Submitted Photo Before any New Year’s Eve celebrations begin, relish some peaceful moments in the outdoors on a free mid-morning guided walk at Audubon Community Nature Center on Saturday, December 31.

As the year comes to a close, the public is invited to enjoy a guided winter hike at Audubon Community Nature Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 31.

Winter is settling in, and plants and animals are preparing for the cold days ahead. Learn how creatures adapt to the changing weather and enjoy the winter scenery that the Nature Center has to offer. After the hike, return to the center to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Children are welcome as long as they are able to hike on snowy trails for at least half a mile or more. Remember to dress for the weather. The event will be canceled in the case of severe weather. While donations are welcomed, the walk is free of charge.

Participation is limited to 15. Reservations are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome if space is available. To reserve a place, call the Nature Center during open hours at 716-569-2345 or go to AudubonCNC.org and click through “Programs and Events.”

The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, and hike, snowshoe or cross country ski more than five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free. The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members.

The building will be closed on Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Day.

To learn more about Audubon and its programs, call 716-569-2345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.