Hiking
» Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania will lead a "signs of life" hike from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 23 at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Participants will look for signs of life above and below the snow. Cost is $2 for members, $5 for nonmembers. Call 412-963-6100.
» Venture Outdoors will lead a winter tree identification hike from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 30 at Frick Park. Participants will learn basic tree identification skills from local ecologists Tony Baumert and Henry Schumacher. Cost is $6 for members, $10 for nonmembers. Call 412-255-0564.
» McConnells Mill State Park will host a "beauty of winter" hike from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 12. Participants should meet at the Kildoo Picnic Area for a guided tour. Distance will be weather dependent, but dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Binoculars, a walking stick and a camera are recommended. Call 724-368-3612.
Events
» Cook Forest State Park will host a father-daughter equestrian tour through the park at noon Saturday. Participants will meet at Silver Stallion Stables for a tour through the pine orchards of Forest Drive and the Forest Cathedral. Cost is $100 per person, which includes basic riding instruction, a discussion on environmental topics and a scenic campfire meal prepared by a local chef. Participants must be at least 12 and weigh no more than 250 pounds. Pre-registration is required by Monday by calling 814-927-6636.
» Jennings Environmental Education Center is hosting a weekend of activities in the Laurel Highlands for adults 18 and older Feb. 11-13. There will be cross country skiing on Laurel Ridge, a snowshoe hike through Hemlock Natural Area in Laurel Hill State Park and a presentation by an "old-timer" from the Civilian Conservation Corps. Additional seasonal opportunities are in the works. Participants will stay at Laurel Hill Lodge. All equipment, meals and snacks are included, along with guides. Cost is $200, and enrollment is limited. Pre-register by calling 724-794-6011.
Birding
» Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania will host a program on owl anatomy and physiology from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. Participants will do a night hike to look for birds, see some live specimens up close, dissect owl pellets and more. Cost is $2 for members, $5 for nonmembers. Call 412-963-6100.
