Lyme — Start off the new year with a hike through the woods.

The Lyme Land Trust is offering several small group walks throughout its network of preserves on Saturday, Jan. 1, each led by a board or staff member.

Morning hikes begin at 10 a.m. with an opportunity to hike the Pleasant Valley Preserve with forest ecologist Tony Irving. The 3.5-mile walk explores glacial geology and its effect on colonial agricultural practices. At 11 a.m., Lynn Richmond will lead a more than 2-mile hike through Selden Creek Preserve overlooking the creek and surrounding marshlands.

Scott and Denise Gravatt and their dog, Toby, take off at noon for a 3-mile hike of the Walbridge Woodland and Young preserves on the dog-friendly hike. Executive Director Kristina White will lead a 1 p.m. hike along 4 miles of the Jewett and Johnston preserves with her dog, Brady. At 1:30 p.m., John Pritchard will lead a 2-mile exploration of the Brockway-Hawthorne Preserve. The last hike of the day takes off at 1:30 p.m. from the Hadlyme Ferry parking lot for a 2-mile hike to Gillette Castle and its train trail, led by Wendy Hill.

Organizers said most walks are moderately easy to moderate. Hikers should bring a bottle of water. Inclement weather will cancel the hikes.

For the schedule of walks, including approximate end times, go to lymelandtrust.org or email education@lymelandtrust.org. Hikers are asked to register with the walk leader for the preferred time and location.