other worthwhile state programs.  One way that outdoor enthusiasts can help at least a little is to purchase the specialty state vehicle license plate for environmental education.  Purchase helps to fund grants for educators and students, the annual Environmental Education State Symposium, and other programs designed to further environmental knowledge and stewardship in Louisiana.  The Office of Motor Vehicles can be contacted at 1-225-925-6146 to ask for the Environmental Education Plate and obtain a quote, or secured online at https://expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov/SpecialPlatesPublic/SpecialPlates1.aspx.

 

 

                

 [April 2016 Submission]          Leave No Trace

I have been visiting many state parks and wildlife areas in Louisiana, and occasionally I’ve profiled a few of the more attractive hiking and camping places in this journal.  Our state is fortunate to have these beautiful recreational sites for residents and out-of-state visitors.  Given state budgetary challenges for the future, we have to be concerned, though, about the maintenance or upkeep of these key resources.

Some state parks and recreational areas show a natural “wear and tear” of continuing public usage in little or more significant ways.  Other places stand out due to more recent construction or refurbishment.  For example, Palmetto Island State Park, about ten miles south of Abbeville, appears particularly well maintained and is a joy to visit.

      

The quality of our outdoor experiences in public parks and wildlife areas depends upon much more than the size of state funds dedicated to their maintenance or even the efficiency of their management.   All of us who visit and use these resources bear a stewardship responsibility. 

I can remember even as a boy the differences that I observed in the hunting, fishing, and other recreational practices of friends.  Some seemed appreciative and respectful of our forests, lakes, and wildlife areas, while others took much less care and even “trashed” sites in certain ways.  I believe, in general, and over decades, that people are becoming more respectful toward wildlife resources.  Still, there are increasing human demands on our national and state public lands, and some folks just don’t care that much or don’t know better.  Practices such as leaving food containers, picking certain wildflowers, or letting a dog run free in a sensitive wildlife habitat can have unforeseen and unintended consequences.  Education concerning the natural environment in our schools certainly helps, as well as peer pressure and reactions from those observing improper outdoor behavior. 

Fulfilling outdoor training and educational goals is the purpose of the Center for Outdoor Ethics and its “Leave No Trace” programs.  This national non-profit organization, started in the 1960s and based in Boulder, Colorado, sends teams to various locations as trainers and consultants.  On a first-ever “hot spot” trip for the organization to the state of Louisiana in November, Leave No Trace trainers, Katelyn  Stutterheim and Blake Jackson, spent a number of days meeting in the Lafayette area with students, the public, and wildlife professionals.   Bayou Teche and Bayou Vermilion resource development and preservation officials helped spark this “hot spot” visit.  It was the last hot spot of the year chosen by  Leave No Trace trainers to visit, with 16 different spots in the USA picked for its educational programs in 2106.

These LNT trainers always emphasize the organization’s seven principles of outdoor ethics.  The first is the importance of planning and preparation for outdoor and wildlife trips.  Mistakes, accidents, and littering often occur when humans are not prepared for the conditions that they actually encounter.  The second principle of Leave No Trace is to travel and camp on more durable surfaces where possible to reduce soil erosion and damage to sensitive areas.  The third principle is to dispose of waste in a proper manner.  If you pack stuff in, be sure to pack it out.  Better means to dispose of human excretory waste is a topic that some outdoor enthusiasts have not really considered.  A fourth principle is leaving what you find in parks and wildlife areas to allow others the beauty and discoveries that you experienced.

Smoky the Bear may have long trumpeted their fifth principle of minimizing campfire impacts, but more detailed examples, options, and precautions are part of what training experts can teach even experienced campers.   The sixth principle is as important as any.  Respecting wildlife means a knowledge and sensitivity of human impact, and minimizing these impacts when possible.  Consideration toward other visitors to parks and wildlife areas is a last principle, and this includes courteous sharing of trails and other resources, as well as limiting loud sounds or noises.  For example, on multi-use trails, both bikers and hikers should yield to horseback riders, while bikers should yield to hikers.

None of these seven principles might seem to go beyond what should pass as common sense, but actual practices in specific situations that more fully support these principles seem the real value of Leave No Trace training.  Previous focus by park and wildlife officials was usually on warning signs or slogans,  enforcement efforts, and penalties.  More recent priorities have been placed on explaining to the public the “whys” or reasoning associated with rules or regulations.  When the public understands better the potentially negative consequences and costs associated with infractions, their environmental IQ rises beyond just better rule acceptance. 

I have to admit that in several cases I had not really recognized possible consequences associated with certain of my own common outdoor practices.  Effective trainers can offer research studies and cases showing how certain habits can be less than beneficial, yet can be modified to reduce their potential adverse consequences.  These trainers also have skill in gaining the active involvement of training audiences, often children and adolescents, by asking them first to handle actual situations and make own choices. 

Much more information on wildlife ethics, conservation, and training opportunities can be found on the Center for Outdoor Ethics and Leave No Trace web site (www.LNT.org).  Membership in the organization and contributions for its educational mission are certainly welcomed.

[March 2016 submission]   Cycling Treasure in Lincoln Parish

There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There is an incredible variety of sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some that even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss. Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural love and affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among adult men and women. And I not referring to sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals. Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that the favorite adult outdoor activities were 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching. According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting was the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities. In terms of the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents. Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%). Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting are much less highly ranked relative to other outdoor activities than adults favored these.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities or cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been dominant pastimes, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media attention and commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a brief discussion of bicycling as one of the more popular outdoor activities.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner or hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location. I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a bit of fear of getting on public roads and encountering some auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road. That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails or paths. There the only concern is my hitting a unforeseen rock or root and a different sort of crash landing. Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations.

