What is the snow geese migration?
Did you know that there is an estimated 6 million snow geese that call the Arctic Tundra their home, and each year during the months of February and March, they make the long journey home from their winter stay in the Delmarva area.
One of places that these geese use as a resting spot on their long journey is the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster/Lebanon County.
If you have never visited Middle Creek during the migration, I would highly recommend it. Watching thousands of snow geese, tundra swans and Canadian geese roosting together or taking off together is an amazing sight. And according to the PA Game Commission, the migration this year has begun!
3 Ways to learn about Snow Geese Migration
Here are a few ways to make a trip to see the goose migration a fun and educational family activity.
1: Be Informed
Watch this very informative youtube webinar about the goose migration posted by the PA Game Commission before you visit Middle Creek and witness the snow geese for yourself.
2: Attend a Class
Lancaster County Park Presents: Middle Creek Migration for Beginner Birders
WHAT: Middle Creek Migration for Beginning Birders Ages 6 Middle Creek WMA Spring is on the way and Middle Creek WMA is the place to confirm it! After meeting Naturalist Mary Ann Schlegel at the Visitor Center, we will proceed to viewing areas including Willow Point. At Willow Point, we will walk about 1/2 mile on a level path to an overlook. Weather and migration are unpredictable, but we hope for the best! Dress in warm layers for cold and windy conditions. Bring a lunch or snack if desired.
WHEN: Friday, March 1 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Heavy rain or snow will postpone until March 8. Register online or call (717) 295-2055 to register and prepay by noon on Thursday, February 28. $4.00 per person.
WHERE: Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
3: Visitor Center & Hiking
Middle Creek has an amazing visitor center that boasts lots of interactive games and activities to increase and extend the outdoor learning. Make sure to schedule time into your visit to stop by and look at all the displays. Middle Creek also has great hiking/walking trails that ramble all through the woods. Pack a lunch and make a whole afternoon of your trip.
Where to Stay
If you are interested in making a weekend of your trip to Middle Creek, we would recommend migrating to Refreshing Mountain outdoor adventure center. Their cosy cabins are nestled in the woods, less than 10 minutes from Middle Creek and their facilities have a lot to offer, including zip lines, elevated obstacle courses and much more!
