- This event has passed.
Education
(Note: The amount of snow cover during the event will affect the classes we are able to offer. Page 1 of the Class Selection Form lists the classes that will be offered if we have MORE than 4 inches of snow for the event. Page 2 of the Class Selection Form lists the classes that will be offered if we have LESS than 4 inches of snow. This Class Description sheet lists all classes together.)
FRIDAY EVENING
Welcome to the PA Wilds and the WITW Weekend: Enjoy refreshments and break the ice with the other participants as we introduce the Sinnemahoning State Park staff, the PA Wilds and the “Women in the Wilds” program. Will include get-acquainted activities, a welcome to Sinnemahoning, Winter WITW program overview, and a “Welcome to the PA Wilds” presentation to highlight the good things happening in the region. (Offered one time: Friday evening 6:00-8:30 PM. Indoors only. Snow or no-snow.)
SATURDAY MORNING
Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing: Glide your way into the sport of cross-country skiing, a unique way to enjoy the winter landscape through fun aerobic exercise. Taught by experienced cross-country skier and former downhill skiing instructor Curt Weinhold. All equipment provided. Limited shoe sizes available. Dress in layers (see tips on layering at https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html). Rain pants are recommended for outer layer. (Offered two times, Saturday morning, 8:00-9:45 AM and Saturday afternoon 1:00-2:45 PM. Starts indoors for instruction, then mostly outdoors. Requires at least 4 inches of snow with base. Skiing without instruction offered on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, see below.)
Cross-Country Skiing Demo and Brisk Hike: Don’t let a lack of snow stop you from learning about this healthful outdoor sport. Join experienced cross-country skier Curt Weinhold to learn the basics of the stride-and-slide method, try on skis and ski boots, and learn the location of the best trails in northcentral PA. Following the ski demo, Curt will lead a 2-mile brisk hike on the trails just south of the park office while sharing tales of his adventures with the Susquehannock Trail Club. (Offered one time only, Saturday morning, 8:00-9:45 AM. Indoors and outdoors. Offered only if there is NOT sufficient snow for actual skiing.)
Winter Tree & Plant Walk: What trees and plants are growing in your woods? Learn to distinguish local plants and trees in winter by observing bark, twigs, cones, and other features while learning interesting facts about our native plants. Experienced tracker and knowledgeable naturalist, Nelson Haas will lead the way on this outdoor adventure. Slow-paced, 1-mile walk over mostly level terrain. (Offered one time, Saturday morning, 8:00-9:45 AM. Mostly outdoors. Snow or no-snow.)
Iyengar Yoga: Wake up. Stretch. Feel good! Certified yoga instructor, Adriann White, will guide you through breath work, yoga poses, and deep stretching with alignment-based, Iyengar-style yoga. Suitable for all levels. Bring your own yoga mat or a large towel. (Offered two times, Saturday morning 8:00-9:30 AM and Sunday morning 8:00-9:30 AM. Indoors only. Snow or no snow.)
Introduction to Snowshoeing: Take a step off the beaten path with snowshoes. Taught by experienced snowshoer and PA State Park regional program coordinator, Marissa Heindel. All equipment provided. Dress in layers (see tips on layering at https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html). Rain pants are recommended for outer layer. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! (Offered two times, Saturday morning, 10:00-11:45 AM and Saturday afternoon 1:00-2:45 PM. Starts indoors for instruction, then mostly outdoors. Requires at least 4 inches of snow with base. Snowshoeing without instruction offered on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, see below.)
Snowshoeing Demo and Brisk Hike: Don’t let a lack of snow stop you from learning about snowshoeing. Join experienced snowshoer Regional EE Coordinator Marissa Heindel to learn the history and basics of snowshoeing, try on different types of snowshoes, and practice walking with them on. Following the snowshoe demo, Marissa will lead a brisk hike on the trails just north of the park office and share information about winter activities offered in parks throughout northcentral Pennsylvania. (Offered one time only, Saturday morning, 10:00-11:45 AM. Indoors and outdoors. Offered only if there is NOT sufficient snow for actual snowshoeing.)
Winter Survival Skills: What would you do if you got lost while exploring the PA Wilds in winter? Learn from experienced Mountaineer Search and Rescue team member Steve Bajor the basic necessities that you should always carry when exploring outdoors, the steps to take if you become lost, how to keep yourself safe and warm overnight, and how to improve your chances of being found. Includes kit-making and hands-on practice. (Offered two times, Saturday morning 10:00-11:45 AM and Saturday afternoon 1:00-2:45 pm. Snow or no snow. Mostly outdoors. Travel to the day use area is required; carpooling is recommended.)
PA Mammals in Winter: Foxes and otters and bears, oh my! Get to know the native mammals of Pennsylvania and the unique adaptations each uses to survive to cold winter months. Includes hands-on look at mammal furs and skulls, plus a chance to identify and cast wild animal tracks. Taught by experienced educator from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. (Offered two times, Saturday morning, 10:00-11:45 AM and Saturday afternoon 1:00-2:45 PM. Snow or no snow. Indoors and outdoors.)
