Surviving Winter’s Trials and a New Year’s Sunset Hike

Join Naturalist Marianne as she wraps up November and plunges into a chilly December forest.

Wildlife Presentations

Let’s Talk Turkey
Saturday, November 25 – 10am-2pm
Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads

LIVE TURKEYS of the domestic variety will be at the Naturalist’s Cabin for some serious turkey talk. In addition to the birds of honor, an assortment of items left behind by the Eastern Wild Turkey will be available for handling and instruction. Turkeys have interesting features including caruncles, a snood, spurs and a beard! Listen to turkey calls and practice your own. Take a selfie with a friendly live turkey! The whole family will enjoy watching the star of Thanksgiving strut its stuff. Appropriate for all ages. No charge—everyone is welcome!

Surviving Winter’s Trials
Saturday, December 2 – 9am-2pm
Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads

Winter is often viewed as a time of dormancy. Although many native plants have dropped their leaves and stalled their activities, life goes on for numerous forest creatures. This month, we will focus on the features that enable Russell Forest critters to survive winter’s trials. Drop by the Naturalist Cabin to visit the living things that will demonstrate how they easily handle the scarce food and freezing temperatures of winter. You will be inspired to appreciate the wild dramas being lived out all around us. Program is appropriate for all ages. No charge—everyone is welcome!

Guided Nature Tour

Last Sunset of the Year
Sunday, December 31 – 4pm
Meet at Adamson Road Trailhead

Bring the kids to Russell Forest for a hike to the highest point in Russell Forest as Naturalist Marianne discusses all of the changes that have taken place for local wildlife throughout the months of the calendar year. After we reach the top of Heaven Hill, we will sit down and talk about our own accomplishments from the past year and plan our upcoming 2024 successes. As the sun sets for the final time in 2023, snacks and a “toast” will be provided. We will wrap up our return hike just after dark with flashlights. This experience is appropriate for kids ages 5+.

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED! There is a $10 fee for this program. Please contact our Naturalist at 256.496.2710 or [email protected] to inquire and to register in advance.