Winter Weather Updates

We hope this message finds you warm and well! As we work diligently to recover from the recent winter storm, we want to keep you informed about the current conditions affecting accessibility at WPNR. With over 10 inches of snow still covering the ground, we want to ensure your visit is both safe and enjoyable. While our main parking lot is clear, please note that fencerow parking is not available at this time. Additionally, the Park and Walk lot off Saint Vincent Drive is also accessible, but we must advise you that the trails themselves will remain unplowed and uncleared. We encourage you to plan your visit accordingly and take necessary precautions while exploring the trails, as your safety is our top priority. Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate these conditions together. We invite you to stay connected with us for updates and information about future events, as we look forward to fostering a strong sense of community with all of you.

Learning Center Barn

Closed 
Friday, January 30,2026

Next week promises to be absolutely marvelous for winter play day fun, and we can hardly contain our excitement! At WPNR, we are wholeheartedly committed to encouraging outdoor exploration amidst the beauty of nature in winter. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our visitors, our dedicated facilities management staff will be diligently attending to snow removal efforts. We can’t wait to welcome you back next week, where families can come together and embrace the winter wonderland.

Snowshoe With Us

Nature Play Day

We know you and your little ones need to get out after being cooped up in this frigid weather so just a reminder, this year’s first 
Nature Play Day is rescheduled for NEXT Friday, February 6th.

Taking into account the snow still on the ground, parking 
WILL BE limited. 


That being said, we kindly ask you and your family choose to attend Nature Play Day from 10:30-11:30 am OR 11:30 am-12:30 pm (or anywhere within those times) to try and mitigate any parking issues. Please no strollers.

We know this may not fit in with nap times, lunch times, breaks, etc. and we understand but we still wanted to provide the opportunity for your little ones to get out and visit us! 

We’d love to see you at our Winter-themed Nature Play Day! 

❄️ Free! 

☃️ Unstructured nature free play

❄️ Infants and toddlers (with their caregiver)

☃️ No registration required! 

❄️ Indoor winter activities 

☃️ Held in the Learning Center Barn

Happy Groundhog Day

Monday, February 2, 2026 marks the historical Groundhog Day. For nature lovers, groundhogs are not just the weather predicting animal. Also known as woodchucks, they are generalist species that exhibit a remarkable adaptability to a wide range of habitats, including open clearings, woodland edges, roadsides, fields, and riparian zones. Their ability to thrive in these diverse environments, particularly in human-dominated landscapes, underscores their resilience and ecological significance. As burrowing creatures, groundhogs primarily inhabit underground tunnels, which they meticulously construct and maintain. This underground lifestyle not only provides them with shelter and protection from predators but also influences their interactions with the surrounding ecosystem, including their impact on soil health and plant growth. Understanding the behavior and ecological role of groundhogs is crucial for fostering a deeper appreciation of local wildlife and promoting conservation efforts within our communities.

REMINDER WINTER OPERATIONS

During this winter season, our hours of operation and reserve conditions may change from day to day. Please call ahead, check our social media, or visit our website for updates! The nature reserve follows the Saint Vincent College academic calendar and operates programming accordingly. 

We also follow the Greater Latrobe Area School District's weather delays and cancellation schedule for our scheduled programs.