Outdoor enthusiasts in Bend are always looking for their next adventure. During the winter, snowshoeing offers a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, exercise or a deeper connection with nature, snowshoeing checks all the boxes.
Think Wild, a nonprofit wildlife hospital and habitat conservation organization, is hosting its third annual Wildlife Tracking Snowshoe Hike. The event combines the enjoyment of snowshoeing with the opportunity to learn about winter wildlife.
“Connecting people with wildlife and nature makes them more likely to want to protect those things, which is a key part of our mission,” explains Molly Honea, Think Wild’s development and communications coordinator.
The snowshoe hike takes place on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9am to 2pm and aims to immerse participants in the wonders of winter wildlife, showcasing the abundance of life in the forest during the cold season — imagine the crunch of snow beneath your feet and the crisp scent of pine as you uncover tracks left by the forest’s unseen inhabitants.
“Through this snowshoe hike, I hope people see that nature and wildlife viewing is accessible year-round. I also hope they take away an understanding of the habits and behaviors of the creatures during the winter,” says Honea.
The beginner-friendly hike starts at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center. During the one- to two-mile trek, participants will learn about local species, citizen science and how to use the iNaturalist app for data collection. The hike will be led by Hailee Newman, Think Wild’s education program manager.
Attendees are encouraged to record their sightings and observations using the iNaturalist app, which helps inform researchers and scientists studying wildlife populations and behaviors. Tracks of squirrels, rabbits, mice and more may be spotted along the way.
“We’ll discuss hibernation — who’s hibernating versus who’s active — and foster a positive connection with nature and wildlife,” Honea adds.
Pine Mountain Sports has generously provided snowshoes to borrow for those who don’t have their own. Participants are encouraged to bring weather-appropriate clothing, winter boots, water, snacks and extra layers. Carpooling options are available, with details provided upon registration. Space is limited, but Think Wild is planning an additional hike in February, with details to be announced soon.
This article appears in The Source Weekly January 16, 2025.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
