Niagara Region State Parks welcomes 2022

The Niagara Region of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has released the winter program schedule. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is highly encouraged, as programs tend to fill.

The schedule is as follows:

√ Saturday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m. to noon, “First Day Big Tree Hike” at Knox Farm State Park. Start the New Year off right with an invigorating hike through Knox Farm and visit the park’s largest trees. For more information and registration, call 716-549-1050.

√ Saturday, Jan. 1, 9:30-11 a.m., “First Day Hike” at Beaver Island State Park. Enjoy the crisp air and winter landscape while wandering through the park. For more Information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Saturday, Jan. 1, 2-4 p.m., “First Day Hike” at Fort Niagara State Park. Tour the Officer’s Club to view the murals and museum displays, followed by a walk to view the War of 1812 Cemetery, the lighthouse, and Old Fort Niagara from the parking lot. The fort is closed on New Year’s Day. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Sunday, Jan. 2, 9:30-11 a.m., “Forest Therapy with Tina” at Beaver Island State Park. Awaken the senses, be in the present, slow down and reconnect with nature. The walk will conclude with tea under the trees (tea is not provided). For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Sunday, Jan. 2, 10-11 a.m., “Winter Wonderland” at Artpark State Park. Take a walk where it all began, enjoy crisp air and wintery landscape while taking in the natural and manmade beauty. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Tuesday, Jan. 11, 6-7 p.m., “Trivia Tuesday” at DeVeaux Woods State Park. Come on out to play a game of “Nature Bingo.” Figure out clues to fill in spaces and compete for small prizes. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Tuesday, Feb. 8, 6-7 p.m., “Trivia Tuesday” at DeVeaux Woods State Park. Come on out to play a game of “Nature Bingo.” Figure out the clues to fill in the spaces and compete for small prizes. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Saturday, Feb. 12, 10-11:30 a.m., “Bird Walk Along the River” at Beaver Island State Park. Enjoy a leisurely winter walk through the park and along the Niagara River. See what winter birds are awaiting. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Saturday, Feb. 12, 10-11 a.m., “Birds on the Niagara: Buffalo Harbor” at Buffalo Harbor State Park. Celebrate winter birds while walking along the park promenade and looking for waterfowl, gulls and (hopefully) snowy owls. Dress for the weather and bring spotting scopes and binoculars, if possible. For information and registration, call 716-549-1050.

√ Monday, Feb. 14, 6-7:30 p.m., “Valentine’s Day Candle Lantern Walk” at DeVeaux Woods State Park. Happy Valentine’s Day! Make a lantern and discover the park at night with a walk through the old growth woods. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6-7 p.m., “Trivia Tuesday” at DeVeaux Woods State Park. Come on out to play a game of “Nature Bingo.” Figure out clues to fill in spaces and compete for small prizes. For more information and registration, call 716-282-5154.

√ Saturday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to noon, “A River of Birds” at Beaver Island State Park. During the winter, the Niagara River is host to diverse bird life. As many as 19 species of gulls and 40 species of waterfowl can be observed. Visit viewing areas along the East River Trail to enjoy this seasonal abundance. For information and registration, call 716-549-1050.