Seeing as it is the shortest month, in the dead of winter with cold temperatures and limited sunlight, many people can’t get through February fast enough. After all, spring is just around the corner. But we at Meewasin relish in the fact that we get an extra day of February this year; whether it be the beauty of a fresh blanket of snow, or the tracks dissecting the Valley, left behind by some unseen creature, or the crisp feeling of a deep breath of cool air, February can be fabulous.
Disagree? Well, we invite you to join Meewasin at one of our upcoming events, and let us show you how to make the most of the each of the 29 days of February 2024.
Kicking it off, February 1 marks the launch of the Million Steps for Mental Health campaign. This year’s campaign is driven by a contest, in which participants are challenged to get on the Trail and to take 1,000,000 steps between February 1 and May 31 (that’s roughly 8,264 steps per day). As if getting fresh air isn’t a sweet enough prospect in and of itself, Meewasin will be giving away a prize after the campaign’s conclusion. This campaign will be a great way to stay motivated to get moving in February – after all, how can you experience the beauty of the Valley in the winter if you don’t get outside?
Next up, on February 3 then again on February 23, is Ice Lantern Making. In these events, volunteers will head out on a hike to collect flora and dyes, decorate and set ice lanterns, and leave them to freeze at the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @Nutrien Plaza. The next day, the lanterns will be illuminated, twinkling over the smiling faces of skaters on the rink. It’s a great introduction to a little DIY winter feature you can make at home!
Speaking of the rink, it’s open all February! Access to the rink is free of charge (though we do accept donations), and on a first come first serve basis. There are a limited number of helmets and skates available to borrow, but if you have your own, make sure to bring them. Hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
If you’re interested in skating, but don’t want to deal with the crowds, then look no further than Sip & Skate (19+). On February 10, February 14, and February 24, the rink will be closed to the public early to allow for this exclusive event. Guests will be treated to private access to the rink, food and drink from local businesses, and if they so choose, a discounted stay at the iconic Delta Bessborough. We’ll also have a campfire going – great for toasting the Prairie Grazer’s S’mores, and sipping your LB Distillers infused hot chocolate by the warmth and light. Limited tickets remain, so sign up soon.
In our opinion, the only better light than a campfire is the northern lights. If you agree, then you won’t want to miss our Northern Lights Workshop on February 8. We’ll gather at Beaver Creek Conservation Area, where Tim Yaworski (Saskatoon’s Living Sky Guy) will teach guests about the northern lights, how to find them, and how to photograph them. Meewasin’s Dark Skies events are popular and sell out quickly.
Beaver Creek will also host Wildlife Tracking on February 24. At this event, volunteers will learn how to track local fauna in the winter months, and how this data can help Meewasin fulfill its vision of keeping the Valley healthy and vibrant. While hiking around Beaver Creek, there’s sure to be many opportunities for volunteers to practice their newfound skills in real time.
If you prefer flora to fauna, then you’ll likely be interested in Twig & Bud Identification. On February 10 and February 22, volunteers will hike through the Meewasin Valley, and just like with Wildlife Tracking, they’ll learn in real time from the Meewasin team.
We hope that now you’ll agree that February can indeed be fabulous. If you’re still not convinced – give one of our events a chance, and experience what Meewasin has to offer in the winter for yourself.
See you in the Valley!