Head outdoors for a dose of fresh air on January 19 when Hawk Mountain Sanctuary hosts Wild About Winter, a family-oriented winter event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hawk Mountain Visitor Center.

If the weather is blustery, there's no need to fear, as the majority of activities will be held indoors and are free of charge.

"Wild About Winter is our remedy to cabin fever," says Bookstore Manager Mary Therese Grob. "Hawk Mountain is a great place to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors-even if you still choose to spend your time inside watching whatever visits our bird feeding stations," she jokes.

Visitors on this day may enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and bird-friendly coffee while they learn from a volunteer naturalist how to identify common winter birds that visit the Sanctuary bird-feeders. Feeder interpretation will be continuous from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

A Sanctuary educator will present a live hawk or owl program, held in the downstairs gallery at both 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and in between, a Kids Activity Table (open from noon until 2 p.m.) will offer a station where young people can make a 3D snowman and learn more about animal survival and behavior during winter.

At 1 p.m., visitors may join in on a guided winter woods walk, which will be a relatively easy stroll of up to one mile. Participants should dress for weather and know that a trail fee of $6 adults, $5 adults and $3 children ages 6 to 12 will apply. The day will wrap up with the 2 p.m. live raptor program.

Those who wish to visit Hawk Mountain's scenic overlooks with younger children won't travel far. The closest lookout is just 300 yards from the Visitor Center. Hikers should dress for weather and wear sturdy shoes or boots, and information and tips on safe hiking is available.

Trails are not winter maintained, so avoid hiking in icy conditions or when trail conditions exceed your abilities. Trail fees cost $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6 to 12. Members and children ages 5 and under are free. 

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is located just three miles south of New Ringgold on Route 895, or 7 miles north of the I-78/Route 61 Cabela's intersection. Turn onto Hawk Mountain Road and follow to the Visitor Center parking lot at the top of the Mountain.

For more information, call 610-756-6961 or visit the Hawk Mountain website.

1/14/2013