Local hiking trails expert to speak to Sierra Club

NEWTON — Mike Helbing, president and founder of MetroTrails, will discuss and answer questions about trails in Sussex and northern Warren counties on Tuesday, October 10, at 7 pm, at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 1 West Nelson St. in Newton.
The talk is sponsored by the Skylands Sierra Club and is aimed at experienced and neophyte hikers alike.
Helbing, is a New Jersey native, started by hiking on the old Warren Railroad. Since then, he has become an expert in hiking all over the tri-state area. On most weekends, Helbing leads groups of outdoor enthusiasts on 15- to 20-mile hikes. He is also involved in the Warren County Board of Recreation and many trail organizations.
The organization he founded, MetroTrails, focuses on building trails by connecting small parks and public lands to one another to create large greenways, or by working with land preservation groups (government and otherwise) to help them get the most out of land acquisitions.
Anyone interested in hiking and the environment is welcome to attend. The event is free. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call Susan at 973-222-0274 or visit www.skylandsgroup.org.