1.

Cross-country Skiing

Try cross-country skiing on the hiking trail at  Plain Grove Fens Natural Area in Lawrence County! About an hour’s drive north of Pittsburgh, this 400-acre preserve features a wide, relatively level two-mile out-and-back trail that enters a hardwood forest and loops around an old field being restored to forest. (Visit again in spring to observe vernal pools alive with frogs and other amphibians.)

Ski the trail at West Branch French Creek Conservation Area in Erie County when there’s enough snow to cover the wooden plank walkway. Stay on the trail and do not venture into the wetlands, where thin ice can hide beneath the snow!

For additional places to ski, see snow shoeing below.

3.

Winter Camping

Reserve a rustic campsite at Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County, free of charge! Winter camping isn’t for everyone, but if you prepare with appropriate equipment, you can be rewarded with a peaceful experience. WPC’s largest preserve at 5,100-plus acres, Bear Run is home to diverse wildlife including black bear, bobcat and more, as well as a variety of bird species. Twenty miles of blazed hiking trails through woods and rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets make this preserve a must-visit any time of year.

You can also purchase tickets for a Winter Walk on the Fallingwater grounds during early January through mid-March to observe the house in its winter splendor. You might even see the waterfall frozen!

5.

Birding

See a variety of birds at virtually every WPC preserve! For example, at Conneaut Marsh Natural Area in Crawford County, you might see anything from geese and swans to juncos and even snowy owls. Miller Esker Natural Area in Butler County is mowed in late August, providing habitat for migrating or wintering birds such as American pipit, snow bunting and Lapland longspur. Bald eagle and numerous other species have been spotted at Sideling Hill Creek Conservation Area in Bedford and Fulton counties.

Many WPC preserves are listed as eBird “hotspots,” or locations where many people enjoy birding. When you use the eBird app, you can contribute observations to science and conservation. Visit eBird.org for information, directions to hotspots, the Pennsylvania Rare Bird Alert and more.

6.

Wildlife Tracking

Children will love looking for animal tracks in the snow (or mud) at any WPC preserve! Wait until the second morning after a snowfall to give local wildlife a chance to become active. (However, at higher traffic preserves such as Toms Run Nature Reserve in Allegheny County, most wild animal tracks could be obscured by domestic dog tracks.)

7.

Observing Nature

After a flood event immediately followed by a freeze, Cussewago Creek at Helen B. Katz Natural Area in Crawford County can leave interesting ice sculptures attached to floodplain trees. View portions of the creek from the trail.

Check out the work of nature’s engineers when you discover beaver dams at Katz and West Branch French Creek Conservation Area.

At Toms Run Nature Reserve in Allegheny County, hike the three-mile loop trail. About halfway around, you’ll be rewarded with a view of two-  to three-feet tall, snow-capped Allegheny ant mounds.

Take in breathtaking views of French Creek in its winter splendor at French Creek Hemlocks Natural Area in Venango County.

Winter Safety Guidelines

• Stay on trails, especially on preserves that feature wetlands, ponds and streams.
• Dress in layers of wool or synthetic fiber clothing (no cotton). Wear blaze orange, especially during hunting season.
• Stay hydrated, and bring water and high-energy snacks.
• Familiarize yourself with the property. Download or print maps--don’t always depend on cell service.
• Notify someone of where you’re going and when you plan to return.
• Bring a compass and think of a “safety bearing” – a predetermined direction to a safe location you can use if you get lost.
• Enable your GPS locator on your smartphone or smartwatch.
• Pack a first aid kit and flashlight. Know basic first aid skills.
• Keep a blanket and some food in your vehicle.