Though temperatures may be dipping, there are still plenty of options for exploring nature on a more intellectual level. Area parks host nature talks throughout the year. Here are some you should add to your calendar for this month.
Owls night hike
Jan. 13, 6-7 p.m.
Ages: 5+
Hike under the moon and learn about the nocturnal birds. You’ll be hooting and summoning your owl senses throughout the hike. Hot chocolate comes after. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Feeding day
Jan. 14, 10 a.m.
Ages: 2+
Breakfast is always the best, especially when you get to see how the naturalists at E. C. Lawrence Park feed the park’s display animals. While there, make a birdhouse to take home. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Nature in winter
Jan. 15, 1-3 p.m.
Ages: 14+
When it gets cold, we bundle up and crank the heat. Take an afternoon to learn how nature and animals adapt to winter. There will be a lecture and field exploration. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Mr. Weather Bear
Jan. 18, 10 a.m.
Ages: 2-5
Little ones can learn about weather at their level with help from Mr. Bear, who teaches them about the weather systems using felt-board stories, bubble play, ice cubes and songs. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale
Birds of prey
Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Ages: 18+
Raptor bander John Shafer takes you to hot spots in NoVA in search of hawks and owls to see them in their natural habitat. Learn about identifying and pinpoint the age of raptors, then go out and find them. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
Winter woods scavenger hunt
Jan. 21, 2-3 p.m.
Ages: 6-12
Get on the trails and take a look at what you don’t normally see in the warmer months: frost heaves, winter berries, animal footprints, bird nests and more. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
The science of staying warm
Jan. 25-27, times vary
Ages: 3-5
Learn, through hands-on activities, how mammals and birds don’t freeze when living outside for the winter. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park: 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Spotting waterfowl
Jan. 28, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Bring a bag lunch and explore the area that is home to waterfowl and bald eagles. Learn field identification and the history of these magnificent birds. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly
