First Day Hike at Fort Lincoln State Park
MANDAN - Start the New Year out right by participating in a "First Day Hike" at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park on Jan. 1.
Park Manager Dan Schelske will be leading a 1-mile hike through the park. Participants are to meet at the Visitor Center at 1 p.m. The hike is of moderate difficulty and participants should bring warm clothes suitable for North Dakota outdoors.
America's State Parks is promoting First Day Hikes which are being held across the country, providing state park visitors an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures that can be found close to home.
First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The New Year's Day program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. This is the first time that all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.
For more information, call Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park at 667-6340 or visit its website.
Holiday pet tips from Animal Behavior College
While we enjoy delicious, festive holiday foods, it's important to remember that what's good for us can possibly be harmful for our pets. A piece of turkey or chicken can cause more harm than good. Poultry skin is greasy and fatty for dogs and might cause diarrhea and/or an upset stomach. In some instances, particularly with older dogs, this can even cause or exacerbate pancreatitis. Poultry bones can splinter and cause stomach and intestinal issues, which may even require surgery in some cases.
Did you know that chocolate can be dangerous for most animals and especially for dogs? It can cause seizures, convulsions or even death. If you suspect your dog has eaten a sizeable amount of chocolate, immediately contact your veterinarian.
Don't know what to do with that fruitcake you received for Christmas? Don't give it to your pet! Peaches and plums contain pits which if ingested can cause intestinal blockage. The pits also contain trace amounts of cyanide which, needless to say, is toxic to pets and to us. Raisins can also cause kidney problems in dogs. Mushrooms, onions, chives, grapes, walnuts and macadamia nuts are also on the forbidden list, as is nutmeg, which can actually be quite deadly.
Christmas specifics: Mistletoe and holly are poisonous to animals. Make sure they are placed well out of reach. Live and artificial Christmas trees can also be a risk to pets and should not be eaten by dogs and cats. The water at the base of live trees is sometimes treated with a solution that keeps the tree alive longer and should not be ingested.