Janet Elis with her dog, Macduff, a cavalier King Charles spaniel, leads the way at the winter tree walk Wednesday, Jan. 18, afternoon at Moraine State Park. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

The winter weather isn’t considered “bad weather” by the staff of Moraine State Park; it just gives visitors another way to experience nature.

Natalie Simon, environmental education specialist at Moraine, said the educational walks and hikes the park hosts during the winter are popular. She said many people also enjoy the chance to see the park and its trails in a different context.

“Hikes are kind of popular in the winter,” Simon said. “People like excuses to go outdoors; they like to be together more than other times.”

Moraine had several events scheduled for January and February, including a winter tree walk that took place Wednesday; a winter weeds walk Jan. 26; and a Groundhog Day hike Feb. 2.

For information, visit Moraine State Park’s page on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website.