Treehaven Snowshoe Hike Series

Experience Treehaven's winter snowshoe trails during these weekly adventures beginning on Saturday, January 17! Recurring each Saturday from 1-4 PM until January 31st, every experience features a multi-hour guided snowshoe hike with a different route each week. We'll take many opportunities to look, listen, and learn about the diversity of life surrounding us as we explore a variety of Northwoods habitats including northern hardwood forests, bogs, meadows, old growth pines, and more. This season, you will discover the significant changes winter brings to the Treehaven landscape as we search for tracks and signs of wildlife, observe ways plants and animals adapt to the cold, and discuss why the winter snowpack is crucial to our ecosystems!

Schedule:

January 17, 1-4 PM: Meadow March

We will begin by exploring the Beaver Meadow and Treehaven loops, which will take you on a winding path that crosses over Pickerel Creek and the surrounding Beaver Meadow. As we visit the creek, we'll discuss what happens to critters of both land and water once everything freezes over, and explore the many different strategies they have to survive the harshest months of the year. You will also get to enjoy a great view of the winter landscape from the scenic Listening Place!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate, with some narrow trails and portions of uneven terrain. Total distance 2 miles or less.

January 24, 1-4 PM: Tamarack Tromp

This week we'll visit the Cordwood Connector and Tamarack Hollow trails, both of which give us fantastic opportunities to search for winter wildlife! As we follow the Cordwood Connector, we will pass through the preferred habitat of ruffed grouse, likely encountering a few along the way. Tamarack Hollow will give us even more opportunities to locate wildlife, as this dense coniferous bog provides cover for snowshoe hares—and their bobcat predators. You'll have the chance to observe an abundance of tracks left behind in the snow, and perhaps even spot some hares, porcupines, and more!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to Hard, with some uphill/downhill travel and portions of uneven, narrow terrain. Total distance around 2.5 miles.

January 31, 1-4 PM: Ridgetop Ramble

We will conclude by visiting the Ridgetop Loop, which features some of the most difficult terrain at Treehaven—but also the most scenic views! Along the way, you will have another chance to find wildlife tracks as we cross through an open corridor wolves occasionally use for wintertime travel. We'll also search for signs of critters moving about beneath the snow as we discuss how the snowpack serves as an important form of habitat. Finally, we will take a rest and enjoy the view at the High Point Vista, then head back along the Pickerel Creek trail to experience a gorgeous stand of old growth pines before we return!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Hard, with lots of uphill travel that may be challenging for some. Total distance around 2.5 miles.

All hikes meet in the main parking lot (follow posted signs) and each is about 2-2.5 miles long with variance in difficulty. We will move at a casual pace that best suits all members of the group, and will make periodic stops to learn about flora, fauna, and habitats we encounter. Hike attendees should consider their stamina and comfort with moderate to difficult hikes before registering. Hikes may vary slightly in length based on distance, group walking speed, and sightings along the trails.

Open to all ages, but attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost: $15 per person, per individual session. Attend your choice of sessions, or all three! $40 full registration is valid for all 3 sessions, with a $5 discount off total price. ($45 value)

Bring your own snowshoes, or rent a pair of ours for $10/session.

Payment can be made through Eventbrite (subject to Eventbrite fees), or in cash/check at the door. If paying at the door, please email fcorvus@uwsp.edu or call 715-346-2435 to register, and bring exact change the day of the event.

Questions? Contact fcorvus@uwsp.edu or call 715-346-2435!