For John Eskate, being able to get outside in the winter is important. As the volunteer and civic engagement senior manager for the Academy of Natural Science at Drexel University, he runs a program called Nature at Noon.
“Over the wintertime, we’re meeting about twice a month, and we are visiting Philadelphia’s wonderful park spaces, greenways, waterways, and just celebrating and appreciating Philadelphia’s biodiversity in nature,” he said.
As Philly experiences a snowy start to the year, Eskate said it is important to get outside when you can during the season.
“People get a lot from the Vitamin D of being outside and also sharing in the joy of being outside together, too,” he said.
Research shows that being in nature for at least 120 minutes each week can benefit people’s overall health and well-being. Additionally, spending time outdoors can help regulate mood and reduce stress levels.
Billy Penn attended a recent Nature at Noon – which focused on lakes. Here is what we learned.
‘A great way to get out’
The January program was attended by 10-15 participants, and started with brief introductions and icebreakers.
“On average, we’re about 10 to 20 people,” he said. “And I think the smaller groups tend to make things a little bit more accessible as well. [When one group included 33 people], it was quite daunting, but it’s also so much fun.”
The group uses the Free Library of Philadelphia’s birding backpacks to spot birds while participating in the nature programs. Eskate guides the participants along the way, using a laser pointer to direct people’s attention.
During the January 22 session, the group saw various birds, including a yellow-bellied sapsucker and several types of woodpeckers. The variety was a welcome change, said Liz Dailey, who lives in South Philly.
“I get tired of pigeons and sparrows, so I wanted to see something else,” she said.
Dailey attended the Nature at Noon session with three friends – Barbara Lea-Kruger, who lives in Queen Village; Ilene Wilder, who lives in Pennsport; and Beth Adams, who lives near FDR Park.
“It is a great way to get out on a winter’s day,” Adams said. “We definitely love the sun, and thought our tour guides and having the laser pointers were a way for us to enjoy the event.”
Wilder said it was helpful for the guides to point out these parts of nature to add to the experience.
“It’s always beautiful to see nature up close like that,” she said. “It’s the colors and just the peacefulness of it.”
The friends agreed they would be back for more sessions.
Eskate said what started as a “selfish” desire to bird on his lunch break has turned into so much more amongst participants.
“Getting outside in the winter is critical, because I think, speaking for myself, I could just as easily sit at my desk and eat my lunch and work through my lunch break,” he said.
Seeing colorful birds and exploring parts of Philly nature can be big mood boosters in the winter, he added.
Philly’s green spaces
“The other goal of Nature at Noon is to expose or introduce parks and locations within Philadelphia that folks haven’t visited before,” he said. “They maybe have never been to Bartram’s Garden or the Discovery Center, or the Fairmount Water Works, or Penn Treaty Park. And Philly is chock full of beautiful green spaces and waterways that ought to inspire curiosity and also appreciation for the natural world.”
Eskate said that, recently, the group has seen lots of diversity in group members.
“There are a lot of new faces and a nice age range too,” he said. “We had some kids and some older adults and lots of people in between.”
He says that Nature at Noon is geared toward everyone.
“It can be so fun to encounter unexpected things on your lunch break, in the middle of a day when you’re working hard, or you’re spending important time on things,” he said. “Nature at Noon aims to give Philadelphians that opportunity. Students, tourists, the workforce, and everybody else are invited to Nature at Noon.”
Other outdoor programs
From ice skating to outdoor events, there are many options to get you out of the house this season.
Monday, Feb. 16 – Saturday, March 7: Lunar New Year Festival in Chinatown
Join Philly’s Chinatown Development Corporation for a slew of events to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. You can choose between many activities – from a walking tour, to a Tai Chi lesson, to a calligraphy workshop or a dumpling-making workshop. There will also be parades in Chinatown on Monday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 22. You can find the full list of events here.
Through Sunday, Feb. 22: Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink
Enjoy ice skating in the heart of Dilworth Park daily through late February. The rink is open from Monday to Thursday, from noon to 9 p.m., Fridays from noon to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are recommended to be bought in advance, and sessions are 90 minutes long. Tickets are $10 for those aged 11 and up, $7 for kids 10 and under, and skate rental is an additional $10.
Through Saturday, February 28: Winter at Franklin Square
Enjoy a nightly light show with seasonal tunes, themed mini golf with Philly landmarks and lights, and street curling, all at Franklin Square in Old City. The square features these activities for the whole family, as well as seasonal events. This includes everything from Boozy “Bengo” with Ben Franklin inside of the park’s Frosty’s Fireside Lodge to the park’s Ice Princess Night & Brunch, where kids can spend time with Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Tiana from Princess and the Frog and Jasmine from Aladdin.
Through Sunday, March 1: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Experience a mix of games, rides, food, drinks and ice skating all in one place, at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Interested skaters can purchase tickets for $5 and rentals for an additional $12, and there are also options for ice skating lessons. After you’re done, check out the myriad of food options and other rides, all overlooking the Ben Franklin Bridge. More specifics on open days and hours are available here.
Through December 31: Philadelphia’s 52 Weeks of Firsts
Get in the 250 spirit with the Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts throughout the year. Each week will feature a “Saturday Firstival,” which will feature a celebration at the original location of each “first” and will include a “Firstival” sculpture, guest speakers and historical activities.
All winter long: Sledding
Enjoy Philly Family’s roundup of popular sledding spots both across the city and on the Main Line. Especially with wintry weather in the coming weeks, now could be the time for you and your family to experience snow (especially if your kids are young enough to have not experienced a big snowfall) in a new way.
