The Great Swamp Conservancy Inc. is hosting its fourth Winter Hibernation Festival Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is an opportunity for central New Yorkers to shake off the winter blahs, cool down their cabin fever and come out of hibernation to play in the snow before the winter wonderland gives way to spring.
Outdoor activities include skating on the pond, ice conditions permiting, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing along the trails and a search for the GSC medallion. Skis and snowshoes will be available in limited sizes, or visitors may bring their own. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
There will be special activities for kids of all ages: meet the GSC groundhog, a tug-of-war in the snow, building an ice/snow fort, construction of a quinzhee (powder snow cave), team sled races and a snow sculpture contest with prizes awarded. The sculpture must have a nature theme; no spray-paint or anything that would hurt the environment; food coloring and props are acceptable.
There will be a bonfire to warm participants, toast marshmallows and bake bannock bread and story-telling around the fire.
Inside the nature center, warmth is provided by a wood burning stove, not to mention hot chocolate. Children can try their hand at making paper snowflakes, bird seed ornaments and a few other nature-oriented crafts. Educational displays include birds' nests, waterfowl, animal furs and a stuffed river otter.
Special displays allow visitors to test their knowledge of hibernating animals, identify winter weeds and practice pronouncing Eskimo terms for snow. At 1 p.m., Sharon and Owen Brown of Beaver Sprite of Dolgeville, will present a program about co-existing with beavers.
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