Little Traverse Conservancy and partners plan winter activities across region
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Looking for a lantern-lit snowshoe hike or a chance to learn about snowy owls?
The Little Traverse Conservancy has plenty of activities scheduled for this winter all across its Northern Michigan service region.
Winter Solstice Walk
When: 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21 at the Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve & Five Mile Creek Schoolhouse in Harbor Springs
What: Celebrate the coming of light this winter solstice with a lantern walk. Meet at the School House for hot drinks and cookies donated by Grain Train and then follow the lanterns to explore the Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve. This is a family-friendly event for all ages. Not comfortable walking through the woods? Enjoy the warmth and history of the old schoolhouse along M-119 just past Pond Hill Farm. Registration is required at landtrust.org or call (231) 347-0991.
Snowshoe & Brew
When: 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 at the Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Preserve/Biers Brewery in Norwood
What: Join conservancy staff to traverse through the preserve on snowshoe. The 1.5-mile trail passes through a mix of apple orchards, woods and farm fields and follows a section of Inwood Creek. After the hike, the group will gather at the brewery for drinks and pizza. Please bring your own snowshoes and park at the brewery. Registration is required.
Self-Care in the Winter
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday Jan. 17 at the Seven Springs Nature Preserve in Indian River
What: The Indian River Library‘s theme for January will be self-care and they are partnering with the conservancy by offering a snowshoe outing to get people outdoors and active in the New Year. Call the Indian River Library to register at (231) 238-8581.
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Hike the Elmer Johnston Preserve
When: 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19 at the Elmer Johnston Preserve in Harbor Springs
What: This program is designed for seniors. Come for a winter hike, and snowshoes will be provided if needed. Registration is required. Greenwood Foundation Winter Outing
When: 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Greenwood Foundation in Wolverine
What: The Greenwood Foundation is a privately-owned property near Wolverine that is protected with a conservation easement held by the Little Traverse Conservancy. Greenwood welcomes the public to explore this diverse property. A groomed trail for cross country skiers and a shorter route for snowshoers will be available. Please provide your own skis or snowshoes, although snowshoes are available for children under 12. Enjoy a bonfire, treats and drinks afterwards. Registration is required.
Snowy Owl Festival
When: 2-4 p.m. on Feb. 2-4 at the Hessel Schoolhouse/Avery Arts & Nature Center in Hessel
What: For three days, enjoy your chance to learn about and possibly see snowy owls in their winter habitat north of Les Cheneaux in the eastern Upper Peninsula. The Little Traverse Conservancy was a founding partner of the North Huron Birding Trail, which features a winter birding trail map. To learn more about the festival or to register, visit hesselschoolhouse.org or call (906) 484-1333.
Snowshoe Lantern Hike at the William B. Derby Preserve
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the William B. Derby Preserve in Cedarville
What: This activity is part of the Les Cheneaux annual Snowsfest. It is an open event with no registration required. For more information, visit lescheneaux.net/snowsfest.
For more information or to register for events, visit landtrust.org.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Conservancy and partners plan winter activities across region
