WEST PORTSMOUTH — The winter season does not stifle adventure and activity at Shawnee State Resort Park in West Portsmouth. A myriad of family oriented activities are lined up for the month of February.

Jenny Richards Shawnee State Park Naturalist, said participation in any of the activities will be enjoyed by all who attend.

“The February calendar includes hiking, bird watching, storytelling at the lodge, pancake breakfast at a local diner, and a trip to Bear Lake to observe the first blooming plants of the new year,” Richards said. “Regardless of which program you decide to attend, you will enjoy beautiful scenery, fresh air, a visit to a wonderful park and good times with a park naturalist. Please consider bringing your family for a program this winter.”

The programs to be held at Shawnee Park will include the following:

Wilderness Walk – Friday, Feb. 5. Come to the Edge Preserve for a walk on the 2.5 mile wilderness loop trail. Meet at the lodge lobby at noon to ride along or caravan to the site.

Shawnee Stories – Sunday, Feb. 7. Sit by the fireside and journey back in time with retired park ranger and school teacher, Steve McGinnis. Steve has long been fascinated with Native American cultures of our region. He will share stories and artifacts during his program. Meet in the lodge lobby at 1 p.m.

Naturalist Programs- Saturday, Feb.13. Birding Caravan Join Dave Riepenhoff on a journey around the park, forest and river bottoms in search of ducks, geese, eagles, hawks and anything else that’s moving. Meet at the Shawnee Lodge Lobby at 10 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast and Sugar Shack Tour. Saturday, Feb. 20. Enjoy pancakes, homemade syrup and Southern hospitality at Fort Shawnee Diner at 8:30 a.m. for another Shawnee Nature Club special. Enjoy a tour of a local maple syrup making operation afterwards. Fort Shawnee Diner is located at mile marker 2 on US 52 one mile East of Buena Vista.

Stalking the Skunk Cabbage – Feb. 27. Will take a look a plant that creates its own heat and blooms in mid winter. Meet at the lodge at noon to learn more about this amazing phenomenon and go on an auto tour through the forest in search of Skunk Cabbage. Wear gum boots, dress warm, and be prepared to get muddy.

Additionally, those who visit the Lodge for programming may also listening to the music of local artist Steve Free perform during dinner in the dining room Thursdays from 6-9.

For more information regarding the programs, call Shawnee State Park Office at 740-858-6652, or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/shawneestatepark