Nature doesn’t sleep just because it’s winter.

Come out to Columbia’s Sesquicentennial State Park for a leisurely hike to explore the unique ecosystem known as the sandhills. You will see plant and animal life and enjoy the sounds of a pine forest.

The Winter Nature Walk is designed for families with children 6 and older. All children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

The 90-minute guided hike starts at 10 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 16) at the park office. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children 15 and younger and for South Carolina seniors. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for hiking. You can register by calling (803) 788-2706 or by email to sesqui@scprt.com.

In addition to the recently revamped Sandhills Hiking Trail (1.9 miles), Sesqui offers fishing, a 6-mile bike loop, kayak and canoe rentals on this 1,400-acre oasis just minutes from downtown Columbia.

There is a 3.5 mile Loop Road Trail for hiking and a half-mile nature trail. A retreat center offers a full kitchen and dormitory-style accommodations for overnight stays for group getaways or family reunions.

Leashed pets are allowed in most outdoor areas and Sesqui offers an off-the-leash dog park for $4 a day. Owners are required to provide current vaccination records and proof that their animal has been spayed or neutered to be able to use the dog park.