Winter Tree ID — Oakwoods Metropark

About this adventure

Once the leaves are gone, can you still tell one tree from another? On this guided winter walk at Oakwoods Metropark, a naturalist shows participants how to identify trees from the clues they keep all winter: bark texture, twigs, buds and branching patterns. Along roughly a mile of trail, participants practice the new skills on Oakwoods' own trees and pick up a few tricks for recognizing common species without their leaves. The program is outdoors and interactive, the trail terrain varies, and it lasts two hours on a Saturday morning, so bundle up and wear boots. It is open to ages 12 and up, which makes it a good outing for middle- and high-school students interested in science or scouting badges, alongside their parents. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before; cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child. Accessibility requests go to the park office at least two weeks ahead.