Winter at Beaver Hollow

There’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing, according to the Norwegian maxim,“Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” This is oft repeated throughout Scandinavia, where people grow up with a unique relationship with nature. Children are routinely sent outside to play – no matter what the weather.

Recent research tells us that we all need to get outdoors for our physical and mental well-being. Time spent immersed in nature helps to improve our mood, our memory and concentration, and our overall sense of well-being.

So put on your warm clothes, get your snowshoes, grab your kids, your grandkids, or the neighbors’ kids, and head over to Beaver Hollow! You never know what you might see. Walk to a frozen marsh and see otter breathing holes and otter slides. Sit quietly on the boardwalk, soak in the natural environment all around you, and watch for winter animals such as weasels, foxes and otters. You might even see an owl. Don’t want to snowshoe? Walk as far as the pavilion, sit awhile, and watch for birds visiting the newly installed bird feeders. The Friends recently installed four “bear-proof” bird feeders that hang 10′ off the ground. (This definitely presents a challenge to the local bears!)

Don’t have snowshoes? You can borrow some from the Friends. Our members purchased snowshoes that will fit people about ages 10 and up. They are available for loan to our members, school and youth groups, families – basically anyone who wants to try snowshoeing! We hope to purchase smaller snowshoes for younger children later this winter. Email us to arrange a loan, info@northpikescreek.org.

The Beaver Hollow Outdoor Nature Area is close to home, easily accessible, and available for you to visit anytime, any day. The looped drive will be plowed, and open, all winter.