Madyson Cieszynski, left, and her mother, Michele Cieszynski, hike at McConnells Mill.Seb Foltz/Butler Eagle

The coming of warm weather and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions have combined to send more people back to the great outdoors.

“We've definitely seen a 50% increase in visitation in the last year,” said Miranda Crotsley, program coordinator at Jennings Environmental Center.

But before hitting the trails of Moraine State Park or Jennings after a year's layoff, park officials offer some advice.

“This is the habitat for the massasauga rattlesnake. They are small and shy snakes rarely seen on the trails, but because they do exist, we recommend people wear closed-toe shoes,” Crotsley said.

Crotsley also advised hikers at Jennings to have a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water with them. Light-colored clothing helps keep hikers cool.

Subscribers can read the full story tomorrow at butlereagle.com. Pick up a copy of the paper or subscribe online to read about more fun things to do in Butler County.

Hikers on warm days may come upon snakes in the warm rocks. These snakes were observed during a recent hike around the pond at Preston Park in Butler Township.Steve Sybert/Submitte photo

A butterfly on a blazing star in the Butterfly garden by Leadership Development Center on the Slippery Rock University campus on Wednesday July 11, 2018.(Justin Guido photo)