Wright County Parks & Recreation has some exciting programs coming in February for those interested in enjoying the brisk outdoors.
From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, Parks & Rec will host “Woodworking for Wildlife” – a virtual class that will demonstrate how to construct a birdfeeder. The program will cover topics like birdfeeder placement, food types, bird types and walk participants through the step-by-step process of the constructing a birdfeeder. Cost of the program is $7 and includes the birdfeeder kit. Because the program is being held virtually, registrants are asked to come to the Parks & Recreation office at 3500 Braddock Ave. NE outside of Buffalo to pick up their kits. A maximum of 20 kits will be made up for this event.
For those looking to get out and about on Super Bowl Sunday before the big game, Parks & Rec will be hosting a Family Snowshoe event from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 at the Robert Ney Memorial Park Reserve in Maple Lake Township. Local naturalist David Grack will be the guide on the snowshoe event, pointing out some of the finer points of nature in the park. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $7 per person and snowshoes can be reserved when participants sign up.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, there will be a Sweetheart Snowshoe/Boot Hike at Ney Park. Participants are encouraged to bring their sweetheart out for a romantic lantern-lit stroll around through the woods around Ney Pond. Due to COVID-19 considerations, those needing to reserve equipment must do so in advance. There will also be no warm beverages provided as has been in previous years out of COVID-19 guidance. The event is free with the exception of those who need to rent snowshoes for $5.
Finally, from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, there will be a Lantern Cross-Country Ski event at Ney Park. The pond loop trail will be illuminated with almost 50 propane lanterns. This is a “come and go” event where participants can show up any time. The event is free, but participants will need to bring their own skis and poles because Parks & Rec has run out of the reserved skis in advance.
For those with any questions about any of these winter events, contact Wright County Parks & Recreation at (763) 682-7693 or email at ParksandRecreation@co.wright.mn.us.