Wallowology/Contributed image

By Katy Nesbitt

Go! Magazine

JOSEPH — The snow is flying and the days are darkening — a perfect time to get kids down to Wallowology in Joseph to learn about the physics of snowflakes and the astronomy of the winter solstice.

The Wallowology Discovery Center and Wallowa Resources of Enterprise teamed up to offer a variety of activities for families to celebrate the solstice on Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Tuesday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Drop in the Wallowology Natural History Discovery Center, 508 N. Main St., for art, science, hot apple cider and cookies.

“The event is meant to highlight the science behind the solstice, celebrate daylight coming back and brightening up our days and will hopefully give families and children something fun to do in the winter,” said Lindsay Miller, youth education manager for Wallowa Resources.

Breanne Austin, educational programs coordinator for Wallowology, said there will be opportunities to make bird feeders out of pinecones slathered with seed butter and seeds, as well as snowflake Christmas ornaments and ice lanterns.

There will also be a station to learn the science of how the Earth goes around the sun and why the solstice happens.

“We are using art to teach science,” Austin said. “We want to offer another way for people to celebrate the winter season and focus on the science of winter and the solstice.”

Masks are required and activities will be spaced out in the center to allow for social distancing.

To celebrate the solstice and winter ecology outdoors, the public is invited to meet at the main Iwetemlaykin parking lot on the Wallowa Lake Highway at 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 for a short hike.

To illuminate the walk on the darkest night of the year, bring a lantern or come to Wallowology beforehand to make your own ice lantern. The guided walk will be led by a Wallowology naturalist.

“We’re pretty excited about this new event together and hope it will be a success and lead to it happening again in years to come,” Miller said.

Wallowology is offering free Discovery Walks by appointment on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December. To explore a wintery Wallowa Valley with a Wallowology naturalist, book a hike 24 hours ahead by calling 509-923-1965. Learn more at www.wallowology.org.