One step at a time, the Sippican Lands Trust walked away from 2024 and into 2025 as they led a group on a hike to start the year off on the right foot.

The hike took place Wednesday, Jan. 1 and members of the land trust led a group on a three mile hike on their new Hoth property in Marion off of Route 6 through mostly wooded areas with cranberry bogs mixed in.

Land trust board member Alan Harris was on the walk and said while there wasn't a lot of wildlife spotted, there were plenty of different plants seen along the way.

"We found some old mushrooms, wintergreen and partridge berries," said Harris. "We did have a couple of Buffleheads, which are small ducks that come down here in the winter."

Harris said the land trust is a non-profit dedicated to protecting undeveloped land in Marion but in recent years, they have been trying to increase access to the land for the local community.

"People often need to be invited out so they can see the land themselves so they can feel like they have the confidence to go on a walk themselves," said Harris. "We want people to develop a connection to their local environment and it's excellent for your mental health."

He added that in 2025 the land trust is looking to get more people outside by trying to partner with the schools to get kids outside and they will have walks every month for people to participate in.