The Boyertown Area Times

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Trails reopen

- By Lisa Mitchell lmitchell @21st-centurymed­ia.com @facebook.com/northeastb­erksnews/

With Berks County in the yellow phase of the state’s reopening, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton reopened its trails to the public.

To ensure the health and well-being of visitors and employees, modified safety measures are currently in place.

“The safety of our visitors, members, staff, volunteers, and community remains most important. However, we are excited to finally welcome back the visitors and members who keep our local-toglobal work possible,” said President Sean Grace in a release.

The Visitor Center facility remains closed. Limited

outdoor restrooms are available and sanitized throughout the day.

To make trail admission run smoothly, Sanctuary staff ask non-members to either pay with exact cash or purchase an advance ticket and bring a printed copy of that ticket to the gate. Visit https:// www.hawkmounta­in.org/ to purchase tickets.

Members are welcome at any time with their membership card.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers a few rules of hiking etiquette during this time of social distancing, posted on their Sanctuary website.

Protect Others

Do not visit if you feel ill. Wear a mask. The uphill hiker has the right-ofway; step aside and allow others to pass. Announce your presence when passing from behind.

Protect Yourself

Consider a return visit if the parking lot appears crowded. Remain at least six feet from non-family members. If an overlook appears crowded, continue to another. Do not gather with others from outside your household.

Be Prepared

Carry a daypack with sanitizer, water, and snacks. Bring a mask and use it upon entry and when encounteri­ng other family groups. Carry out all trash. No pets are allowed on the Sanctuary. Restrooms are limited and cleaned twice each day.

Enjoy Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Don’t forget your binoculars and camera. Enjoy the big views and watch for soaring raptors. Use the space at North Lookout to spread out.

Trails are open daily. Visitor Center temporaril­y closed. Members are welcome at any time with their membership card. Visit https://www.hawkmounta­in.org/ to purchase advance tickets.

All on-site programs through June 30 are cancelled, but summer events will still be available. These events are either being transforme­d into virtual programs or modified to meet social distancing and other CDC guidelines.

An up-to-date listing of programs can be found at hawkmounta­in.org/ events.

 ?? FILE PHOTO - MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, Berks County, reopened its trails and lookouts. The Visitor Center remains closed. Bring exact cash for trail fees or purchase advance tickets online. Members are welcome at any time with their membership card.
FILE PHOTO - MEDIANEWS GROUP Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, Berks County, reopened its trails and lookouts. The Visitor Center remains closed. Bring exact cash for trail fees or purchase advance tickets online. Members are welcome at any time with their membership card.

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