Explore the Great Outdoors, Land O' Lakes

The presents are unwrapped, the ball has dropped and there is still another week to fill before school is back in session. Bouncing off the walls?

Try taking it outdoors.

"Hiking is great exercise and taking the family gives you the opportunity to bond and learn from each other. Kids of all ages are schooled in animals, environments and basic biology. I am sure they can teach parents," Not A Clue Adventures owner Jeanene Arrington-Fisher said. 

Arrington-Fisher, a local wilderness expert, Leave No Trace instructor and camping concierge, suggests checking out Conner Preserve and Cypress Creek Preserve, both in our own backyards.

"This is the perfect time of year to look for migratory birds," Arrington-Fisher said. "Most snakes and spiders are hiding once it gets cold, but with most of the leaves on the ground you can see deeper into the tree line making for better wildlife viewing."

• Conner Preserve, 22500 State Road 52 in Land O’ Lakes, offers 16 miles of hiking-only trails, 12.5 miles of unpaved cycling trails, free primitive camping (reservations required) and 5.2 miles of equestrian trails. A 25-acre model airplane site is open to Bay City Flyers Model Airplane Club members and spectators. For information, call 1-800-423-1476.

• Cypress Creek Preserve, 8720 Pump Station Road in Land O’ Lakes, offers 5 miles of paved and unpaved cycling trails, several miles of wooded roads for hiking, 12 miles of marked equestrian trails, fishing and camping— a free reservation is required. For information, call 1-800-423-1476.

And if the outdoors isn't your thing, but you've resolved to make it your thing in 2012, Arrington-Fisher can help. She provides myriad services, from guided hikes to fishing, hunting and camping instruction, as well as full concierge services—just show up with your clothes and a toothbrush (please), and she takes care of the rest. For more information, contact Not A Clue Adventures via the online information request form.