Winter is the perfect time to bundle up, pull on some boots, and head outdoors for an invigorating walk. The public is invited to join Damariscotta River Association (DRA) for “Winter Walks and Wanderings with a Naturalist.” Led by DRA Education Director Sarah Gladu, these walks will include natural history discussion along the way.

Each hike will focus on a particular theme, but there will also be room to veer off topic to explore any special discoveries made on the trail. Gladu notes, “It is not unusual to find tracks and signs of a wide variety of wildlife, kill sites where an animal has eaten another animal, or signs of insect life on plants – all of which can help to tell the story of that place and how it relates to the larger landscape.”

The schedule for this winter series is:

Saturday, Jan. 6, Wildlife in Winter: 1 to 3 p.m. at DRA’s Great Salt Bay Farm, 110 Belvedere Rd.

Wednesday, Jan. 17, Forests through Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Walpole Woods, Route 129, So. Bristol

Saturday, Feb. 3, Trees in Winter: 1 to 3 p.m. at Dodge Point, River Road, Newcastle

Wednesday, Feb. 14, Birds in Winter: 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Marsh River Bog, Route 1, Newcastle

Wednesday, Feb. 28, Animal Tracks: 9:30 to 11 a.m. at NORGAL Preserve, Austin Road, Bristol

There is no charge to participate in the winter walk series. Walkers are encouraged to bring snowshoes or ice cleats, depending on conditions. Directions to the hike locations can be found on DRA’s website at www.damariscottariver.org, or by calling the office at 207-563-1393. Please register by 3 p.m. the day before the walk so DRA can contact participants if weather creates a need to reschedule.

For more information call (207) 563-1393, email dra@damariscottariver.org, or visit online at www.damariscottariver.org.