Hitting the trails on Family Day

Image of Shawna O'Neill
By Shawna O'Neill
Hitting the trails on Family Day
From left, Jonathan Charette and Kristi Poirier about to zoom off on the trails. Shawna O'Neill/TC Media.

INGLESIDE, Ontario – The chickadees who frequent the Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary were plump and full following a frenzy of families enjoying the trails this weekend.

“People come here so they can feed the birds and that’s a big hit. But I think the chickadees are kind of full, they’re hardly coming,” said Sam Schuler with a laugh.

Schuler, the Winter Program Coordinator for the sanctuary, was happy to see hundreds of active families take part in ski and snowshoe lessons on Monday, Feb. 18. She believes that this long weekend, as well as the March Break, always have a successful turnout.

“Today we have a Family Day special where a family of five can get ski rentals and a quick lesson for $20, so it’s a great deal,” said Schuler. “We have a BBQ too. Families have just been out skiing and snowshoeing, and they’re coming back to a little something to eat and hot chocolate…it’s just a great way to celebrate Family Day.”

Many attendees were grateful with the weather as children played in the snow and those who hit the trails were happy to see some wildlife scurrying about.

“We need to get kids off those devices and get them outside…enjoy nature and enjoy winter…it’s just another season where you can get to do things you might like,” encouraged Schuler.

Schuler is looking forward to the array of activities that will be offered for the whole family during March Break this year.

To find a full listing of events closer to the date, visit Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Facebook or online at www.stlawrenceparks.com/bird-sanctuary/

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