What is a Discovery Walk?
Discovery Walks are designed around a theme or idea, such as art, history, architecture, plants, or other unique and interesting things that I think up or that are suggested to me by other walkers. Sometimes I see an article in the newspapers, or I notice something while walking that gives me an idea. Discovery Walks are just a fun and easy way to learn a little bit about the city of Eureka, to notice things you might not normally notice, and to enjoy the walk, the company of other walkers, and the easy exercise.
How did the DWs get started?
I was a member of the Eureka Trails Committee, which was an ad hoc committee of the Eureka City Council, charged with drafting a city trails plan. For personal reasons, I had to resign from the committee just before that work was completed. However, one of the "brainstorming" ideas that the committee came up with during our many sessions was of thematic, topical, interesting and fun walks or tours. The name "Discovery Walks" also came out of that session. I loved the idea, so when I resigned, I asked the committee members if I could take the idea and run with it, and they agreed. Since then, I've been planning, organizing, and promoting the Discovery Walks.
Is there club I need to join?
There is no need to sign up or to register for any of the walks. Just show up at the time and place announced in the news and on the web site, or via the email list. You can sign up to receive the once-a-month emails, that are sent only as BLIND copies, so that no one can capture your email address for spam. Visit the
CONTACT page to sign up.
Is there a fee for the walks? Can I donate some money?
NO FEE - ALL WALKS ARE FREE.
If you'd like to donate, please donate to the Humboldt Trails Trust, an organization that was created to generate funding for all kinds of trails in Humboldt County. The Humboldt Trails Trust website is here:
http://www.trailstrust.org Are dogs OK?
Dogs are welcome- Within city limits, all dogs must be on leash. Please come prepared with plastic bags for clean up if necessary. You are responsible for controlling your dog and ensuring that it does not bother anybody, or that any body does not bother your dog.
How can I learn when and where the next walk will be?
Walks are usually posted in the news media within the week prior to each walk. Except for holiday weekends, all walks are on the fourth Saturday at 9:30am. You can also sign up to get on the email list to receive walk announcements by visiting the CONTACT page.
Is anyone else doing this?
There are some similar walks or tours in other cities- Vancouver, BC, has an annual Discovery Walk Festival,
(http://discoverywalk.org/) in the Spring; the About.com website (
http://walking.about.com/) has an extensive list of walking events and festivals, in addition to walking tips and advice; and there are a few nature centers and small towns that have monthly walking tours.
I'm disabled. What do I need to know?
Most walks are on city sidewalks, most of which are wide, level, and with bumps marked. However, most city sidewalks do not yet have ADA compliant curbs at corners. Some of the walks will go over rough ground, with no sidewalks, and that will usually be provided in the walk description and announcement. There is no interpreter provided for the deaf or hard of hearing. Persons with visual disabilities, who are capable of independent navigation, or who bring a sighted friend, are welcome. If you have any concerns, please ask the walk leader by submitting your question via the CONTACT page. Your safety and enjoyment of the walk are priorities.
