December

December 1 & 2: Project FeederWatch
Nixon Park, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cooperative FeederWatch with Cornell University.
NF, NPR.

December 1: Nixon Holiday Decorating
Nixon Park, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Help us get into the holiday spirit by decking the halls of Nixon Park’s Nature Center with holiday decorations. Bring cookies to share. NF, please call 428- 1961 to pre-register.

December 4: Hanging of the Greens
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Train Station, 6–8 p.m.
Bring the family and join us for hot beverages and cookies as we decorate the exterior of the train station. After decorating, Myra Reichart, a re-enactor, will present a Christmas program. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. NF, NPR.

December 8 & 9: Project FeederWatch
Nixon Park, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cooperative FeederWatch with Cornell University.
NF, NPR.

December 8: Volunteer Covered Dish
Nixon Park, 6 p.m.
Nixon Park’s annual invitation only dinner for volunteers.

December 10: Winter Birding
Nixon Park, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join Tom Smith, President of York Audubon, to learn about the birds that live around here during winter, along with bird identification tips and how to attract birds to your feeders. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

December 1: Tree Walk Part II (without leaves)
Rail Trail, Northern Extension, Rudy Park Parking Lot, 9:30–11 a.m.
 Badges—Juniors: Earth Connections 3;
               Webelos: Forester 3
See trees big and small along this newest section of the Rail Trail. Naturalist Patti Chamberlin will share her tricks to leafless identification. NF, pre-register at 428-1961.

December 12: Public Star Watch and New Telescope Clinic
Rudy Park, 7–9 p.m.
 Badges—Brownies: Space Explorer (Partial);
                Juniors: Sky Search (Partial), “Doing”
                Hobbies (Partial); Cadettes & Seniors: Space Exploration (Partial)
Here’s a great chance to view the heavens through telescopes and binoculars. Also learn how to use your new telescope or get hints on what to purchase. Please bring a blanket or chair to sit upon if you desire. If you need help with your telescope, bring it along and our experts will help you out. Event held if skies are partly cloudy to clear. Call YCAS at 578-9109 after 5 p.m. for the status of the Star Watch. More information can be found at www.ycas.org. Groups with ten or more people should place a courtesy call to 578-9109. NF, NPR.

December 13: Animals in Winter
Nixon Park, 2:30–4 p.m.
 Badges—Brownies: Watching Wildlife 3;
                Junior: Earth Connections 7, 9 Wildlife 4
It’s almost officially winter! Join Park Naturalist Patti Chamberlin for a hike in the woods to discover how the animals have prepared for, and are coping with, the changing seasons. NF, NPR.

December 15 & 16: Project FeederWatch
Nixon Park, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cooperative FeederWatch with CornellUniversity.
NF, NPR.

December 22 & 23: Project FeederWatch
Nixon Park, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cooperative FeederWatch with Cornell University.
NF, NPR.

December 25: Christmas Holiday
Parks office and Nature Center closed.
PLEASE NOTE ON DECEMBER 25: All park gates will be locked. Please park cars at non-gated areas to enter parks.

December 26: Marshmallow Hike
Rocky Ridge Park, Hidden Laurel Picnic Area, 9:30–11:30 a.m. & 1–3 p.m.
Come out for a crisp, mid-holiday stroll through the winter woods to search for gifts from Mother Nature. Afterward, enjoy warming up with hot chocolate and a toasty fire. NF, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.

December 29 & 30: Project FeederWatch
Nixon Park, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Cooperative FeederWatch with CornellUniversity.
NF, NPR.

December 29: Marshmallow Hike
Rocky Ridge Park, Hidden Laurel Picnic Area, 1–3 p.m.
Come out for a crisp, mid-holiday stroll through the winter woods to search for gifts from Mother Nature. Afterward, enjoy warming up with hot chocolate and a toasty fire. NF, please call 428-1961 to pre-register.