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BY AMANDA PERSICO Staff Writer Those who visit the York Region- al forest system would not believe it was once a barren desert. Mth more than 2,000 hectares spanning 18 public forest tracts, it's a greening success story. ’After 5 massive white pine log- ging movement in the late 1800s. part of the forests were bare and The Hollidge tract, purchased by York County in 1924, was the first property to be re-forested, York Region forest stewardsz specialist Pam Fulford said. Last year, more than 6,800 peo- ple travelled through the forest. A Finding your way along the pathways is easy, but getting back to your car could pose a bit of a problem. Forest education specialist Lorie Parrott ofiers tips to stay safe in the woods. 0 Dress appropriately. Long pants, long shirt, closed-toe shoes and a hat. Having too many layers is better than not having enough. 0 Carry a light backpack with some water, snacks and some sani- tary wipes. '0 Bi'ing a cellphone and hike with friends. 0 Beware of poison ivy, a native species in the forest. If you see leaf- lets of three, let it be. If you encoun- ter poison ivy, rub area with sani- tary wipes and water. under their belts. Eureta and John Skinner will mark their 70th wedding anniâ€" versary today, but Mrs. Skinner said its just the latest one of many events the Stouffville pouple has been through together. “It hasn’t always been easy," she said. “We’ve had every pos- sible thing happen in (our) fam- ily, but it's all worked out.” _. Mrs. Skinner, 92, met Mr. Skinâ€" ner, 93, after he came to Canada from England when he was 17. The couple lived down the road from one another on Ninth Line. Couple celebrates 70 years of marriage ‘Don’t take anything 3 When driving into the forest, for granted,’ Eureta Skinner says Just call it another milestone “I knew I was going to marry BY ALYSHIA HIGGINS But ifyou plan to visit, be sure to come prepared with proper equipment, clothing Mrs. Skinner said. “There was no doubt about it. We were perfectly matched." The couple wed and had two children. Mrs. Skinner became a school teacher and Mr. Skin- ner served as a sergeant during the Second World War. When he returned, they added to their fam- ily, growing it to five children. Mr. Skinner became a brick and tile layer and then a main- tenance worker in a Whitby hosâ€" pital. While they've both been retired since 1975, their famâ€" A map book and compass can prove to be invaluable when you venture into the woods, especially if you become lost. take note of the green number sign tor is given a handy little map book - Stay on the trail system. If at the entrance. The green address for each tract. Trails and parking are unsure, don’t walk the entire length numbers also match up to a place shown on the map. of the trail. Walk to the first trail on the map. 0 When on a trail, follow your intersection then retrace your steps 0 Identify the park you are visit- ing. There are 18 tracts, some with connecting nails, all part of the York Regional Forest. 3 Before hiking down a trail, locate yourself on the forest bul- letin board at the entrance. 0 Before you enter dense forest. find yourself on the map. Each visi- ‘We never bluffed each other. We always said what we were going to do and we did it.’ ily has continued to expand. The couple now has 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Despite their career achieve- ments, military service and mileâ€" stones as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, Mrs. Skinner said there’s another major accomplishment worth mentioning. “We survived,” she joked. As for the key to a successful marriage, Mrs. Skinner was very clear. “Be perfectly honest and don’t take anything for granted,” she “We never bluffed each other. We always said what we were going to do and we did it." Today’s celebration takes place at PaIkview Vlllage Audi- torium, 12184 Ninth Line, from 1 pm. to 4 pm. All are welcome to. attend, best wishes only. 0 When on a 'trail, follow your steps along the map. 0 If you have a compass, fix your map to north by placing the map on the floor with the compass on top. Rotate the map until the north sign on the compass matches the north Sign on the map. You want to read the map in relation to the real world. Eureta and John Skinner soon after they met. The Stouffville couple will mark their 70th wedding anniversary today. 0 Stay on the trail system. If unsure, don’t walk the entire length of the trail. Walk to the first trail intersection then retrace your steps to get back. Travel farther along the trail next time. The York Regional Forest also hosts monthly public events and special guided tours for community groups. Pick your supplies and head to the forest for an educational hiking experience. Stoujflille Sunflfibune I Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 Here are some of the events taking place in the York Region Forest in the coming weeks: > Today: The Dirt on Bugs, 10 am. to noon at the Bender and Graves Tract at 17689 Kennedy Rd. Unravel the good and bad about forest insects and honey bees. D Sept. 27: Annual Fall Forest Festival, 10 a.m.t02 pm. at the Holâ€" lidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48. See the changing colour of the leaves and take a horsedrawn carriage ride along the trails. D Oct. 18: Forest Fishes and Fungi, 10 a.m.to noon at the Hollidge Tract, 16389 Hwy 48.Walk along the stream embedded deep within the forest and learn about the forest aquatic resources. FOREST EVENTS