The Damariscotta River Association (DRA) announced that they are offering several guided nature walks focusing on winter wildlife. On Thursday, Jan. 16 there will be a “Full Moon Owl Prowl” from 7 to 9 p.m. The group will meet at Dodge Point Preserve in Newcastle and go for a walk there to look for owls.

Following the walk, the group will carpool to several other nearby locations to search for owls by playing audio recordings in the hopes that owls in the area may respond with vocalizations. This program will be led by experienced birder and Midcoast Audubon Board Member Dennis McKenna and DRA Education Coordinator Sarah Gladu.

On Sunday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, there will be an “Animal Tracks and Signs” walk at the NORGAL Preserve in Bristol. The NORGAL Preserve, which is accessible through the Bearce-Allen Preserve due to a partnership with Pemaquid Watershed Association, can be found by turning onto Sproul Hill Road from Route 130 in Bristol and then taking a right onto Austin Road where parking is available on the right. DRA staff report that a variety of tracks are likely including coyote, fox, deer, turkey and snowshoe hare.

Later that same day, January 26 from 1 to 3 p.m., “Wetlands in Winter” will be the topic for a walk at the DRA Great Salt Bay Farm, 110 Belvedere Road, Damariscotta. Participants will identify wetland plants as well as exploring fresh and saltwater marshes. The group will also drill through the ice to identify aquatic invertebrates. Both of these programs will be led by Sarah Gladu, DRA Education Coordinator and naturalist.

On Sunday, Feb. 2 Gladu will lead a “Winter Forest Ecology Walk” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at DRA’s Baker Forest in Newcastle. The group will learn about wildlife adaptations to winter conditions and identify trees and shrubs along the way. The initial part of this walk is steep but subsequently the trail becomes fairly level. Nonetheless, participants should be mindful of winter conditions and prepare appropriately.

Snowshoes and crampons are recommended for all of the above programs, depending on conditions but the DRA asks that you not bring skis or dogs to the programs. Registration is required for all programs. There are limited spaces for the Owl Prowl.

The Damariscotta River Association is a nonprofit membership supported organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of the Damariscotta River, its watershed, and adjacent areas for the benefit of all. For more information call 207-563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or go to www.damariscottariver.org.