Ways to Stay Active and Environmentally Friendly During Winter Months

Ways to Stay Active and Environmentally Friendly During Winter Months

This week we discuss ways Westmoreland can help keep your mind flowing and active in environmentally friendly ways during the winter months, when hibernation may begin to creep in.

1) Conservation Corps

Maybe you're looking to learn more about environmental issues, or fulfill volunteer hours, or experience first-hand environmental stewardship and talk to a professional. Maybe you just want to get your hands dirty! Whatever the reason, our Conservation Corps Volunteer Days are eagerly awaiting you.

In fact, we have a Conservation Corps Day coming up January 15th, from 12-2pm. To find additional days and learn more about the program, click here. Participants will meet at the Sanctuary (address at the bottom of page), and should dress appropriate for all weather conditions.

2) Winter Nature Photography

Date and Time: Saturday, January 22nd from 3:00-4:30PM

No matter if you are looking to try something new, or have been around cameras for decades, you are guaranteed to learn something new during this program. You will be introduced to wildlife, landscape, macro-photography, and more. Learn how to explore Westmoreland’s diverse wildlife and landscapes through your camera lens. Techniques are applicable for all cameras/devices.

This program will be run by Patrick Carney, a Westmoreland Outdoor Environmental Educator. As an experienced photographer, Patrick encourages all skill levels and camera types (including cellphones!) to join him on this adventure.

More of these programs will be scheduled throughout the year. Please keep a look out for them as date are yet to be finalized.

Registration is required.

3) Floral Design: Spring in the Winter

Date and Time: January 28 from 7-9pm

From the newcomer to the well known artist, everyone has a good time when Nadia Ghannam is around. Create a beautiful, living floral arrangement by working with a variety of plant material, including forsythia, bulbs, and locally-sourced, organic, high-end flowers.

By the end of the workshop, you will have created your own living arrangements to take home and plant when the ground thaws.

Vases will be provided, and wine & hors d'oeuvres will be served. A sustainable gardening talk will be given by Westmoreland Sanctuary's Director of Conservation, Steve Ricker.

Registration is required. Participants are accepted on a first come, first serve basis and is limited to 25 participants.

4) February Break Camp for Kids

Dates and Time: February 22-26 from 9-12pm (half day) or 9-3pm (full day)

February school breaks always seem to pop up quicker than expected after the holiday break. Keep your child's mind active with a hands-on learning experience with curriculum that is Next Generation Science Standard complaint and NY State approved.

With guidance from a Westmoreland Sanctuary Naturalist, campers will enter nature and will be encouraged to explore their environmental interests in the sanctuary's woodlands. Campers will have the opportunity to partake in activities such as animal tracking, shelter building, fire building, and vernal pool exploration.

Registration is required.

5) Hiking!

Open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year, our hiking trails are free to use, well marked, and accessible for almost every age. Parking is free too!

Westmoreland trails are well maintained by Westmoreland Sanctuary professional staff, interns and volunteers. Our trail map is easy to follow with color-coded and well-labeled trails.

Our trail system is one of a kind! If you begin your hike, and it takes you longer than expected to hike a trail, our looped system makes it easy to venture back to base without hassle.

Keep Westmoreland Sanctuary in mind when if you begin to feel like it's time to get moving again. We hope to see you around the Sanctuary soon!

~ Westmoreland Sanctuary Staff