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The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District on Saturday will offer the first public event at the Broughton Nature Park since its recent purchase of the property.

Participants are invited to enjoy a self-guided walk along the Devola Multi-Purpost Trail, with luminaries lighting the way, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., according to a release from the district.

The experience is designed for all ages and skill levels to be a calm, family-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors after dark, the release said. Luminaries will be set up along the 1-mile trail, allowing hikers to choose a personalized distance. Following the hike, participants can warm up around a fire with complimentary hot cocoa and seasonal crafts at the Elizabeth Sugden Broughton Community Building.

“Experiencing the trails after dark offers a whole new perspective to appreciate the beauty of winter,” said Kara Musser, Conservancy District program supervisor. “Being active outdoors in the winter has many benefits, including boosting your immune system and improving your mood to help fend off the winter blues.”

Participants are encouraged to wear layers and dress for the weather and bright colors are recommended for visibility. The trail is an asphalt surface with several inclines.

The event is free.

A full calendar of events and more trail information is available online at www.mwcd.org.

The district announced its plans to purchase the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Area in September and completed the acquisition in January. The Broughton family, the district and the Marietta Community Foundation came together in partnership to oversee the transaction.

A political subdivision of the state of Ohio, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the district have been credited for saving over $9 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding according to the federal government, as well as providing recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy, garnering more than 5 million visitors annually.