Despite our tendencies toward hibernation, winter is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. With over 600 acres of woodlands, meadows, ponds, and car-less paths, Genesee Country Village & Museum offers opportunities for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing along the trails and paths of the museum. Nature Sundays, held through spring, are a weekly opportunity to hike the trails, embark on a themed “story walk,” or visit the Nature Center lodge to learn more about the native plants and animals of the Genesee Valley, all in an open, physically-distanced environment.
A special feature of Nature Sundays is the opportunity to snowshoe and cross-country ski on not only the trails but through the Historic Village as well. Guests can bring their own equipment or borrow snowshoes from the Nature Center (as available). Get fitted with a pair of snowshoes, take a quick lesson around the lawn, then head out to explore the snowy trails and village lanes. Visitors are asked to call ahead for walking conditions and check-in at the Nature Center building before heading into the village.
On snowy days, Nature Sundays will include sledding down the hill in the Great Meadow. Visitors can bring their own sleds for races down the hill, paint the ground with snow paints, or build a snowman complete with wildlife-friendly decorations.
Parents looking for something to keep kids busy this winter – or check off those “virtual” gym class requirements – can choose from a variety of weekend class options. During the Winter Wings program, children will get to take on the persona of a fairy or elf and learn about the birds who make this area their winter home. They’ll hear bird stories, make birdfeeders for their own backyards, and use binoculars and bird callers to meet new feathered friends as they imagine, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. Winter Wings is part of the Nature Center’s one-of-a-kind “Fairy & Elf Academy,” a program for youngsters ages four through eight that offers three- to five-week sessions throughout the year. If you miss Winter Wings, Spring Sprites will be offered in April.
In February, children ages seven to 11 can spend Saturdays at GCV&M experiencing Wild Winter, an active play-based program that includes sledding on the Great Meadow hill, snowshoe walks, animal tracking, bird feeder crafts, survival games, and outdoor fun. Wild Winter runs February 6 through 20, and registration is now open at gcv.org.
GCV&M has more winter fun in store with mayhem of a Kiddie Cabbage Walk on February 20 and the popular Owl Moon program on February 26 and 27. Information on these programs and other seasonal happenings is available at gcv.org, and social media at @gcvmuseum.
Nature Sundays run every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The suggested donation is $5. Call ahead for hill and trail conditions, 294-8262, and check-in at the Nature Center building before heading out.
Provided information and photos
