Friends of Willard Brook Winter Carnival Schedule
Saturday, February 10

Ongoing: Ice Sculpture Demonstration - two blocks of ice will turn into a beautiful animal.

Children's Games - Enjoy old-fashioned winter crafts and games. Nominal fee.

Winter Natural History Exhibit - Hot soup, coffee, cocoa and goodies. Proceeds go to Friends of Willard Brook

Friends of Willard Brook Information and Membership Table

10 a.m. - Cross-country ski trip or hike (depending on conditions) through Willard Brook State Forest with leader Paul Sebring. This trip is for folks who feel comfortable with cross-country skiing basics. Meet at Friends Trail trailhead.

10:30 a.m. - New England Wildlife program with Paula Packard, DCR field biologist and instructor at Fitchburg State College. Meet by the fire and learn about animals of New England. View stuffed specimens up close and find out how the animals survive winter weather.

10:30 a.m. - Smokey Bear visits Pearl Hill State Park.

11 a.m. - Cross-country Ski Lesson/Workshop with Laurie Gullion, ski instructor and author of several skiing books. Bring your own skis or rent some. (No snow cancels this one.)

11:30 a.m. - Snowshoe Trek or Hike (depending on conditions) with leader Sussie Holzberlein. Bring your own snowshoes or rent some at the park. Enjoy a leisurely trek through the forest. Meet at Friends Trail trailhead.

11:30 a.m. - Search and Rescue Dogs - meet Emitt Francis, Maggie, Simon, Deni and their handlers. Ranger Jennifer Stowe will teach you about the training and adventures of these wonderful dogs. Program takes place by the campfire.

12 p.m. - Smokey Bear visits Pearl Hill State Park.

12:30 p.m. - New England Wildlife program with Paula Packard, DCR field biologist and instructor at Fitchburg State College. Meet by the fire and learn about animals of New England. View stuffed specimens up close and find out how the animals survive winter weather.

1 p.m. - Kids' Nature Walk with leader Tim Driskell, USGS biologist. Kids and their parents may join Tim for a walk through the forest looking for animal tracks and signs of winter activities. Meet at Friends Trail trailhead.

1:15 p.m. - Smokey Bear drops by to greet everyone.

1:30 p.m. - Beginner's Cross Country Ski Tour with instructor Laurie Gullion. Join Laurie for a short ski trip through Pearl Hill State Park. Practice the skills you learned earlier in the day. (No snow cancels this one.)

1:30 p.m. - Stories Around the Campfire. Sussie Holzberlein will read some winter stories to children of all ages.

2 p.m. - Nature in Winter Join Audubon naturalist and author Peter Alden and Friends' president Emily Norton for a winter nature walk along Pearl Hill Brook. Meet at Friends Trail trailhead.

2 p.m. - Search and Rescue Dogs - meet Emitt Francis, Maggie, Simon, Deni and their handlers. Ranger Jennifer Stowe will teach you about the training and adventures of these wonderful dogs. Meet by the campfire.

2:45 p.m. - Prize drawing, all new members of Friends of Willard Brook and $10 donors will be eligible for this prize drawing. Tons of neat prizes. Gather by the FOWB table.