The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association will host a winter exploration of seasonal changes at its Trout Brook Preserve in Alna on Monday, Jan. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.

How do plants and animals adapt to winter and changes in the seasons? What are the triggers? How does a cold winter with little snow affect animals and plants? Is everything dormant now, or is something happening under the ice of Trout Brook or in the little buds at the tips of tree twigs? Naturalist, and SVCA’s Program Manager, Lynne Flaccus will lead the exploration and scavenger hunt along the trails sharing information and challenging kids and adults to practice observation skills.

Lynne will also introduce several citizen science projects related to the study of seasonal changes or phenology that anyone can participate in. Families are encouraged to come and learn about projects that allow citizens to make observations and contribute discoveries to ongoing scientific studies. Project BudBurst, Nature’s Notebook, eBird and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Vital Signs project are just a few examples of fun ways for families to get outside and become citizen scientists!

Meet at the Trout Brook parking lot on Route 218 in Alna at 1 p.m. with warm footwear, layers of warm clothes, your enthusiasm and your curiosity. After the walk, the Alna Store is open just up the road, for a warm drink or snack.

For more information, call the office at 207-586-5616, visit our website at www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sheepscot.