The great gnome hunt

MHLC’s Summer Hike-a-thon Scavenger Hunt brought families out to explore nature in search of gnomes hiding at the preserves.

People love gnomes. Or so Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy discovered last summer when the accredited New York land trust hosted a Summer Hike-a-thon Scavenger Hunt. More than 530 Capital Region residents searched the land trust’s 19 preserves for hidden gnomes affixed to trees and other landmarks. Hikers who sent selfies with the gnomes were rewarded with ice cream from event sponsor Stewart’s Shops.

The pandemic-friendly event was a model for socially distant, yet engaging, outdoor interaction. Staff and volunteers designed and painted the small wooden gnomes, which were carefully hidden on the trails. Rhyming riddles offered clues to gnome hiding spots. One read, “Where is this gnome? I have my suspicion. I do believe that they’ve gone fishin’!”

To prevent crowding, MHLC extended the event dates, suggested alternatives for filled parking lots and asked participants to wear masks when approaching others. “Many community members expressed appreciation for having something fun to do during a time when the pandemic significantly limited entertainment options,” says MHLC Communications and Outreach Coordinator Carrie Stickan. “For some, the scavenger hunt brought them out to local nature preserves that they might not have visited otherwise.”

More than 140 photos were submitted and added to the event’s photo album. View the collection.