Many local parks and recreational areas in the state have paved or unpaved trails to challenge biking dedication and energy levels. Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails. It's even been promoted as one of the top mountain trail bicycling challenges in the country. The Lincoln Parish Park just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville is a beautiful place to visit for rest and relaxation, as well as go for a true bicycling adventure. I'm glad to be able to spend a day there recently. I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this and the over three-mile beginners trail there was a good challenge and workout for me. I really needed a mountain bike for some of the advanced trail. My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy for the larger roots and bumps at times.

Much of the credit for creating this biking and recreational treasure in our region goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park in the nineties. For those currently interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about various biking trails and events in the state. You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and beginners trails at the park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails. Several available YouTube videos of bike riders encountering parts of the advanced trail can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.


Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, along with a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing. Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees. Rag and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.
There are incredible sensory experiences and rewards from outdoor life, and some of these even very seasoned hunters and fishermen miss.  Although so many of us in the Deep South have a natural affinity for hunting and fishing, other outdoor activities rival these two now in popularity among men and women.  And I’m not including sports or games such as recreational football, baseball/softball, tennis, and golf which have millions of participants.

The Topline Report for 2015 of American Outdoor Recreation Participation is sponsored by the Outdoor Foundation and involves surveys of almost 11,000 individuals.  Based on its 2014 polling, the report indicates that America’s favorite adult outdoor activities are 1) running, jogging and trail running, 2) bicycling (road, mountain and BMX) and 3) bird watching.  According to this measure of the frequency of cited participation by surveyed adults, hunting is the fifth popular activity with many times fewer overall outings per year than the first-rated and second-rated activities.  As far as the percentage of all survey participants who claimed that they participated that year in outdoor activities, running, jogging and trail running scored highest with 15.8 percent of respondents.  Trailing this were fishing (15%), bicycling (12.8%), and hiking (12.4%).  Among non-adult survey participants, those under the age of 24 in this 2015 survey, fishing and hunting were much less highly ranked, relative to other outdoor activities, than adult respondents had ranked hunting and fishing.

These survey results likely don't reflect outdoor priorities and cultural traditions in the Deep South where hunting and fishing have long been so popular, but perhaps such surveys should lead to more media commentary about popular outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing. I've described several outstanding hiking locations in this state in previous months, but this month I'm turning to a discussion of bicycling as an outdoor activity.

I have to confess that I'm much more of a runner and hiker than a bicyclist, but I do occasionally enjoy getting out my old hybrid bike (a cross between a road and trail cycle) and trying an interesting location.  I'd do a whole lot more bicycling if I didn't have a little fear of riding on public roads and encountering auto drivers who are ill prepared for sharing the road.  That isn't a problem on most outdoor trails.  There my only concern is hitting a unforeseen rock or root and having a different sort of crash landing.  Many folks are more adventurous and capable than I am on a bicycle and venture more often to various biking destinations. 

Many parks and recreational areas in Louisiana have good paved or unpaved trails to challenge cycling skill and energy levels.  Yet there is one place in particular that many recommend for its diverse assortment of easy, moderate and very demanding bike trails.  It's even been promoted as one of the top 20 mountain or trail bicycling challenges in the country and the best found in the Deep South.  The Lincoln Parish Park, just outside Ruston on the road to Farmerville, is highly recommended for its tranquil beauty, as well as a bicycling test and adventure.  I was glad to spend a day there recently.  I'm hardly capable of making it through all of the ten miles of the advanced or expert trail, but riding parts of this, the almost four-mile beginners trail, and some of the paved pathways was a good challenge and workout for me.  I really needed a mountain bike, though, for some of the advanced trail.  My hybrid bike and tires were a bit flimsy to navigate over larger roots, branches, and other trail bumps.

Much of the credit for creating this biking bonanza in Lincoln Parish goes to Frederick Hoogland and James Ramsaur who envisioned and developed the park and biking trails in the nineties.  On a typical day at the park, you’ll encounter a diverse assortment of outdoor enthusiasts, including retirees, Tech students, children, and folks just taking a break to eat lunch in a beautiful setting.  Swimming, boating and fishing opportunities exist on the park's 30-acre lake, which has a nice sandy beach area for sunbathing.  Many picnicking and cookout areas can be found nearby under the abundant pine trees.  RV and camping sites are available near the lake, as well as a well-equipped playground facility for children.

For those specifically interested in trail or mountain biking, the Louisiana Off-Road Cycling Organization (LOCO) offers a web site (www.locomtb.com) and information about this and other biking trails and cycling events over the year in the state.  You can also visit Turbo Goat, the bike sales and repair shop in downtown Ruston, to get local cycling news and to be better prepared for a ride on the advanced and other trails at this park.

You don't actually have to visit the Lincoln Parish Park to get a vivid impression of the types of challenge found on its bicycle trails.  Several YouTube videos currently available on the internet show experienced bike riders negotiating parts of the advanced trail, and these can put you behind the handlebars for their rides.  These videos can never substitute, though, for exploring the many park trails on your own leisure and at your own level of cycling skill.