A large group of people decided to ring in the New Year by connecting with nature at a First Day Hike last Wednesday at Machicomoco State Park, Hayes. Interpretive Ranger Brenna Wade, at left (carrying her feline companion, Oleander, in a special backpack cat carrier), took visitors through the park’s trails at one of several ranger-led hikes at the state park. The normal $5 admission was waived that day, and people also got an opportunity to walk through Timberneck and see the latest work done by the Fairfield Foundation to the historic structure.