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Winter activities announced for local state parks

by jmaloni
Thu, Nov 29th 2012 03:05 pm

"First Day Hikes" kick off 2013 with fresh air and exercise

The Niagara Region of the Office of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced its winter 2013 programming, which starts with "First Day Hikes" on Jan. 1, 2013.

As always, events are free and open to the public, but registration is always encouraged due to limited space.

Activities are as follows:

First Day Hikes

What a better way to kick off the new year then by joining a park naturalist and others across New York state and the nation out on the trails on the first day of 2013?

Tuesday, Jan. 1

1 to 3 p.m.

First Day: Let's go to Niagara Falls!

Niagara Falls State Park

Start out your new year with a visit to the oldest state park in the nation. Enjoy a guided walk filled with fun facts of years gone by. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Tuesday, Jan. 1

1 to 3:30 p.m.

First Day along the Niagara River

Whirlpool State Park

The Niagara River has many stories to tell and mysteries to reveal. This gentle and scenic hike will give you some insight to the natural and cultural history (as well as conflicts and resolutions) of the Mighty Niagara. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Tuesday, Jan. 1

1 to 3 p.m.

First Day Hike with Views

Fort Niagara State Park

We'll view the Niagara River and Lake Ontario shoreline and hear river and lake facts and stories. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Tuesday, Jan. 1

2 until 4 p.m.

First Day Hike in the Woods

Wilson Tuscarora State Park

Let's start our New Year's resolution out on the right foot and go for a hike in the great outdoors. (If there's enough snow, it will be a snowshoe hike.) For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Jan. 12

10 a.m. until noon

Winter Tracking Fun!

Evangola State Park

A gait, a stride, a straddle or lope. A winter survivor that some how copes. A nocturnal creature that left a trace. Identify the tracks and make the case! For more information and registration, call 716-549-1050.

Saturday, Jan. 12

10 a.m. until noon

Ice Bridge Display and Walk to Prospect Point

Niagara Falls State Park

For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Jan. 12

1 to 3 p.m.

Winter Trail Days

Reservoir State Park

Come along and celebrate the 18th annual Winter Trails Day as we explore this recently renovated state park. We will offer snowshoeing, weather permitting. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Jan. 26

10 a.m. until noon

Chautauqua Lake Cross Country Ski

Long Point State Park

History and nature, old growth trees and more, ski the scenic views along the lakeshore. A glacial moraine rises above 1,300 feet and below Chautauqua's waters are considered the most deep. Bring your cross-country skis for a guided tour. For more information and registration, call 716-549-1050.

Saturday, Jan. 26

2 until 4 p.m.

Ice Bridge Display and Walk to Prospect Point

Niagara Falls State Park

For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Jan. 26

7 to 9 p.m.

Snowshoe Full Moon Hike

Buckhorn Island State Park

If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Join a park naturalist, strap on a pair of our traditional wood snowshoes and discover this state park when the moon lights it up. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Feb. 2

10 a.m. until noon

Groundhog Day Walk

DeVeaux Woods State Park

Happy Groundhog Day! Join us for a walk around the park and groundhog crafts to follow. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Feb. 2

2 until 4 p.m.

Ice Bridge Display and Walk to Prospect Point

Niagara Falls State Park

For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Feb. 9

10 a.m. until noon

Winter Tracking Fun!

Lake Erie State Park

A gait, a stride, a straddle or lope. A winter survivor that somehow copes. A nocturnal creature that left a trace. Identify the tracks and make the case! For more information and registration, call 716-549-1050.

Thursday, Feb. 14

7 to 9 p.m.

Valentine's Day Candle Lantern Snowshoe Walk

DeVeaux Woods State Park

Bring your friends, family, your significant other or just yourself out for a fun-filled night. Sip some hot chocolate while making your own lantern, then go and discover the night through folklore and star gazing. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Feb. 16

10 a.m. until noon

2 until 4 p.m.

Ice Bridges

Niagara Falls State Park

Shake off the winter blues and come learn about the ice bridges of Niagara. A display will be located at the Visitors Center along with a short guided walk down to Prospect Point to see if an ice bridge has formed. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, Feb. 23

10 a.m. until noon

Ice Volcanoes of Lake Erie

Evangola State Park

"Ice volcanoes" can erupt, leaving a bizarre lunar landscape of cones, vents, mounds, ice caves and craters. Discover frozen Lake Erie geology and the local connection to Fredonia State College. For more information and registration, call 716-549-1050.

Saturday, Feb. 23

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Birding on the River

Beaver Island and Buckhorn Island State Parks

Join us as we search for migratory waterfowl and other wintering birds found along the shores of the Niagara River. We will visit the lagoon overlook as well as a few of the many viewing areas you will find in our state parks on Grand Island. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, March 2

10 a.m. until noon

Ice Bridge Display and Walk to Prospect Point

Niagara Falls State Park

For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Saturday, March 2

2 until 4 p.m.

1st Annual Hot Chocolate Hike/Snowshoe

DeVeaux Woods State Park

Tired of being cooped up inside? Join us for a hike (or snowshoe) in the woods at DeVeaux. Then warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Don't forget to bring your favorite mug. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Wednesday, March 20

10 a.m. until noon

First Day of Spring Walk

Reservoir State Park

Spring begins today in the Northern Hemisphere. Emerge from winter hibernation and join a park naturalist on a walk through the park to rediscover the beauty of spring. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

Friday, March 29

6:30 until 8:30 p.m.

Night Sounds

Evangola State Park

Listen for the sleigh bell serenade of spring peepers under shooting stars and a copper Mars. Will the Wood Frogs quack and the Timber Doodles twitter? Do Screech Owls whinny and can Barred Owls call for dinner? Find out on a journey through dusk into the world of night. For more information and registration, call 716-549-1050.

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