Hills Creek State Park Complex Natural Resource Specialist Tim Morey is shown with a telescope.

Photo by John Eaton

“Snow or no snow, ice or no ice, Winterfest 2023 is a go and everything is free!” said Tim Morey, organizer. 

Winterfest is this Saturday, Jan. 21 with free, fun, family-friendly activities at Hills Creek State Park’s beach parking area in Charleston Township, eight miles from Wellsboro. The park’s address is 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, Pa. 16901. 

Cold temperatures with rain this Thursday, snow with no accumulation this Friday and no precipitation on Winterfest Saturday is the current prediction,” Morey said on Tuesday, Jan. 17. “Remember, Mother Nature has surprised us before,” he noted.

“We have no plans to be on the ice for skating on Saturday. Not a lot of snow is needed for sledding down Beach Front Hill but at least five inches is for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on park trails.

“I am excited about the programs and events we have lined up that don’t require snow or ice!” Morey said. 

Visitors can hike on park trails or participate in different types of guided walks or hikes.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Environmental Education Specialist Susan Schenck, will present information on discovering what wild-foraged plants can be used to make a warming winter beverage. Free recipes will be handed out. A Wild Winter Tea Tasting will begin at 12 p.m. and continue until gone. 

Members of the Tiadaghton Audubon Society will have several displays relating to birding from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will also lead two 30-minute guided birding walks from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Marshall Hamilton, Tioga Forest District (Forest District 16) service forester is leading a winter tree identification walk from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available to everyone from 11 a.m. until gone. Fire rings and burn barrels will help visitors stay warm.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. youngsters can make pinecone bird feeders to take home and with park staff explore what birds their homemade feeders might attract.

Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each family, with assistance provided by the Tiadaghton Audubon Society, can build a bluebird nesting box to take home free. Fifty boxes are available.   

Join Tiadaghton State Forest (Forest District 12) Environmental Education Specialist Vinny Curtis who is hosting a display on winter weed identification from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

He will also lead two 30-minute winter weed walks to identify winter plants in the area. The first winter weed walk will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the second from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the Tioga County Astronomy Interest Group between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to safely view the sun using special telescopes. As the peak of the 11-year solar cycle approaches, the special telescopes will make it possible to see sunspots and other prominences. In the event of heavy clouds, the group will demonstrate telescopes and specialized binoculars for viewing distant objects.

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. will be a Lumber Camp in Winter display and demonstrations. Join Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Educator Jennifer Haines for hands-on winter lumber camp activities. Crosscut saws will be available for visitors ages eight and older to try, if weather permits.

Snow and ice condition updates are posted at www.stepoutdoors.org and on Facebook at Step Outdoors Tioga PA. 

For more information, call Hills Creek State Park at 570-724-4246 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.