WinterFest at Wittenbach Wege Center Takes to Great Outdoors
The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 am to 3 pm
By Emma Palova | contributing writer
1/31/2024 ||
Come out for some healthy winter fun at the Wittenbach Wege Center this Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 am to 3 pm, to beat those winter doldrums. Sip on hot cocoa for a buck and munch on free popcorn. A day of activities includes both indoor or outdoor projects, or take-n-make home projects, as well as prepare for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a citizen project in its 27th year, that takes place in your own backyard, local park or wherever you spot a bird, and submit your observations online at birdcount.org.
"We encourage all people to get outside and enjoy the season whenever possible," WWC Director, Courtney Cheers, said. "Staying active in winter helps get through the gray days with a positive attitude. We hope our activities spark an interest to take to great outdoors this winter."
The Beginning Orienteering or Leave No Trace Training outdoor class starts at 11 am. You can learn the basic part of the compass, how to read and find a bearing, determine pacing stride for estimating distance, and experience the sense of direction without a compass. "Here you learn the seven elements of Leave No Trace," Cheers said.
Weather permitting, you can put on your snowshoes for the day, participate in the Crazy Squirrel Obstacle Course, or snowman building and digital scavenger hunt. Inside the center, there will be bird crafts, as well. Make pinecone birdfeeders, learn how to make your own suet, paper fabric birds and embroidery art. "We have community hoops of burlap cloth and yarn where people can contribute to our snowflake embroidery," Cheers said.
An archery station will be set up for people of all ages, as well as a demonstration of how WWC makes ice candles for winter events.
The Winter Waggle-Virtual 5K challenge for the month of February is organized in partnership with the Lowell YMCA. You pick the pace and place, as long as its outside; you can snowshoe (rental is $5), ski, run, walk, hike or waggle, any Sunday in February, from 1 pm to 4 pm. Register anytime during the WinterFest and you will receive your snowflake medal, based on an honor system, or you can email ccheers@lowellschools.com. There's no need to check in once you've completed the race. The cost is $15 for individuals, or $30 for family of up to four people, and includes snowshoe rental. Pay by check or cash, only. Full 5K or one- mile Fun Waggle options are available. The proceeds support habitat restoration and conservation efforts at the WWC.
"Run with friends, take part in a 5K meet up or complete on your own," Cheers said. "We would love to see you post about your virtual 5K experience and show your support for the WWC." You can post photos to the WWC Facebook page using #WwcWinterWaggle5K or send to ccheers@lowellschools.com.
"We always hope for the perfect winter day, sunny, six inches of powder snow and 25 degrees," Cheers said. "Thank goodness there is always hope. No matter the weather, we hope people come out for some winter camaraderie and find the joy in winter."
If you have questions, contact Courtney at ccheers@lowellschools.com or 616-987-2565.
