Photo courtesy of Wolf Sanctuary of PA.
One of the most definable traits of central PA is its ruralness.
On a recent day trip, the scent of manure slipped uninvited into my truck, despite the windows being sealed against the cold. This is healthy farmland. Rolling green hills appeared infinite, traced by winding roads that hugged turns with terrifying accuracy. Bumps and curves reminded my kid of a rollercoaster, so he threw his hands up in the back seat and shrieked with delight as we sped along. For this trip, we were headed beyond cultivation, to where the wild creeps back into Penn’s Woods.
Slightly north of the town of Lititz, the Wolf Sanctuary of PA sits on over 80 acres of dense woodland. Families can learn about and meet the wolves by participating in a tour. The sanctuary seeks to educate the public on the important role these apex predators play in food webs and ecosystems. But it’s not all serious. The volunteer tour guides also share fun facts about their canine companions, such as that gray wolves can be tan, brown, black or even white. Our favorite wolf was Remus, who shares his name with the werewolf professor from Harry Potter. There are over 50 wolves in the sanctuary, some shyer than others. Make sure to read the rules of the facility with your family before scheduling a tour.
Volunteers that work directly with the animals must be 18 or older, but younger wolf enthusiasts can get involved by setting up a donation drive in their community. These wild animals love to eat and are fed by donations from conservation-minded kids and families. Along with raw meat, the sanctuary accepts donations of paper products, dish soap and other items that can be found on the wish list on their website. Young and old alike can inform friends and neighbors about the importance of wolves and the work being done to protect them. Fundraising and community education is an opportunity for young scientists and future conservationists to observe their actions creating positive reactions.
After spending time with wolves, your pack may be ready for a feast of its own. In the nearby town of Ephrata, the Green Dragon Farmers Market has a treat for every taste. Open Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. year-round, the market is home to over 100 vendors. You can find items ranging from free range eggs to hand-painted, upcycled tractor gears, fried fish sandwiches, antiques and, my kid’s favorite, a vendor selling discounted beanie babies for $2. Inside the market, the dismal chill of winter melts away and is replaced by a warming bustle as purveyors, makers and shoppers chat in cheerful exchange. For aspiring artists or restaurateurs, the Green Dragon Farmers Market showcases the direct-to-consumer business model and can serve as inspiration for kids while demonstrating the dedication it takes to be an entrepreneur.
After treasure hunting and filling up on snacks, check out The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area located in Stevens, a little under 10 minutes from the market. Middle Creek is a rare Globally Important Bird Area, visited yearly by migrating snow geese and tundra swans. You and your family can brainstorm other animals that migrate, such as the monarch butterfly, which briefly visits us in the summer and travels thousands of miles during its migration. Many animals perform incredible feats to survive winter, such as groundhogs that hibernate, terrapins that brumate, chipmunks that stockpile nuts and berries, or minks that are tough, opportunistic hunters and stay active throughout the year. The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area’s Visitor Center reopens to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and is a resource for young minds brimming with questions, while serving the symbiotic purpose of being both heated and indoors.
On this adventure, we discovered that ruralness is not really all we have to offer here. Pocketed away within our open spaces are community hubs, where passionate people share with us some of what drives them. In just a day trip, families can experience sanctuaries that harbor wolves, visit sprawling markets bustling with people, and be awed by isolated beauty in wildland preserves. Even in the depths of winter, the heart of Pennsylvania thrives and we along with it.
For more information about the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, visit www.wolfsanctuarypa.org.
To find out more about the Green Dragon Farmers Market, visit www.greendragonmarket.com.
For more information about the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, visit www.pgc.pa.gov.
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