Take a hike with the Ross County Park District

CHILLICOTHE — A group of hikers spent a windy first day of Spring at Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve as Ranger Joe Bost with the Ross County Park District led a hike.

Attendees learned about local plants and how they were used by our ancestors for medicinal and cooking purposes. Bost also talked about local wildlife and park history, like the old two-story house and cabin that were both once on the grounds.

While hiking to the cliffs overlooking Paint Creek Bost would regularly stop to point out various early blooming flowers and answer any questions people had along the way.

Bost said he loves working in the parks and bringing people closer to nature as it can be a form of therapy for many. Being away from the sounds of everyday life can help clear a person's mind and help them relax.

"It's mental therapy for myself and for our guests," said Bost. "There is something about being out in the woods."

Other scheduled walks include one on April 10, where hikers will discuss wildflowers and mushrooms, one on April 24, where the state flowers and trillium white will be discussed, one on May 8 where Mother's Day and blue phlox will be discussed and finally one on May 22 where daffodils and the areas history will be discussed. All walks start at 11 a.m. and are kid and senior-friendly with leashed pets being welcomed.

Bost encourages everyone to come out on these hikes even if they have already been on one since none are ever the same.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Ross County Park District plans educational and exciting hikes