Contact: Matthew Ritter, Killens Pond State Park, phone: (302) 284-4299
or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902

Killens Pond State Park Announces Winter Programs; Visitors Can Take a Hike, Prowl for Owls and Create a Bird Buffet

From hikes and hayrides with hot chocolate to birding and books, Killens Pond State Park’s winter programs promise plenty of treats for cold-season visitors.

The park is located at 5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton. All programs take place at the Nature Center unless otherwise noted. Programs are free unless otherwise noted. Park entrance fees are not charged from Nov. 1 through April 30. To pre-register for programs, please call 302-284-4299.

• Winter Walk – 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14
Travel the Pondside Nature Trail and enjoy the wonders of hiking in the winter time as you learn the basics of hiking and how to help assure trail quality. Dress warmly and wear good hiking shoes.

• Owl Prowl – 6 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 21 and Jan. 11
Many people do not know that owls are most active during the cold winter months. Join the park naturalist on this guided hike in search of these fascinating predators of the sky. Learn how to call the three species of owls that inhabit the park and also learn about the special adaptations that make owls amazing hunters of the night. Afterwards, enjoy a campfire and some toasted marshmallows. Meet at the campground amphitheater. The cost is $3 per participant, pre-registration required.

• A Bird Buffet – Noon, Saturday, Jan. 6
Winter is a harsh time for woodland birds. Come learn how birds survive the cold winters and then help give back to the wildlife by creating homemade bird feeders to hang in the back yard, including peanut butter pinecones, peanut strings and suet balls. Cost is $2 per participant, with pre-registration requested.

• Healthy Hiking – 2 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 13, 20, 27
Start your New Year off on the right track and join us for a healthy hike around the park. Each week will feature different trails to enjoy the tranquility of the wintertime. Make sure to bring a snack for along the way.

• Fresh Potpourri and Cider – 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13
Participants will travel the park and look for some great evergreens and pine cones to make potpourri mix for the house. Afterwards, warm up with some hot apple cider. Cost of the program is $2 per person. Pre-registration is required. Dress warmly.

• Hayrides and Hot Cocoa – Noon, Saturdays, Jan. 20
Come out to the Nature Center and enjoy a fun-filled lunch time treat with a hayride through the park and a steamy cup of hot cocoa. Cost is $4 for adult and $2 for children under 12. Pre-registration is required.

• Night Hike – 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26
This night hike will help explore the sounds of the night and allow you to figure out how amazing the night life can be - and take away a little of the scare of the darkness. Cost is $1 per participant. Please pre-register.

• Craft and Story Hour – Noon, Saturday, Jan. 27
Bring your child out to the park and enjoy an hour filled with a fun book, an exciting hike and a great take home craft.

For more information on Killens Pond and its programs, please call the Nature Center at 302-284-4299 or visit www.destateparks.com/kpsp/kpsp.htm.

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