Introducing Rural Intelligence Outdoors
One of the primary reasons people move to our region is because of what Hudson River School painters called “the natural world:” mountains, orchards, trails, waterfalls, rivers, rolling hills and the four seasons. Not to mention the vast variety of wildlife and spectacular views. To appreciate what is right outside our windows, we will be featuring a few of the activities in the Rural Intelligence region that will get you out of your armchair and into the great outdoors. Here’s what’s coming up.
Groundhog Day B.B.M. (Before Bill Murray)
How did blessing candles evolve into Groundhog Day? How often is Punxsutawney Phil correct? And, where did that tradition come from anyway? Certified Wildlife Biologist Pamela Price will speak on the history of Groundhog Day during a celebration of “all things groundhog” at Mud Creek Environmental Center in Ghent, NY. “There are so many different cultures that meld into this one tradition,” she says, “from German to Native American and even pre-Christian. And February 2nd isn’t arbitrary. It was selected because it’s midway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox.” Following the talk, there will be a half-mile walk through wetlands and fields. Fingers crossed that the Environmental Learning Center’s wild resident groundhog will NOT see his (or her) shadow. This event is for all ages.
Groundhog Day
Saturday, Feb. 2, noon-1 p.m.
Mud Creek Environmental Learning Center
1024 Route 66, Ghent, NY
(518) 267-3313
Free, but advanced registration (by phone) is required.
A Winter Wonderland In All Its Glory
“This hike is filled with resolving mysteries,” says Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist Dale Abrams. “In summer, you don’t see the foot-printed tale of who has come before you. Nor can you see the beauty of the naked branches and high canopy structure of the hemlocks and oaks.” During the ascent to the summit of Lenox Mountain, at 2100 feet, trekkers will take in three different vistas, an icicle-bedazzled brook and evidence of fishers, weasels, foxes, porcupines, coyotes and, maybe, a bobcat. The terrain is relatively steep. Roundtrip will be about 2-1/2 hours and adventurers are encouraged to bring hiking poles. Micro-spikes or snowshoes will be provided. This event is for adults.
Lenox Mountain Summit Hike
Saturday, Feb. 2, noon-3:30 p.m.
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 W. Mountain Rd., Lenox, MA
(413) 637-0320
$10 members, $15 non-members
Advanced registration is required.
More to do in the great outdoors
Feb. 2: Wildlife Tracking Walk with Flying Deer Nature Center, East Chatham, NY
Feb. 9: Winter Wildlife Tracking at White Memorial Museum, Litchfield, CT
And, maybe later…
“Chili” Weather Weekends at Millbrook Winery, Millbrook, NY
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