News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2000 BRILLIANT AUTUMN COLORS HIGHLIGHT EIGHTH ANNUAL CONKLE’S HOLLOW & HOCKING STATE FOREST FALL FOLIAGE EVENT HOCKING HILLS, OH -- Some of the best fall colors of the season will be seen at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve and Hocking State Forest, during the eighth annual Fall Foliage Event October 14-15. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) expects more than 3,000 visitors to attend the event, held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. "Conkle’s Hollow offers autumn visitors brilliantly-colored hills, winding trails and spectacular views of the Hocking Hills," said Stu Lewis, chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. "Naturalists will be on-hand to guide visitors to the natural and scenic features of the preserve." This year’s event features hikes along 3.5 miles of trails, including the preserve’s West Rim Trail. Forestry staff will serve visitors bean soup and cornbread at a 1930s cabin, as well as coordinate scenic hay rides. New this year is a re-enactment of a 1790s encampment, complete with period tents, settlers in pioneer dress and late 18th century cooking. The early Ohio settlers, portrayed by the Hockhocking Historical Trekkers, will set up camp west of the parking lot to show visitors what life was like for early pioneers. Managed by the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, the 87-acre Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is one of 123 state nature preserves. Known for its dramatic views and high-walled cliffs, Conkle’s Hollow features cliffs of Black Hand sandstone rising nearly 200 feet above the valley floor. Named after an inscription, "W.J. Conkle 1797," Conkle’s Hollow is home to Canada yew, teaberry, various ferns and several species of native orchids, as well as white-tailed deer, turkey, and beaver. The preserve is open sunrise to sunset year-round. For additional information, contact Mark Howes, preserve manager, at (740) 653-2541. To obtain directions to Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, visit the ODNR website at www.dnr.state.oh.us -30- For Further Information Contact: Heidi Hetzel-Evans ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves (614) 265-6520 -or- Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations (614) 265-6882