First Day hikes are popular ways to kick off the new year in a healthy, outdoors-oriented fashion. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites people to take part in a First Day Hike Jan. 1 at MDC’s Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area on the west side of Branson. The 1,534-acre Henning Area is primarily forested and features a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities so participants should bring binoculars and cameras. MDC staff from MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center will lead the hike. This event, which is open to all ages, will be from 10 a.m.-noon. Participants will meet at the Henning Area’s main parking lot, which is located on U.S. Highway 76/376 three-fourths of a mile west of the Butterfly Palace. Hikers should wear weather-appropriate clothing and hiking shoes and should bring their own water.