Local Students Learn to Snowshoe

The Allamakee County Conservation Board recently used grant funding to purchase snowshoes for promoting healthy outdoor winter activity and conducting programs in area schools. Snowshoeing has recently become one of the fastest growing outdoor winter activities. Schools in Allamakee County have coordinated with the Allamakee County Conservation Board in using the snowshoes during the P.E. sections.

Students are given a brief history of snowshoeing, instruction on technique, and assistance with putting on the snowshoes. Students then get the opportunity to go out into the open field and test their abilities. Students are instructed that if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Most students found that snowshoeing is great way to enjoy the outdoors and also get a great workout.

Snowshoeing will burn more calories per hour compared to other activities and works almost every muscle in your body. It is also a great way to experience the winter landscape seeing animal tracks, listening to winter birds, and viewing beautiful scenery. Allamakee County has unlimited opportunities for places to go snowshoeing.

If you don't have any snowshoes, consider renting a pair from the Allamakee County Conservation Board. The sets of snowshoes are sized for youth and adult. Rentals are available on the weekends for $5.00 per pair.  The snowshoes are available on a first come, first serve basis and can be reserved by e-mailing the Board office at accb@acegroup.cc or calling 563-568-2996. The snowshoes need to be picked up on Friday and delivered back by Monday at the Conservation Board Office located at 427 North First Street Harpers Ferry, Iowa.