Write a commentA gray squirrel bounds along, a pale-yellow oblong sphere held in its mouth. It has found a black walnut and is looking for a place to cache it for winter.
Overhead the honking of Canada geese fills the sky. Another flock flies above in classic “V” formation. Much quieter is the migration of warblers. These songbirds are heading back south to their wintering grounds which boast more abundant food. Little brown bats have gathered in their winter hibernating site, a cave. The temperature of their hibernacula will stay above freezing despite the frigid winds outside. For all these animals, winter poses a challenge. Each species has its own survival strategy.
On the morning of Monday, November 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the 4-H Natural Resources Educator will introduce our new program: Migrate, Hibernate, Adapt. Attendees will learn the various strategies that local animals use to survive winter’s freezing temperatures and lack of food. This event is open to participants of any age, no matter which county you reside in. With students having a break from school on this day, it’s a great chance to learn about those strategies. Participants will then take a hike to find signs of animals along the trails.
Register today at https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/MigrateHibernateAdapt_235 to reserve your spot. The program fee is $4 per person and up to $12 per family. For questions or more information, contact Katrina Relyea, 4-H Natural Resources Educator with the Oswego County 4-H Office, at (315)963-7286 ext. 401 or kmr276@cornell.edu.
