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Frosty fun for all ages By Jennifer McFee 4 | W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S LAUNCH hen you step outdoors to enjoy our winter wonderland, the snowball effect can lead to a flurry of fun. For those who are seeking outdoor exercise and adventure, cross-country skiing is proving to be a popular pastime. Karin McSherry, executive director of the Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba, notes that the sport is both affordable and accessible — as long as you're prepared to fall down sometimes. "We have more than 50 trails listed on our website. The equipment isn't terribly expensive and it lasts a long time. It's something you can do by yourself or with your family," said McSherry, who recommends to not ski alone, especially in remote areas. "It's great exercise outside in beautiful winter, and it's a naturally distanced activity. The length of your ski pole and the length of the skis on your feet will keep the distance from the people who are on the trail with you. It's a safe way to be outside — together but apart." For Sherrie Versluis, owner of The Preferred Perch, she has noticed an increased interest in bird watching since the onset of the pandemic. "When COVID first started, it just happened to coincide with the spring migration. Every- body started working from home and then they started to actually look out their window and notice the birds," she said. "People started saying the birds must be coming out because of COVID since there were fewer people outside — but these birds have always been here. It really opened my eyes to how much people had lost touch with nature. They were not even seeing what was happening in their own backyard until they were forced to stay home." Bird watching offers a rewarding activity in winter as well as in the warmer months. "We're very lucky in Manitoba that we get a wide variety of birds in every season. We have year-round birds and we have species that only come seasonally, whether it's just passing through in spring or just here in winter. It's really fun to see the changes that can come to your bird feeders," Versluis said. "For people who are new to it, that's something they're still learning and experiencing. If families are looking for something to do together, feeding the birds gives them a reason to go outside in the mornings and fill the feeders. They can start to learn about the species, as well as what food and feeders they should use." The Preferred Perch, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in November, aims to educate people about all the birds they can see in their own backyard. "In North America, bird-watching is the second biggest hobby after gardening," Versluis said. "I think when people pay more a ention to nature, they have a greater respect for it and take be er care of it. For me, that's something I'm very happy about." If you're looking for an ideal venue to view birds and other wildlife, FortWhyte Alive features seven kilometres of trails that weave through prairie, forest and marsh boardwalk. "We're seeing tons of wildlife right now, including deer and winter birds like chickadees," said communications and brand manager Carolyn Townend. "And there's lots to explore beyond just going for a walk at Fort Whyte. Our toboggan slide is open, and it's about five storeys high. We're asking people to keep the distance between other families that are using the slide." Visitors are also welcome to bring their own cross-country skis or ice fishing equipment. Snowshoes are available to rent for $5 a pair W PHOTO BY VINCE BLAIS

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