Happy winter solstice from your friends at Piedmont Wildlife Center! Here in the northern hemisphere, today marks the official beginning of winter and is the longest night of the year. As we welcome the new season, the winter solstice is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year, gather with loved ones, and celebrate warmer days ahead!
Want to celebrate the longest night of the year with us? Read on for 3 of our favorite ways to welcome winter:
1. Get together with friends around a campfire
Time to break out the s’mores supplies! Here at Piedmont Wildlife Center, we love any excuse to practice our fire-making skills. Hanging out with friends and family around a campfire, a bonfire, or even a fireplace is the perfect way to anticipate the return of longer days in the spring - while staying cozy and warm right now!
Besides roasting marshmallows for yummy s’mores, gathering around a fire can be a great opportunity to reflect on the old year and welcome the new. Invite each person at your fire circle to share their favorite part of 2023, the biggest challenge they faced this year, and what they’re most looking forward to in 2024. (We use a version of this exercise called “rose, thorn, bud” with our campers during daily closing circles at our summer camps, Homeschool in the Wild, and other outdoor programs!) This practice helps everyone grow closer together, think deeply about the past year, and approach the new year with an attitude of gratitude.
Safety first! Always observe fire safety rules when lighting any fire, especially outdoors. Certain weather conditions can make it more likely for a fire to get out of control, so remember to check whether your area is under a local or state “burn ban” before planning your campfire.
2. Bundle up and go for a winter hike
The weather outside might be frightful, but don’t dismiss the magic of a wintry walk in the woods! The winter solstice is the perfect opportunity to revisit your favorite summertime hiking spots and notice how they’ve changed over the last few months. Some questions to guide your observations as you walk:
Do you see more or fewer birds here during this time of year? Are they different kinds of birds than you normally see? What do you notice them doing? Do you hear more or less birdsong? (If you’re hiking around sunset, keep an ear out for barred owls’ “who cooks for you” call. As winter goes on and mating season approaches, many species of owl will become more vocal to attract mates and establish their territories.)
How have the plants changed since the last time you were here? Which trees or shrubs have lost their leaves over the winter, and which ones are still green? How are animals interacting with them? Now that many trees have dropped their leaves, what can you see in the woods that you couldn’t before?
As always, check the weather before you go and be sure to wear the right clothes to stay comfortable. (Layers are your friend!) We don’t typically receive snow in December here in Durham, NC, but keep an eye out for slippery ice or frost on the trail.
3. Celebrate the wonders of North Carolina wildlife
Too cold to go outside? You can celebrate the wonders of wildlife from the comfort of your own home! Put on a winter-themed nature documentary, read one of our staff’s favorite nature books for kids or adults, download a holiday-themed wildlife coloring booklet from our Nature Store, or make plans to start your own pollinator garden with native plants in the spring.
Better yet, consider supporting the care of our Ambassador Animals through our Adopt-an-Ambassador program. This month only, we’re offering a holiday adoption package for just $30. Receive an exclusive virtual holiday card from Pumpkin the opossum, Juniper the great-horned owl, Miracle the dove, or Shelly the eastern box turtle - plus a special holiday video from your selected Ambassador, an educational info packet, and “adoption” certificate! Visit our online Nature Store to get started.
However you choose to celebrate today’s solstice, we hope this winter finds you happy, healthy, and passionate about protecting the natural wonders all around us! Thank you for helping Piedmont Wildlife Center connect people with nature, today and all year long.
