It’s Snow Excuse to Stay Inside
We’ve all done it. When you wake up to a blanket of snow on the ground, really all you want to do is stay in bed. But if you succomb to this desire, you’re sure to miss a winter wonderland full of new things to see and experience in The Parklands.
Here are some ideas for getting outside and getting the most out of a snow day:
- Bundle up and go for a walk on one of our trails. The ice and snow clinging to the trees offers a beautiful site, and you’re almost certain to feel peace on a low traffic day in The Parklands.
- Look for animal tracks. Test yourself on squirrel tracks, deer and anything else you might encounter. Follow the tracks to see where the animals are going. Are they in search of food? Shelter?
- Grab your camera. This is a great opportunity to capture the park in a totally new light. From snowy landscapes to an iced-over Floyds Fork, you never know what you can capture!
- Watch for pop-up Parklands programs. Today, for instance, we’re offering a “School’s Out Snow Walk” led by one of our Interpretive Rangers. Use the snow day as an excuse to take learning outdoors.
- If you’re a runner or power walker, dont let the cold get you down. You’re less likely to get overheated and will build endurance in the extreme conditions. Just be sure to wear layers and the proper shoes, and wear bright colors to stand out in the white landcape.
- Pull on your waders and fly fish in Floyds Fork, or bundle up along William F. Miles Lakes and drop a line.
- If you’re subject to the winter blues, come bask in the natural light- amplified by the snowy white ground cover. You’re likley to feel your sprits lifted.
- Birding in the snow can be a real treat. Brightly colored birds may be easier to spot in the snow, and this tiem of year you might be lucky to spot migratory birds like Sandhill Cranes.
- If your family is getting a case of cabin fever, it may be time for a visit to the PNC Achievement Center for Education and Interpretation. There’s plenty to see and learn about in our museum exhibit, and the information and maps might just inspire you to head out for a hike.
- Playgrounds can be fun in the winter too- climbing up and sliding down might just get your blood pumping enough to warm you up.
- Build a snowman or create snow angels. And I won’t tell if you toss a few friendly snowballs at your siblings. Just be prepared for one to head back your way.
So, stay warm by getting outside this winter. I promise it’ll be more rewarding than hiding under the covers!
About the Author
Ellen Doolittle Oost
Ellen has been the Director of Development at 21st Century Parks since April of 2015. In this role she oversees fundraising functions for The Parklands, including the annual fund/membership campaign, corporate sponsorships, supporting the Board of Directors, leading major fundraising events, and seeking grant and foundational support. It’s her goal to create multiple compelling opportunities for donors to support The Parklands, a donor-supported public park that does not receive tax dollar support on an annual basis but has four world-class parks free and open to the public 365 days a year.
Although fairly new to this role, Ellen is intimately familiar with The Parklands as she spent the previous 3 years as the Communications Manager in charge of public relations, social media, community outreach and marketing for the parks. Before joining 21st Century Parks she spent three years with Louisville-based advertising agency Doe-Anderson. Her background also includes marketing and account service roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev, PriceWeber advertising agency, and direct mail marketing at Traffic Builders, Inc. Ellen is a graduate of Marietta College where she studied advertising, public relations and marketing and played volleyball. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her two mutts and her husband Andrew.