Ever done a Plawking Event? If not, here is your chance! So, what IS Plawking? It is Picking up Litter while Walking.
Event postponed due to forecasted inclement weather – updated 3/22/2024
On Tuesday, March 26th at 2 p.m., we’re going to give back to the community and walk a stretch of the Field Club Trail while picking up litter. Meet at 39th & Marcy Streets in Omaha (parking on the west side of the trail). Keep Omaha Beautiful will provide the equipment, but you might want to bring your own gloves.
Here’s the March/April 2024 newsletter for your reading pleasure: March – April 2024 newsletter If you’ve been thinking about getting a club shirt, check out the options in the newsletter – it’s a time-limited deal!
Not mentioned in the newsletter is our March 20th free walk at 11 a.m. at The RiverFront for Women’s History Month. (Remember that free walks don’t earn Event Credit if you are a book stamper.)
We’ll be sending out a Trail Mail toward the end of March, just to get you all geared up for National Walking Week, April 1st – April 7th.
Wednesday, March 20th: Women’s History Month Walk at The RiverFront
Join The Trailblazers for this free event. We’ll walk through Gene Leahy and Heartland of America Park and on to Lewis and Clark landing as we learn about significant women in local, national and world history. These women have contributed to our history through arts, activism, science and politics to name a few. We hope to see you there.
Meet at The Arch 11th & Farnam at 10:45. Start walking at 11:00 a.m. rain or shine. Free event. Leashed dogs and strollers welcome.
We’ve got 16 walks lined up – just in the first half of 2024! Take a look at the calendar, here: 2024 Calendar – first half They include some free walks during National Walking Week and a variety of locales and difficulties that should have you reaching for your calendar. The cost of our regular walks is now $4, up $1 from last year due to a large increase in the cost of insurance.
We’ve had to retire some of our Seasonal and Year-Round Events, but we’ve added a six-county long Seasonal Event – the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska – stretching between Valentine in the west and Norfolk in the east. This is only available via our Online Start Box on myava.org.
We’re looking at some fun summer activities – think wineries, balloons and trail runs for charity. You’ll want to check back often here and on social media to stay updated.
Of course, our club meetings, held on the first Monday of the month between February and June, September (2nd Monday) and December, are still fun, social places to be. You’re always welcome to take part in club business, listen to a speaker and to enjoy refreshments and conversations after the meeting.
Reminder: you don’t have to be a club member to take part in any of these activities. But if you would like to join for only $10 ($15 families), here’s the application with the mailing address printed right on it, so you can send it in while you’re thinking about it.
Our annual Lights Walk will be held this Saturday, December 2nd. Thanks to a generous grant from Omaha’s The RiverFront, the normal walk fee will be waived for all participants!
This is a great family event. We’re offering a 5k or 10k marked route through the Holiday Lights Festival, with directions and map. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome. In the spirit of the season, we are participating in the diaper drive for Lydia House. Diapers, wipes and cash donations will be gratefully accepted.
When: Saturday, December 2nd. Registration between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., event ends at 8 p.m.
Where: KANEKO, 1111 Jones Street, Omaha, NE 68102 (metered parking and pay lots are available nearby)
A couple of things to emphasize from the newsletter:
Elections for our 2024 Club Officers and 2023 Walker of the Year will start online on November 20th. Look for your email from netrailblazers@gmail.com. The link is good for two adult club members in the same household. Those who cannot vote online may vote at the December 4th club meeting. All nominees are running unopposed, so unless a nomination “from the floor” is made during voting, voting in person will be limited to either a “yes” or a “no” by voice vote. No ballots will be printed or mailed.
Our December 2nd Lights Walk, starting at KANEKO at 4 p.m. looks to be a huge event, based on feedback we’re seeing on Meetup and Facebook. Can you help by bringing cookies? Can you help staff the event? A SignUpGenius link to volunteer was previously sent out. If you missed it, just drop us a line, letting us know how you’d like to help.
And here’s a quick look at upcoming events for the next month:
Friday, September 15 starting from the Plymouth County Historical Museum in LeMars, Iowa, 10 a.m. to noon start times, 5k and 10k routes available, $3 fee. Dogs and strollers welcome on the trail.
Wednesday, September 20 starting from the Leahy Mall, 6 p.m. start of “How Sweet It is!” walking tour. Registrations have closed for this event, but email netrailblazers@gmail.com to be put on the wait list. No fee to attend. Dogs not allowed. Not suitable for strollers.
Thursday, September 28 starting from Tom Hanafan Park in Council Bluffs. 5k Group Walk starting at 10 a.m. $3 fee. Dogs and strollers welcome.
Saturday, September 30 starting from Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. 5k Group Walk starting at 10 a.m. $3 fee. Dogs and strollers welcome on the trail.
Saturday, October 7 starting from Peak Performance in Omaha, 9 a.m. to noon start times, 5k and 10k routes available, $3 fee. 5k Group Walk starting at 10 a.m. $3 fee. Dogs and strollers welcome on the trail.
Saturday, October 14 starting from St. James Methodist Church in Bellevue, NE, 10 a.m. start time for 5k or 10k group walk. . $3 fee. Dogs and strollers welcome on the trail.
Now, for the fine print:
You must come 15 minutes early for all group walks to fill out paperwork and pay required fees.
Details, such as starting point addresses and walk ratings can be found on our website at: 2023 Walk Calendar
Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. Let’s explore the new trails at Hitchcock Nature Center, just north of Council Bluffs, Iowa!
The group walk will start promptly at 8 a.m. from the Loess Hills Lodge. Come 15 minutes early to pay and to sign paperwork. Remember that there is a $5 per car park entry fee in addition to the $3 per person walk fee.
We will hike a couple of new trails, Prairie Pass and Lotus Loop, approximately 3.3 miles of moderate difficulty. There is an option to go to the ski hills, which adds 1.6 slightly more difficult miles. Recommend sturdy shoes, walking sticks, water and insect repellent. This walk has great views, but expect some hilly hiking. Camping available. This walk is not stroller friendly but leashed dogs are allowed.
Hitchcock Nature Center is located at 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA.
