Winterfest Guided Snowshoe Woodland Walks offers new views of urban forest
(January 28, Toronto, ON – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) This Saturday, February 1, tree lovers, winter enthusiasts and families will join LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) and York Region Environmental Services for two winter woodland walks as part of the 45 Annual Newmarket Winterfest. Snowshoes will be provided for participants to explore Fairy Lake Park
What: Winterfest Woodland Snowshoe Walks
When: Saturday, February 1, 2014; two walks: 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Where: Winterfest Pavillion #29, Fairy Lake Park (Water St. and Doug Duncan Dr.), Newmarket, ON L3Y 1J4
Who: Mark Sherman, ISA Certified Arborist, LEAF
The guided walks offer an opportunity to learn about what happens in the urban forest during winter and to discover some special trees that grow in the park. York Region Environmental Services will provide snowshoes for participants on a first-come, first-served basis and instruction on using snowshoes will also be offered. If there is no snow on the ground, the walks will go ahead without snowshoes.
“Looking at trees in the winter provides a special chance to see what is hidden behind leaves in the summer: architecture, twigs, bark and buds,” said Mark Sherman, tour leader. “These walks will be a great chance to observe seemingly familiar trees in a new, exciting way!”
“The urban forest has so many benefits, from giving our homes shade in the summer and shelter in the winter, to cleaning the air we breathe and the water we drink,” said Ian Buchanan, Manager of York Region Natural Heritage & Forestry. “The utility and beauty of trees is clear even in the dead of winter, and there’s no better way to learn all about them than to take a tree tour with LEAF.”
"Winterfest is an excuse to shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy what the season has to offer, with winter games, hot food and family activities," said Deanna Smith, Recreation Programmer, Community & Special Events for the Town of Newmarket.
Visit www.yourleaf.org for more information.
Photo opportunities / interviews available upon request.
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