Now that the trees are bare, and some mornings start off frostily, Midcoast Conservancy is offering a variety of ways to explore the changing landscape and light at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.

“Winter Trees and Lichens” is the theme of a walk-and-talk Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. When exploring the woods of Maine, knowing the names and identifying features of the ecology around us allows for a deeper understanding of the landscape. This can be easy in summer when flowers are in bloom and trees have all their leaves, but becomes a challenge once the blooms are gone and the branches hang bare. But here in Maine, trees are leafless half the year. While winter makes tree identification more difficult it also makes noticing the unique and beautiful lichens that adorn these trees more noticeable. From flat patches of crustose and leafy circular foliose, to the lovely hanging fruticose varieties, lichens appear everywhere once one learns to spot them.

Maine master naturalist Heather Hardy will help attendees to focus on learning to identify the most common trees and lichen types at Hidden Valley Nature Center. This program will involve an easy walk along the trails with frequent stops to talk, observe and learn. Participants of all ages are welcome; to register, go to https://bit.ly/treeslichens. 

On Sunday, Dec. 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., hikers are invited to enjoy an evening illuminated by the glow of the full Cold Moon. This is an opportunity to discover a new way of being in the woods, when sounds become more pronounced and sight takes a backseat to other senses. The group will take moments of silence to listen for owls and nocturnal foragers along the trail, chat while hiking and revel in the brightness of earth's closest celestial friend.  

The guide will lead the group on a moderate hike of 2-3 miles along some of the many trails at HVNC. Register at https://bit.ly/fullcoldmoon.  

Usher in the new season with a Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. On the 21st, the winter solstice marks the longest night of the year and the official start of winter, after which the days will gradually get longer. Winter Solstice has been celebrated around the world for thousands of years with fires, singing, lantern light and shared food. Join with others around a community fire at HVNC to warm bodies with wassail and sugar baked apples, raise voices in song, and enjoy a solstice story. Whatever the weather, celebrants will welcome in the winter together! More info and registration are available at https://bit.ly/HVNCsolstice.