Monroe Lake
- Winter Wander Hikes
- Eagles over Monroe, Feb. 13-15
- Winter Lovers Open House, Feb. 22
Winter Wander Hikes
Hikers walk through the snowy woods at Monroe Lake during a 2025 Winter Wander Hike.
Our Wander Series offers off-trail hiking through lesser-known, backcountry, or normally off-limits areas around Monroe Lake. Wander Hikes are guided, but there is no predetermined route. The naturalist sets the meeting location and picks a general direction to head toward - and then we explore together! If you enjoy hiking with others, shared learning, and the freedom of "wandering without a destination," this hike series may be a fit for you.
Hikes generally last about two hours but occasionally run over. Hikers should dress for the weather and be prepared for potentially rugged terrain. Registrants will be sent an email with driving directions to the exact meeting location and additional details at least one day prior.
All Winter Wander Hikes are FREE but limited to 20 people (recommended for ages 12 to adult). If a hike is full, make sure you sign up for the waiting list. CLICK HERE FOR HIKE REGISTRATION
Monday, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. at Cutright East (Cutright SRA)
Monday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. at Cutright West (Cutright SRA)
Friday, March 13 at 1 p.m. at Combs Road (Norman)
Eagles over Monroe, Feb. 13-15
A bald eagle circles above Monroe Lake during the winter, accompanied by several gulls. (Credit: Louis Tenney, 2018)
Join us for our annual celebration of eagles and other birds at Monroe Lake. Please read the schedule carefully ... a few programs (most hikes, live eagle programs) require advance registration. All programs take place at PAYNETOWN SRA (except for the Bottomlands Birding Hike, Bald Eagle Hacking Tower Hike, and the Fairfax Birding Hike).
ALL WEEKEND
• Self-Guided Bald Eagle Driving Tour: Create your own self-guided driving tour during the peak of eagle-viewing season. Consult our online map for the best viewing locations and times, grab a pair of binoculars and a warm drink, and head out to Monroe Lake on your own schedule to look for eagles. CLICK HERE for the online, interactive map.
• Warming Station: The Activity Center at Paynetown SRA (next to beach) will be open Friday, Feb. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Take a break while searching for eagles or stop by between scheduled programs. Complimentary hot tea, hot cocoa, and snacks - also winter birding checklists and property maps.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
• 10 a.m. Bottomlands Birding Hike, Click here for details & registration (free, reg. by 2/12 at 4 p.m.)
• 1 p.m. Bald Eagle Hacking Tower Hike, Click here for details & registration (free, reg. by 2/12 at 4 p.m.)
• 5 to 6 p.m. Sunset Eagle Watch, Click here for details (free, no reg.)
SATURDAY, FEB. 14
• 10 a.m. Paynetown Birding Walk, Click here for details (free, no reg.)
• 12:45 p.m. Photographing Eagles (and other birds!) at Monroe Lake, Click here for details (free, no reg.)
• 2 p.m. LIVE Bald Eagle Program, Click here for details & registration ($5/person, reg. by 2/13)
• 3 p.m. Winter Wings: Birding Basics for Beginners, Click here for details (free, no reg.)
• 4 p.m. LIVE Bald Eagle Program, Click here for details & registration ($5/person, reg. by 2/13)
• 5 to 6 p.m. Sunset Eagle Watch, Click here for details (free, no reg.)
SUNDAY, FEB. 15
• 10 a.m. Fairfax Birding Hike, Click here for details & registration (free, reg. by 2/14 at 4 p.m.)
• 10:30 a.m. Owls in Love, Click here for details (free, no reg.)
• 12:30 p.m. From Head to Toe: Building a Bird, Click here for details (free, no reg.)
Winter Lovers Open House, Feb. 22
A soft snow falls over Monroe Lake. (Credit: Jeff Danielson)
Paynetown SRA: Activity Center
Sunday, Feb. 22, from noon to 2 p.m.
Free property admission! Free activities!
Recommended for ages 6 to adult.
Spring is fast approaching, but it isn’t here yet, so let’s embrace the last few weeks of winter … DROP BY to sip on hot cocoa while you craft a wintery nature-themed collage, snowman magnet, and snowman ornament, decorate colorful winter-themed “zentangles” (coloring pages also available for young kids), and play “Snowflake Memory!” If the weather permits, participants can also complete a short outdoor winter scavenger hunt to win a prize.
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