Tim Borne, left, and John Feighner, right, both part-time residents of Lake Wawasee, enjoyed a brisk walk through the trails with their four-legged companions.

SYRACUSE — The Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s first Falltastic event was held Saturday, Oct. 17, and again today, Sunday, Oct. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Levinson-LaBrosse Education Center, 11586 N. SR 13, Syracuse.

Saturday visitors braved low temperatures and stiff breezes, but the afternoon sun warmed up the colorful trails. Those who stop by the education center will find a warm fire crackling in the fireplace, cider and snacks for sustenance and the smiling faces of WACF volunteers waiting to show you the trails.

“We wanted to bring the public out to the trails,” explained Pam Schumm, a member of the WACF board of directors which she described as a “diverse group of individuals,” many of whom are educators.

The board chose to enhance the typical fall colors tour with educational materials describing what animals, amphibians, trees and other organisms do to prepare for winter. Visitors will also learn how the fall and winter seasons contribute to lake quality. Other materials explain how wetlands improve water quality and reduce flooding.