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing: Same program description as Saturday morning.
Introduction to Snowshoeing: Same program description as Saturday morning.
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoe Demo: Don’t let a lack of snow stop you from learning about this healthful outdoor sport. Join experienced cross-country skier Curt Weinhold and Regional EE Coordinator Marissa Heindel to learn the basics of the stride-and-slide method, try on skis, ski boots, and snowshoes. (Offered one time only, Saturday afternoon 1:00-2:45 PM. Indoors and outdoors. Offered only if there is NOT sufficient snow for actual skiing or snowshoeing.)
PA Mammals in Winter: Same program description as Saturday morning.
Fearless Female – Simple Self Defense: Ladies, be ready to protect yourself if the need arises! Learn safety tips, education, and simple self-defense techniques that will help women feel confident in uncertain situations. One-hour empowerment seminar taught by professional instructor Lisa Johnson from Fearless Female, Pittsburgh, PA. Lisa will be available after the class to answer individual questions and discuss self-defense products. Limit 20 participants. (Offered one time, Saturday afternoon, 3:00-4:30 PM. Indoors only. Snow or no snow.)
Dutch Oven Cooking: Practice creating tasty dishes using cast iron Dutch ovens. John and Jan Halter, DCNR volunteers and members of the Lyman Run and Codorus State Park Friends groups, will introduce Dutch oven cooking, covering essential equipment, proper care of cast iron, cooking techniques and yummy recipes. (Offered one time, Saturday afternoon 3:00-4:45 PM. Snow or no snow. Indoors only.)
Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing On Your Own: Explore the park and its natural resources at your own pace. Loaner snowshoes and loaner skis available. Park staff will hand out equipment, but no instruction is provided. Dress in layers. Rain pants recommended. (Offered three times, Saturday afternoon, 3:00-4:45 PM and Sunday morning, 8:00-9:45 AM and 10:00-11:45 AM. Requires at least 4 inches of snow with base. Introductory class offered two times on Saturday, see above.)
SATURDAY EVENING
NO SATURDAY EVENING CLASSES OFFERED – ENJOY YOUR FREE TIME
SUNDAY MORNING
Brisk Hike: Get out and about with a brisk-paced 3-mile guided hike in the 40 Maples Day Use Area. Trail is fairly level with a few small hills and areas of uneven footing. Be sure to bring water and dress in layers (see tips on layering at https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html). Led by Sinnemahoning State Park educator Kim Lott. (Offered one time only, Sunday morning, 8:00-9:45 AM. Outdoors only. Snow or no snow. Travel to the trailhead is required; carpooling is recommended.)
Iyengar Yoga: Same description as Saturday morning.
Essential Oils Make and Take: If you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. Discover the benefits of these naturally occurring plant chemicals by creating your own foaming hand soap and essential oil infused bath salts, with Winter WITW alumna Andrea Lecuyer. (Offered two times, Sunday morning, 8:00-9:30 AM and 10:00-11:30 AM. Indoors only. Snow or no snow.)
Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing On Your Own: Same description as Saturday afternoon. Requires at least 4 inches of snow with base.
Winter Bird Walk: Grab a hot cup of coffee and hit the trail as we enjoy a morning taking in the sights and sounds of raptors in flight and songbirds a-twitter. Binoculars and field guides available for use during the program. Slow paced, 1–2-mile hike over uneven terrain. Beginner and experienced birders welcome. (Offered one time, Sunday morning 10:00-11:30 AM. Outdoors only. Snow or no snow. Travel to the trailhead is required; carpooling is recommended.)
Jewelry Making: Get crafty with juried PA Wilds artist Gloria McIsaac, from Gloriann Jewelry of Emporium, PA. Choose your own gemstones and create your own wrap bracelet with memory wire. All supplies provided. No experience necessary. No additional fees. Limited to 10 participants. (Offered one time, Sunday morning 10:00-11:30 AM. Indoors only. Snow or no snow.)
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
NO SUNDAY AFTERNOON CLASSES OFFERED in order to give participants time to return home before dark. The Winter Women in the Wilds event will end at 1:00 PM, following lunch and closing remarks.
Pre-registration is required. Limited number of spaces available. To register, please visit https://ppff.events/register-2022sinne-witw.
After completing your registration, please use these descriptions to help you select the classes you would like to attend. Mark your class choices on the Class Selection Form (linked above and again in the email confirmation you will receive after payment) and return the completed form to Kim Lott at Sinnemahoning State Park. Email completed form to [email protected] or fax it to 814-647-5626, or send a paper copy to:
Winter WITW
Sinnemahoning State Park
4843 Park Road
Austin, PA 16720