LivingGreenDecember
Don’t Settle in for that Long Winter’s Nap
With the holiday season approaching, how often do we hear “no gifts, please” or “the kids don’t need anything”? There’s a growing trend towards giving “experiences” rather than a tangible gift. What an incredible way to show our loved ones just how much they mean to us, during the holidays and all year round.
I challenge you to give yourself an experience as well. Make the Winter Solstice a time to breathe in deep that crisp cold air and find a new trail to explore, a new summit to reach. Our region saw several new river access projects this year, so you have more opportunities to connect to the water; to nature. Let the Pocono Forests and Waters wash over you and recharge your mind and body as the sun sets on this year. Did you ever notice that snow has a smell?
Take part in community events in your neighborhood that support local businesses, gather friends together, and celebrate the things that make your community unique. Listen to the laughter of kids, the content whispers of couples on a winter stroll. And while the wildlife might be less active, the forests hum a delicate song if you actually pause and take notice.
Come watch Bald Eagles nesting along the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers. The populations of these once endangered birds have made a stunning comeback, and they truly are a marvel to see. There’s magic in sharing that experience with your loved ones. Delaware Highlands Conservancy can help.
If your travels bring you to Pike County, be sure to check out the Pike Outdoors guide for lots of great info on trails, parks, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Promised Land State Park welcomes snowshoers, ice fishing, hiking, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling on more than 23 miles of groomed, designated trails (on both state park and state forest lands).
The trees may be asleep for the winter, but it’s still fun to wander through the woods.
Photos Included:
Cliff Trail (credit: Jessica Yoder)
Lackawaxen & Delaware confluence (credit: Jessica Yoder)
Lackawaxen River Access in Hawley (2) (credit: James Hamill)
Rock Hill Pond in Delaware State Forest (credit: Jessica Yoder)
Jessica Yoder is the Preservation Planner at Pike County Planning & Mapping. Jessica serves on the Pocono Forests & Waters Steering Committee, as well as the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee. She is a seeker of the paths less traveled and loves discovering what’s around the river bend. Jessica has a passion for connecting people to nature, and you can reach her at pikeoutdoors@pikepa.org . Visit www.pikepa.org/pikeoutdoors