What a great way to start-off Labor Day! Join renowned environmental activist, Judy Ackerman, on a 2.5-miles, very easy hike with just a 250-ft. elevation gain through Knapp Canyon. Hike in arroyos and on ridges near the Franklin Mountains State Park and learn more about basic hiking, landscapes and geology. See what has now been preserved and what still needs to be preserved. Learn about the importance of land preservation. Some walking will be off trail with very uneven footing. Meet at the corner of Mountain View and Zircon. (Directions below.) Bring 2 quarts of water, wear sturdy footgear, long pants, long sleeve shirt and a hat. Snacks and a camera are also recommended. For more information, contact Judy Ackerman at 703-622-0661 or jpackerman53@gmail.com.

Getting to Mountain View and Zircon is a bit tricky. Use these directions:

Go north on Alabama and continue north on Magnetic. (Or go south on Magnetic from Hondo Pass. On Magnetic, go one block north of Hercules (stop light). From Magnetic, make a left on Edgar Park (turn lane). If you are going south on Magnetic from Hondo Pass, take a right at Edgar Park. Continue on Edgar Park then turn left on Mountain View Dr (heading west toward mountain). Continue  to the end of Mountain View Dr., turn right on last street, also called Mountain View Dr. Go to end of block, T-intersection, that is Zircon.  Park at dead end of Zircon to your left.