With the holidays often creating more stress than relaxation, there is one local organization that hopes to help by offering a fun, outdoor activity to welcome in the new year.
The organization, Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville, N.Y., plans to help people beat the hectic pace of the past month by offering the fourth-annual New Year’s Day Hike for Your Health event beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 1, 2019.
The hike, slated to be held at the Lillibridge Preserve, 1974 Lillibridge Road, is free to the public and will take place rain or shine. The event will be canceled, however, if extreme weather conditions threaten.
“After the quick-paced, hustle and bustle of the holidays it is refreshing to slow down a bit and spend time in the quiet beauty of nature,” said Beverly Jones, nature program coordinator at Pfeiffer. “Walking through the old growth forest while making new friends is a fun, relaxing and inspiring way to start off the new year.
Jones said the hike will be moderately strenuous, and as it is not an interpretive walk, stops will not be made along the trails. She said any sharing of information will occur as casual, friendly banter between participants.
“Mother nature tends to surprise us with the weather so dress appropriately,” Jones advised. “This walk is enjoyed by all ages so be sure to collect the entire family and head up to Lillibridge on New Year’s Day.”
Jones noted pre-registration is not required for the hike, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Jones said another Pfeiffer event slated for the new year will be the Drawing the Basic Bird activity slated for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at Portville Free Library at 2 N. Main St.
The event will be led by Pfeiffer volunteer and renowned local artist Jennifer Miller, who will describe and demonstrate the basics of drawing birds.
“Jennifer is a true gift to Pfeiffer Nature Center,” Jones said. “She is very generous with her time and her willingness to share her amazing talent with the community. This program is perfect for anyone who loves wild birds and nature, whether they have the interest in drawing or painting or whether they simply appreciate the beauty of Jennifer’s work.”
During the session, Miller will explore the basic shapes and anatomy of birds, while explaining how participants can break them down into basic forms.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Jennifer and to watch her bring her art to life,” Jones concluded.
Although the program is aimed at those who want to learn how to draw birds, anyone may attend. Participants are welcome to draw, take notes or sit back and observe the class. If participants would like to draw along, they are asked to bring their favorite drawing tools as well as paper or a sketchbook.
This program is best suited for children ages 10 and up, and the fee is $5 for Pfeiffer members, $10 for non-members and free for children 13 and under. Minors must also be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by Jan. 10, 2019, as space is limited.
Sign-ups can be done by visiting the website www.pfeiffernaturecenter.org or by calling the Pfeiffer office at (716) 933-0187.
