VCP Nature Group Walk

Take a slow walk in the park and learn about local flora and fauna with naturalist Debbi Dolan. Debbi has a wealth of knowledge about nature, plants, and wildlife that she enjoys sharing.

Even though it is still winter, mid-winter and cold in much of North America, raccoons, coyotes, and skunks take time off from their winter hunting to prowl for partners. Groundhogs peak out of their winter dens and start to look around, after they emerge from their long winter’s sleep. Owls and skunks are mating and repairing nests or dens for their young.
Birds, too, at least a few of them, hit their romantic stride during February. Great Horned Owls start hooting it up in December but mostly wait till now to take care of their romantic business. Male Red-winged Blackbirds return to much of the continent in February and start right in displaying and singing for prospective females. American Woodcocks stage their delightfully bizarre courtship performances in the February twilight.
February is a good month to look at tree buds that act as protection for the leaves and flowers that will emerge from cold and predation. Early bulbs and skunk cabbage flowers may be emerging.

February Walks:
Sunday, February 8 meets at the Nature Center at 10 a.m. for a walk in Tibbett Meadow, along the Mill Pond, and marsh.

Monday February 16 meets at the Stables parking area at 2 p.m. for a northwest woodlands/Vault Hill walk.

RSVP for each walk separately.

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Host or Publisher Van Cortlandt Park Alliance