Winter is here!

 

    With colder temperatures and snow beginning to fall in our area comes winter activities, and Beaver Creek has plenty of fun things to do this winter! Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available to rent, but we need at least six inches of snow out at the Reserve before we can start renting. Stay updated with us on our website and social media pages to be the first to know when rentals become available! Rentals cost $3 each for members and $10 each for nonmembers. 

    We also have our Christmas Bird Count which has different location options depending on the day. The Christmas Bird Count is an annual survey where bird lovers drive around their assigned location counting as many birds as they can see. According to the National Audubon Society, the history of the count is this, "Prior to the turn of the 20th century, hunters engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas 'Side Hunt.' They would choose sides and go afield with their guns—whoever brought in the biggest pile of feathered (and furred) quarry won. Conservation was in its beginning stages in that era, and many observers and scientists were becoming concerned about declining bird populations. Beginning on Christmas Day 1900, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the then-nascent Audubon Society, proposed a new holiday tradition—a 'Christmas Bird Census' that would count birds during the holidays rather than hunt them." Our first Christmas Bird Count is on Saturday Dec. 18th from 6:30am to noon in Holcomb, WI. Check out our events calendar on our website for more dates and registration deadlines. Other events to look out for are Snowshoe lacing where participants will learn how to make their own snowshoes, registration closes on December 23rd; as well as learning how-to cross-country ski for beginners. Make sure to check out our events calendar for more details.

    We also have virtual event options! On Monday December 20th from 10-11am, there is a presentation called "Night Lights: Bioluminescent Insects and other creatures that glow" where participants to get to "learn about the science behind bioluminescence, what insects glow and why they developed these mechanisms." Make sure to register for this event by Sunday December 19th. Another virtual event to check out is on Tuesday January 4th from 2-3pm, called "Navigating with Stars Around the World", participants learn about stargazing and navigation. Make sure to register for this event by Monday January 3rd. All registration is done on our website. Make sure to check out our events calendar for more virtual events. We hope the winter is enjoyable!