12 weeks of winter: Take a walk in the woods
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu
Taking a walk in the woods on a moonlit, snowy night is a magical experience. On a clear, calm night, with the snow helping to dampen ambient sounds, it can seem like you're in a different world. This is a great activity for families, especially now when the sun is still setting early in the evening.
Start at dusk and allow your eyes to adjust to the growing dark. Are you heading out under a full moon? Try leaving your headlamps and flashlights off—the snow will reflect the moon's light enough that you may not even need light to see the trail. If the moon is crescent or covered by clouds and you find you need some additional light, make sure to cover your flashlight with red cellophane to retain your night vision.
Walk quietly and stop frequently to listen to the sounds in the forest at night. What do you hear? Are there nocturnal animals moving around or calling out? Do you see anything in the soft glow of moonlight that you might normally miss on a daytime hike? When you return home, journal with words or pictures the sights and sounds of your nighttime adventure.
