Outdoors notices for Jan. 21, 2018

Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is holding an outing at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Join a naturalist for a free walk on the Reserve’s trails. Register online at aswp.org/events/8220

Pymatuning State Park is offering a Go Girls Full Moon Hike at 8 p.m. Monday. Participants will join the park naturalist on a hike while searching for creatures of the night. This event is open to girls from ages 10-15. Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and drinking water. Reservations are required by Jan. 17. The walk will begin at the Environmental Classroom located at the Jamestown Marina. To register, contact the park office at 724-932-3142.

Point State Park is offering a Squirrel Appreciation Walk from noon-1 p.m. Friday. Join the park naturalist for a one-mile walk while learning about squirrels. Be sure to dress for the weather. Inclement weather may cancel the event. Email ra-pointenved@pa.gov to register, or with questions.

Moraine State Park is holding its Ground Hog Stomp at 3 p.m. on February 2 at the Pleasant Valley picnic area on its South Shore. Join in for a hike beginning at Pleasant Valley, learn some animal facts and enjoy a ground hog themed craft. No ground hogs will be stomped during this celebration of the holiday rodent. Email morainesp@pa.gov or call 724-368-8811.

Venture Outdoors is holding a PB&J Snowshoe Intro from 1-3 p.m. on February 10 at Highland Park. Participants will begin with the basics of snowshoeing before enjoying a hike through Highland Park. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will be served afterwards. Children ages 8 and up are welcome to join. The cost for this event is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. Snowshoe rental is included in the fee. Email info@ventureoutdoors.org or call 412-255-0564.

Three Rivers Birding Club is holding an outing at Sewickley Heights Borough Park at 9 a.m. on February 16. Join Bob VanNewkirk for the Great Backyard Bird Count at the park before enjoying a pot luck luncheon. Please bring something to share with the group. Email VanNewkirk at van126@comcast.net or call 412-366-1694.

Venture Outdoors is offering a Presidents Day Walk from 10 a.m.-noon on February 18 at North Park. Join in for a morning walk at the park that will cover 2-3 miles. Participants ages 50 and up can attend for free. Email info@ventureoutdoors.org or call 412-255-0564.

Forbes State Forest is holding Tree Pruning 101 from 10 a.m.-noon on February 22. Join Forbes’ staff and learn the fundamentals of tree pruning before enjoying some hands-on practice. Dress for the weather. No prior experience is necessary. Registration is required. Call Celine Colbert at 724-238-1200.

Kevin Lohman is a freelance writer.