Valentine’s Snowshoe Hike

VALENTINES SNOWSHOE HIKE TO EXPLORE WINTER WILDLIFE HABITAT
Guided snowshoe hike offers winter wetland beauty on conserved land

LA CROSSE, WI – You’ll fall in love with the beauty of winter as you explore the La Crosse River
Conservancy on a Valentine’s snowshoe hike. Even those who’ve never been on snowshoes, will have a
chance to give it a try. It’s easy and fun. There will be a limited number of snowshoes available to
borrow at this Linked to the Land event offered by Mississippi Valley Conservancy at 1:00 p.m. on
Saturday, February 11. Co-host Stoney Creek Hotel will offer a complementary hot chocolate bar and you
can warm-up in their Lumberjack Saloon after the hike. The Conservancy’s 2023 Linked to the Land
program is sponsored by Olson Solar Energy with in-kind media support from WXOW News 19.

The family-friendly snowshoe hike will begin at the trailhead kiosk next to the Stoney Creek Hotel. Staff
and volunteers will be available to help with snowshoes. With a healthy wildlife population on this nature
preserve, there should be plenty of tracks to see and identify in the snow. The winter landscape offers a
unique view that is often spectacular.

Winter is a great time to explore the La Crosse River Conservancy, permanently protected by Mississippi
Valley Conservancy, while most of the wet areas are frozen. The protected property includes 373 acres of
scenic riparian forests, wetland prairies, tamarack swamps, and open wetlands. It is one of over 25 nature
preserves protected and maintained by Mississippi Valley Conservancy for wildlife habitat, public
education, and recreation.

Participants are advised to dress in layers, wear a hat, warm boots, and warm gloves or mittens. Walking
sticks are recommended but not required. If there’s not enough snow, we’ll hike without snowshoes.

Advance registration is required by end of day Wednesday, February 9, for this free event. A limited
number of snowshoes are available on a first-come-first-served reservation basis. Details and directions
are available at Mississippi Valley Conservancy.org/events