Tri-State Outdoor News

Winter is a beautiful time of the year in our Backyard Habitat. When the snow collects on the ground and drapes on the trees the beauty of nature shines. The evergreen trees stand out in the woods against the gray hues of winter. The leaves are gone from the crowns of the broad-leaved trees exposing an extensive network of branches.

The peeling tan and gray bark of the sycamore tree reveals a bright white trunk that can be seen from a good distance through the winter woods. Coming across even a small grove of sycamores is a powerful sight. Reaching heights up to 100 feet the trees are great sculptures towering in the woods.

The winter landscape gives us a chance to see woodland in a new way. A walk in the woods is a simple way to involve children in a nature experience that will keep them active and learning all year – nature activates all the senses and the imagination.

If you go for a day hike be prepared by packing some food and water. Warm dry clothes and shoes are a must and a good walking stick can be helpful on winter terrain. Start out early to give yourself enough time to return before it gets dark. Even for an experienced hiker it is always a good idea to let someone know where you plan to hike and when you plan to return.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars; winter offers some spectacular bird watching opportunities. The leaves no longer obstruct the view of the treetops – if you look up there are many things to see. Take notice of the birds and the wildlife that you encounter on your hike.

The author’s southern Indiana Backyard Habitat covered in snow.

If the area that you visit has a nature center stop in before you head out on the trail. Sometimes you can pick up checklist for the birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. I came across one checklist that included the tracks made by birds and other wildlife. When you know what to look for it increases your chances of seeing something new. If you have some exciting wildlife sightings from your checklist share them with the good people at the nature center; they can help you learn more about what you saw.

We are fortunate that many of our State Parks and State Recreation Areas in Indiana offer year-round interpretive/ nature centers. Patoka Lake in Dubois County and Lincoln State Park in Spencer County have fantastic nature centers that I have enjoyed visiting. To find one in your area check the Indiana DNR Recreation and Fishing Guide. For nature center hours of operation and a list of any activities call or go to interpretiveservices.IN.gov.

Nature preserves present many opportunities to keep children involved with nature during the winter months. Located in Vanderburgh County, Wesselman Woods and Nature Preserve is for me the very heart of Evansville. This is truly a special place to learn about and to observe the natural world in ways that will ensure a lifelong love of nature.

Throughout the woods on the preserve there are approximately 12 trails – each one gives a unique perspective of the woodland. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure to walk many of the trails. I especially love to venture on the trail that meanders through the woods and ends up at the outdoor amphitheater.

Wesselman Nature Preserve has an exceptional year-round nature center with an indoor area for viewing birds and wildlife that looks out into the wonderful woods. There are birds of prey and reptiles to meet too. Every Wednesday at10:30 the nature center holds Toddler Tales – a free activity that includes a nature story and a nature craft. At the nature center you will find the most extraordinary people; they make an extra effort to get children to interact with nature. Children will not soon forget their experiences at this special place. You can contact the nature center at (812)479- 0071. For more information go to www.WesselmanNature-Society.org or info@WesselmanNatureSociety.org. The wonders of nature are found in every season.