UPDATE @ 9:52 a.m.
The closure becomes effective at 2 p.m. today.
INITIAL REPORT
The warm weather spike has prompted Glen Helen Nature Preserve to close to the public Friday because of the damage that hikers could cause to environmentally sensitive trails, plants and animals.
Temperatures are expected to reach well into the 50s by Friday afternoon — and some places will see temperatures topping 60 on Saturday, according to Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist Eric Elwell.
The preserve will reopen on Monday at sunrise, facility officials said tonight in a prepared statement.
Glen Helen is at its most fragile when temperatures soar after the cold days of winter. To protect the trails, plants and animals from damage caused by hikers during these environmentally sensitive times, Glen Helen has made the difficult decision to close the preserve to the public when conditions are favorable for heightened damage.
Every year there are a few days when the ground begins to thaw.
The ground is very fragile when it is half frozen, and hikers can quickly turn trails to mud. Attempts to avoid walking through the mud result in damage to delicate plant life and ultimately widen trails, sometimes tripling trail width within one day.
Trail closures are designed to give nature a chance to recover after the cold days of winter.
The Glen will reopen trails when conditions are sufficient for hiker traffic. Land Stewardship staff will monitor trail conditions and notify visitors with signage and social media posts. The Glen Helen Ranger and additional staff will be present throughout the closure. Visitors are asked to monitor the organization’s Facebook page for the latest trail closure information.
Additional closures may occur through the first days of the spring season.
