Park Rangers Conduct Educational Winter Walks; Focus on Wildlife, Seasonal Outdoor Preparedness

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry has announced an upcoming series of outdoor walks focusing on wildlife and winter outdoor preparedness to take place on weekends in February at Chestnut Ridge, Ellicott Creek, and Emery Parks. Residents are invited to join Erie County Park Rangers Jerry and Chuck to learn more about native wildlife and plants and also learn ways to stay safe and warm while exploring nature in the winter.

“Our parks are beautiful all year long and are open to the public every day, so these walks provide a good opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of the other ‘park users’ who frequent the parks along with us humans,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.  “These will be fun, educational chances to gain a new appreciation for the natural beauty of our parks and I encourage residents to come out and enjoy.”

Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel Rizzo added, “Our Park Rangers are knowledgeable and well-versed in what to look for in the woods, so visitors can expect to learn something while they are enjoying the outdoors. While people may think that winter is a quiet season at our parks, they may be surprised to find the diversity of wildlife that is active at this time of year and will learn how to spot the signs of animal activity.”

Schedule of February Events in Erie County Parks:

Animal Signs Hike and Snowshoe Walk at Chestnut Ridge Park: Sunday, February 13, 2016 @ 2pm

Join Erie County Park Ranger Jerry and explore Chestnut Ridge Park as we look for winter wildlife signs.  We will identify animal tracks and scat, and learn about the wildlife living in the park. Please bring along binoculars (if you have them), a full water bottle or thermos, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy closed-toed footwear. If there is enough snow on the ground snowshoes are welcome and available for rent. We will meet by the large fireplace in the upper portion of the Casino.

Winter Outdoor Preparedness @ Ellicott Creek Park: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 @ 1pm

Join Erie County Park Ranger Jerry and learn about how to stay warm and safe while exploring nature during the winter. This program will cover how to dress, what to carry, and provide skills and knowledge to keep you safe in winter. Program will be held at the Ellicott Creek Park Casino.

Winter Ecology Walk @ Emery Park: Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 @ 1pm

Join Erie County Park Ranger Chuck on a nature hike through Emery Park and learn about how our local plants and animals prepare for and survive through the winter season. Please bring along binoculars (if you have them), a full water bottle or thermos, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy closed-toed footwear. The hike will start and end at the Ski Lodge.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/