By Amy Lukac
Opinion Editor

It’s the time of the year for white, cold, snowy fun. ESU students are lucky to be attending classes in the Poconos, especially on a campus with Stony Acres.

The 119-acre wildlife sanctuary located in Marshalls Creek offers recreational activities for ESU students and staff all year long.

Now that winter is here, Stony Acres winter programs have released their full winter-fun schedule!

In order to attend these activities, make sure to reserve your spot at the ticket sales desk in the University Center, room 211 soon!

You can reserve your spots any time between 8 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Please make sure you reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance.

Don’t have ice skates or skiing equipment? No problem! All equipment is available for all of the programs at no charge and you’ll learn all about it before your start your fun.

Transportation, however, is available but limited. It will be a first come first serve opportunity, so either reserve and set yourself up for transportation early, or find someone to carpool with.

These snow programs are completely FREE to all students and staff. Just be aware of the weather conditions because that will decide the program’s fate.

The programs include: ice skating / cross-country skiing / snowshoe hike on Sunday Feb. 14 from 11:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesday Feb. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Free hot chocolate will also be available during these events!

Snowshoeing / cross-country skiing along the Delaware River will take place on Feb. 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Delaware River remains a beautiful area all year long. You’ll be able to enjoy the scenic area while skiing leisurely along the river.

If you’re new to skiing, this is the perfect activity for you. There will be a $3.00 program fee for this.

The Commuter Student Association and Stony Acres are teaming up to hold the Commuter Winter Retreat on Feb. 19. This free overnight stay will include all of the above activities and more! Reserve your spot by Feb. 17 by emailing commuters@esu.edu.

The Winter Warrior Challenge will be on Saturday, Feb. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. immediately following the Commuter Winter Retreat. This Game of Thrones-themed activity is designed to test you!

Teams of 3-4 individuals will compete against each other while completing physical and mental challenges.

Whoever wins will be named the Ultimate Winter Warrior.

Students can sign up as part of a team or as a free agent. Free agents will then be assigned to incomplete teams.

Registration is $5.00 for students, $8.00 for staff, faculty and alumni and $10.00 for everyone else. Students must register by Feb. 17 to secure their spot!

On Sunday Feb. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. you will be able to admire some waterfall areas while walking in the chilly winter air—a great way to relax and clear your mind.

It’s a hawk, it’s a plane, no—it’s a bald eagle! Did you know there were bald eagles flying around the Delaware River?

On Thursday, March 1 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. you’ll be able to search for bald eagles all around the Delaware. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. If you don’t have your own, Stony Acres will provide a limited amount.

If winter is your favorite season, or you’re craving some outdoor activities, this lineup is something you might be interested in.

Remember to visit room 211 in the University Center to sign up for any or all of these events! Make the best out of the cold weather. It doesn’t have to make you miserable!

For more information, you can contact Madeline Constantine (program director) at mconstantine@esu.edu or give her a call at 570-422-3334.

Email Amy at:
alukac@live.esu.edu