The Friends of the Wissahickon invite the public to come in from the cold for free lectures this winter presented by FOW Trail Ambassadors at The Cedars House, Montgomery County. All lectures are free to the public. Registration is not required but is recommended, as seating is limited.

The upcoming events include--

-- January 6: Roads and  Road Houses of the 19th Century, 2-2:45 p.m.  Improved access opened the way for recreational users, hikers, and riders to explore the Wissahickon Valley in the early 1800s. This slide presentation on the roads and inns of the Wissahickon is presented by Trail Ambassador Sarah West, author of Rediscovering the Wissahickon Through its Science and History (1993).

-- January 20: What Tree Is That? Winter Tree Identification, 2-4 p.m. If you enjoy winter walks in the Wissahickon and want to practice your skills identifying deciduous trees without their leaves, join Trail Ambassador Peg Shaw for this exploration hike. The program will start in The Cedars House, where Shaw will review some of the techniques used to "read" trees in the winter. She will then lead a hike in the woods so participants can practice their new skills. If trails are not easily accessible, the hike will take place along Forbidden Drive. For more information send email to: pegshaw3521@gmail.com.

-- January 27: Winter Ice Is More than White, 2-3 p.m. If it is a good winter, it might be bright and lovely with snow and ice everywhere, but after a while it all looks alike. White, white, white. Trail Ambassador Bruce Wagner will present a slide show that enhances the many colors of white. Light is reflected and refracted in all manner of direction, and this whimsical exploration of a series of winter pictures shows the colors people often forget to see.

The Cedars House is located on Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Avenue in Wissahickon Valley Park. These programs are suitable for children ten and over, accompanied by a responsible adult. Lectures will be cancelled in the event of hazardous transportation conditions due to snow or ice.

Please check the FOW website for updates.

1/7/2013