Seasons Greetings!

THE NSFC WISHES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!

It's that time of year once again! A time for sharing special times with loved ones, and sitting back and winding down after a busy work year. The NSFC is looking forward to 2011, and we are optimistic that our new year will be just as rewarding as the last.

At the NSFC, we are grateful (and lucky)to live in our very own Winter Wonderland! As you can see from the snowy picture we have included, the Northeast Superior Region of Ontario offers breathtaking views throughout the chilly months, and is a great place to explore while enjoying outdoor activities. We encourage residents and visitors to take some time over the holidays to enjoy our natural surroundings, and appreciate just how special our region is year-round.

What are some of the NSFC's favourite ways to enjoy our forests during the winter?

• Strap on some snowshoes, grab a friend or family member, and take a walk on a nearby trail. Our region has never ending trail systems, so you never get bored of walking the same old trail. Keep an eye out for animal tracks in the snow, and make a game out of guessing what type of animal it was and where it was headed.
• Get a group together and spend the day ice fishing. There is no shortage of lakes in our region, and ice fishing is such a great experience. Don't forget to pack some hot chocolate and a cozy blanket :) Always remember to follow fishing regulations.
• Take your children, a friends child, or anyone 'young at heart' on a tobogganing adventure. Pack your sleighs, hop in the car, or walk through the woods, and see who can spot the best hill. The winner gets to try it out first!
• Organize a forest scavenger hunt. Be creative, there are hundreds of ideas that would make this a great family activity. You can make your own items to hide behind stumps, on a tree branch etc. or you can ask the scavengers to find various natural items. If you wanted to make it extra fun you could incorporate geocaching!

In our region, there is no excuse to stay indoors all winter long! Bundle up, head outside, get active, and spend some time enjoying our forests!

See you in 2011!