December

Friday, December 2; Hanging of the Greens
Rail Trail, Hanover Junction Train Station, 6–8pm
Bring the family and join us for hot beverages and cookies as we decorate the exterior of the train station. After decorating, enjoy a holiday-themed program and fellowship with the Friends of the Heritage Rail Trail. NF, NPR.

Sunday, December 4; Animals in Winter
Nixon Park, 2:30–4pm
It’s almost officially winter. Join Park Naturalist Amber Carothers for a hike in the woods to discover how the animals have prepared for, and are coping with, the changing seasons. NF, NR.

Monday, December 5 & Tuesday, December 6; Anterless Deer Hunt
Kain and Rocky Ridge Parks
Both parks are closed for annual antlerless deer hunt. Permit needed; Permits will be handed out by lottery. Hunters must have an antlerless deer license. A total of 50 permits per two-day period for Kain and 33 per two-day period for Rocky Ridge (covering November 29 & 30 and December 5 & 6) are available.

Tuesday, December 6 ; Volunteer Covered Dish
Nixon Park, 6pm
Nixon Park’s annual invitation-only dinner for volunteers.

Tuesdays, December 6, 13, 20 & 27
Wednesdays, December 7, 14, 21 & 28
Project FeederWatch
Nixon Park, 8:30am–4:30pm
Project FeederWatch is a citizen science program where participants count the number and species of birds visiting the feeders from November 15 through early April. The collected data is forwarded to Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and becomes part of a nation-wide data set which tracks winter bird population trends. Beginners are welcome. ADA accessible. One hour every other week commitment. If you are interested, please call Kelsey at 428-1961. NF.

Saturday, December 24; Christmas Eve Adventure
Nixon Park, 10am–2pm
Start any time and try your hand at a nature-based scavenger hike/hunt. Clues will lead you on park trails and in the building. Bring a picture cell phone or digital camera to capture your answers.

Sunday, 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.

Monday, December 26; Muzzleloader Deer Hunt
Spring Valley, Apollo and Raab Parks
Download regulations.

Tuesday, December 27; Marshmallow Hike
Rocky Ridge Park, Hidden Laurel Picnic Area, 9:30–11:30am & 1–3pm
Come out for a crisp, mid-holiday stroll through the winter woods to search for gifts from Mother Nature. Afterward, warm up with hot chocolate and a toasty fire. NF, register at 428-1961.

Thursday, December 29; Marshmallow Hike
Rocky Ridge Park, Hidden Laurel Picnic Area, 1–3pm
See December 27 for details.

Saturday, December 31; Year’s End Hike, Nixon’s Borders and Backwoods
Nixon Park, 10am–12noon
Come out for a crisp, New Year ’s Eve day hike. Wrap up the year or prep for the New Year with a medium-difficulty three-mile hike around the boundaries and into the backwoods of Nixon Park. Park Naturalist Francis Velazquez will lead this holiday stroll. Dress for the weather. NF, register at 428-1961.