Get outdoors this winter with Berks County Parks & Recreation programs.
Programs begin with New Year’s Day hike and feature new guided hike series
Winter may have shorter days; but the Parks Department offers several ways for you to make the most of these days with some fantastic nature and outdoor recreation programs.
Our 2019 programming begins on New Year’s Day with a First Day Hike at Antietam Lake Park with your pet! We start a new guided hike series on Friday, Jan. 4 with our First Friday Footsloggin’ Guided Hikes, meeting at the Bingaman Nature Center.
Through the month we offer opportunities to learn about snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, which are great ways to enjoy the snow. We’ll also show you how to dress for the weather and outdoor recreation, since these activities can warm you up aerobically.
Since we don’t know when and how much snow we may get in our area, we are creating an email group of people interested in going snowshoeing or cross-country skiing if we get enough snow (6” or more) and parking lots are cleared to do a program. Sign-up for our Winter Pop-up Program (PUP) group by emailing rrichards@countyof berks. com with your email address OR call 610-374-2944 ext. 2611 to leave a message. We thank Nolde Forest EEC for use of their snowshoes, and Buchman’s Ski Shop for their continued support of our winter programs.
Berks County Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programs for all ages and interests! Here is a list of our January 2019 programs, which may be rescheduled or canceled due to extreme weather conditions.
Jan. 1: 10 a.m. to noon First Day Hike with your Pet at Antietam Lake Park, Angora Road Parking Area.
Start the New Year off right by joining us on a healthy late morning hike on the trails at Antietam Lake Park. The hike will be about two hours with some hills. Dogs on leashes welcome, as long as they are good with other dogs. Dress for the weather! Donations welcome for the Animal Rescue Leauge.
Jan. 4: First Friday Footsloggin’-Guided Hikes 1 to 3 p.m. at Bingaman Nature Center.
Get outside and get active! Join Environmental Education staff on a guided hike held the first Friday of each month as we enjoy the sights, sounds, and even smells of the forest during our excursion. Staff will lead each hike and use sustainable trail etiquette with Leave No Trace ethics.
Discover the park through new adventures with new friends, and get moving! In the event of inclement weather, the hike may be postponed. Wear appropriate trail footwear and warm clothing, and bring plenty of water. Contact jbrooks@countyof berks. com for more information, or call 484-509-2667.
Jan. 8: “Give a Hoot about Owls” - Second Tuesday Homeschool Programs 1011:30 a.m. at Bingaman Nature Center.
Homeschool students and their parents are invited to join Environmental Education staff for a series of programs designed to inspire children’s love for nature and the outdoors. Through hands-on activities and outdoor ‘play’, students can gain valuable insight into the environment all around them. Look for owls in the forest, discover the buzzing bees in our backyards, and be amazed by the aquatic wonders in a stream.
Programs designed to meet PA Academic Standards for Environment & Ecology, as well as STEM Education requirements. Adults must accompany their children, $7 per registered student, adults must attend with their child. Geared towards homeschool students in grades 1-4. Pre-registration required, contact jbrooks@ countyofberks.com, or call 484-509-2667 to register.
Jan. 10: Roots to Wings: Owls, What a Hoot! 10 to 11 a.m. at Bingaman Nature Center
These nature inspired programs are for children ages 3-5 and include handson activities, games, stories, and a craft related to the topic of the day. $5 per child, pre-registration required. Contact jbrooks@ countyofberks.com, or call 484-509-2667 to register.
Jan. 12: Sewing Circle“How to Sew on Binding” 10 a.m. to noon at Berks County Heritage Center, Bern Township. Bring a project you are working on, or join us for a different topic on the second Saturday of each month.
Jan. 12: Winter Nature Photography 10 a.m. to noon at Berks County Heritage Center, Bern Township.
Bring your camera and learn how to shoot great winter-time nature photos. The program will start with a slide presentation and cold weather tips and techniques. Then, professional photographer and instructor, Valerie Hoffman will lead us on an exploratory walk around the park, capturing great moments in nature. This is a free program for all ages. Dress for the weather. Call 610-3742944, ext. 2611 to register by Jan. 7.
Beginners Guide to Snowshoeing & XC Skiing 1 to 3 p.m.
Jan. 20 at Bingaman Nature Center
Jan. 27 at Blue Marsh Lake, Conference Center, Bern Township
Feb. 2 at Reading Country Club, Exeter Township
Winter is a great time to explore and get in an aerobic workout! Anyone can snowshoe and X-country Ski once you learn a few techniques. This program will also cover how to dress for the weather and activity; then we’ll put our newly learned skills to use by going on a hike! Snowshoes available in various sizes; and XC Ski kits can be rented from Buchman’s Ski Shop in Muhlenberg Township. Dress for the weather! Please register one week before program date to 610374-2944 ext. 2611.
These programs are presented by the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information on these programs or park directions, call 610374-8839, visit www.countyofberks.com/parks, or find us on Facebook and Instagram at “Berks County Parks and Recreation.”