Do you enjoy hiking, but worry about getting lost? If so, visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, Berks County for a Map and Compass Orienteering Workshop beginning at 10 a.m. on February 7 at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Visitor Center.

This is a beginner's workshop appropriate for individuals ages 14 and over, and costs $6 for adults, $5 seniors and is free for Hawk Mountain Members. To register, call Hawk Mountain at 610-756-6961 during business hours. Cost includes trail fee for the rest of the day.

While a useful skill for safe hiking, orienteering is also a competitive, international sport as well as a relaxing hobby. All orienteers use a detailed map and compass to find points across the landscape, but some opt to race to their finish while others choose to enjoy a walk in the woods.

During the Hawk Mountain workshop, participants will learn the basics of how to use a topographic map and magnetic compass together to navigate the terrain to an end point. Following an indoor lesson, participants will head outdoors for a practice orienteering hike on the Sanctuary trails.

Participants should bring a compass if possible, dress for the weather, including proper snowy-weather shoe attire, and carry bottled water and snacks in a daypack.

For more information, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961.

2/2/2015