Lively in Winter: What’s Active?

A common misconception? That everything in nature goes quiet, withers, or disappears come winter. Here at Good For PA, we know that’s not the truth. If you know where to look within your local parks, you’ll find that the outdoors are teeming with life. Not all animals hibernate or migrate, and not all plants and flora dry up. In fact, many of these living things, from creatures to colorful flowers, can teach us quite a bit about staying hearty and surviving through the long, cold months, only to bloom brighter and come alive better than ever come the warmer season. So give this a read, then pop on your earmuffs and gloves, and get ready to explore your park and find winter life like never before!

The Eager Beavers of Winter

Sure, you’re not likely to see a black bear roaming around a state park in the winter months. They’re nestled up in their dens. But there is an assortment of other creatures, from fuzzy to creepy crawlies, who thrive, adapt, and work hard in the cold seasons (and look pretty adorable sitting in the snow). 

To brace themselves, many animals will actually grow thicker fur to stay warm, like deer, elk, and foxes. Others have a wondrous way of camouflaging themselves to stay safe, like hares and owls. So while they may be around in your park, they may be a little harder to find. 

One of the top animals you’re bound to see are birds. So if you’re an avid bird-watcher, this is your lucky season. Did you know some birds even migrate to Pennsylvania from even-more-cold climates? You’ll find some curious avians like woodpeckers and chickadees along tree trunks or in the remaining leaves of branches, searching for any insects they could scavenge, while some like sparrows prefer to do their eating on the ground. 

Some other furry friends you may see? Well, beavers are around all year without hibernating. Hills Creek State Park is known for being home to beaver colonies. And look out, Christmas to mid-January is actually mating season for foxes. Little Pine State Park is known for having fox spottings, but you may have to stick around ‘til evening if you want to hear their mating calls. 

Fresh as a Winter Daisy

Beyond the holiday-favorite poinsettia, there are many flowers and plants that can be found throughout local PA parks during wintertime. And though some colors may fade and some leaves may fall, they aren’t actually dead at all! While some don’t grow, they’re not necessarily stagnant — they’ve prepared for the cold, storing their food within and feeding off of it to stay alive. Talk about resilience!

On your next hike, look out for some winter dwellers like Eastern hemlocks (Tuscarora State Forest being a key area), winter jasmine (duh!), witch-hazel, and more!

This can also be a good reminder to volunteer at your local parks during the winter! Many plants and flowers could use a little extra love, with bedding and added mulch to protect their roots from the cold. You can even help plant new trees and bulbs to prepare for when it’s time to bloom.  

Shrooms, Berries, and More, Oh My!

We all know the best time of year for soup is during those especially cold months. Mushrooms, anyone? Just because snow has fallen and a chill has hit the air doesn’t mean you can’t still forage for fungi and berries. There are plenty of all-natural treats covering your local park all winter long. Just make sure you’re picking safe ones!

Some classic wintry shrooms are oysters and chantarelles. Both thrive in colder conditions (and could add to any pasta dish, too!) Chantarelles can be found near coniferous trees and have a funnel shape and a yellow hue. Oysters on the other hand are found mostly on dead trees and are usually gray or cream. 

Similarly, many berries color the parks with red, black, and blue shades, bringing life and vibrancy to the outdoors. Wintergreen and rosehip are two ruby red winter berries that are both not only edible, but good for your health, too! Wintergreen has anti-inflammatory properties, while rosehip is packed with vitamin C. And this is perfect considering the best time to boost our immunity is the cold and flu season. 

If you’re looking to find a spot to forage, there are plenty in PA. Not only will you get some delicious outdoor snacks, but you’ll see some delightful outdoor wonders! 

Whether you choose to take a casual wintery stroll, take a trip to go bird-watching, or take a foraging excursion, there’s a PA park for that. Bundle up and check out our Good For PA park finder to figure out your next snowy adventure. There’ll be plenty to see!