This season’s Friends of Dragon Run member hike will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8, at its Powcan property in Essex County near Millers Tavern.

This year’s hike will include a special treat. The beaver is a keystone species in the Dragon Run and this summer the group found that a new beaver dam had been built near the Dragon’s headwaters. “With reduced water levels the construction and extent of their engineering is on display,” a release stated.

The hike, the last member event of 2024, begins at 1 p.m. Those taking part are asked to plan for the weather. Wear shoes or boots to keep your feet dry in case of rain. Be prepared for uneven footing and possible muddy spots. Bring water and snacks for the hike. The Friends of the Dragon Run will offer light refreshments after the group’s return.

Hikes will start and end at the parking area and last for about two hours. There are no bathroom facilities on site. Let the Friends of the Dragon Run know if anyone in your party is under age 12 so they can plan their activities. The Friends of the Dragon Run requests that people leave their dogs at home.

To attend, register at www.dragonrun.org. This is a FODR member event. Non-members may attend if accompanied by a member. You can also join FODR at DragonRun.org/membership. Email hikemastersdragonrun@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Friends of Dragon Run is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Its mission is to protect, preserve and encourage the wise use of the Dragon Run watershed, a mission they fulfill through education, stewardship and citizen science.