Philadelphia is lucky to have over 4,500 acres of forests, meadows, creeks, and wetlands. Even in the winter these natural spaces are alive with wildlife. Parks & Rec encourages you to take a winter walk. Look carefully. You’ll spot birds of all sizes (even owls!), chipmunks, squirrels, deer, and more. Even critters who hibernate, like groundhogs, may pop out for a mid-winter’s stretch and snack.
There are two ways to see the wild side of our parks:
- Use the trails that weave through the natural areas.
- Some of our local animals are small, so be sure to bring some binoculars!
- You may also want to bring a camera to capture any special moments while exploring our trails this winter.
- Take part in a group activity led by Parks & Rec’s Environmental Educators or our partners. You can learn how to identify animals, why they hibernate, and the signs they leave behind. Check out the latest events sponsored by our environmental centers and partner organizations:
Want to learn more about what you’ll see in the winter woods? Read these “Nature Notes” by Parks & Rec’s Environmental Educators:
- A secret ecosystem below the snow: the subnivium.
- Animals begin their long winter’s nap.
- Winter foliage in Fairmount Park
Check out some of the featured events below if you’re interested in exploring Philadelphia’s parks this winter. Don’t let the cold keep you away from enjoying Philly’s winter flora and fauna.
January events at Parks & Rec’s Environmental Education Centers
Herbal Candy Drops at Pennypack Environmental Center
When: January 12, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: 8600 Verree Rd, 19115
Adults with a mask can join Pennypack staff in the kitchen and cook down some horehound candy. Call to register at 215-685-0470. For more information on how to indulge your sweet tooth, check the event Facebook page.
Exploring Winter with the Naturalist at Pennypack Environmental Center
When: January 13, 2022 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: 8600 Verree Rd, 19115
Families with kids ages 5-10 can join Pete the Naturalist to explore nature in the winter. Call 215-685-0470 to register. For more information about Exploring Winter, check the Facebook page.
Project Feeder Watch at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center
When: January 13 and 20, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: 700 Cobbs Creek Pkwy, 19143
Learn about how to take part in the Project Feeder Watch citizen science program as we also observe birds at our feeders and discuss the best foods for our feathered friends. To find out more and RSVP, guests can check the Facebook page. Guests can also RSVP by emailing cccec@phila.gov.
Campfire Cooking at the Wissahickon Environmental Center
When: January 15, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: 300 West Northwestern Ave, 19128
Enjoy the warm campfire on a cold winter’s day and make your own lunch cooked an open fire! Learn some new recipes to try on your next camping trip. $5 per person, plus a favorite ingredient or two. Please bring a mask. Learn more about the Campfire Cooking event.
Hibernation Walk and Talk at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center
When: January 18, 2022 – 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and January 20, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: 700 Cobbs Creek Pkwy, 19143
It’s cold and dark. Do you wish you could go to sleep and wake up once it’s warm and sunny again? Learn how lots of our animal neighbors do just that, hibernating until spring. To find out more and RSVP, guests can check the event Facebook page. Guests can also RSVP by emailing cccec@phila.gov.
The Wissahickon in January
When: January 28, 2022 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Walnut Ln & Magdalena St, 19128 (Meet in the parking lot for the Walnut Lane Golf Club)
Join Andi, Debbie, and Jim on this approximately 4 mile hike to see what the flora and fauna of the forest looks like in January. People interested in this hike must register through the Friends of the Wissahickon website. Attendees must bring a mask for times in the hike when 6 feet distance cannot be maintained.
