Maple Syrup Tapping; Ice Pond Cutting; Wild Ducks

Here are some of the events coming up this weekend in Westchester County parks.

SATURDAY, JAN. 19

Wild Ducks of Manursing Lake – 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Park, Rye – (914) 967-8720. There are many species of ducks and diving birds that congregate in large numbers on the lake during the winter, feeding and socializing on the protected, unfrozen lake, as they await the arrival of spring. Dress warmly for a walk to learn to identify them.

Family Maple Syrup Tapping – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Routes 35 and 121 South, Cross River -- (914) 864-7322. Bring your family or a group of friends to learn the ins and outs of maple sugaring. This is a one-on-one event and times must be reserved in advance. Fee is $50 per group and includes tapping experience, a souvenir photo/frame, and a bottle of maple syrup (once the season has ended). Also, 1/26, 2/2 and 2/9.

Spin ’n’ Knit – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hilltop Hanover Farm, 1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights – (914) 962-2368. Calling all spinners and knitters, beginning or experienced! Come gather in an informal atmosphere and be part of a monthly spinning and knitting group. No fee or registration required for first time attendees; $5 for each subsequent class.

Volunteer Work Project: Clearing the Trails of Fallen Debris – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Marshlands Conservancy, Boston Post Road, Rye – (914) 835-4466. Help make the trails safe for hikers. Great for any type of service credit hours. Please bring work gloves. Hand tools will be provided.

Westchester Knicks v. Delaware Blue Coats – 7 p.m. Westchester County Center, 198 N. Central Avenue, White Plains – (914) 995-4050. Tickets at westchesterknicks.com. Parking fee.

SATURDAY – SUNDAY, JAN. 19 - 20

Project Feeder Watch – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Croton Point Nature Center, Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson – (914) 862-5297. Identify and count birds at the nature center's bird feeders. Beginners encouraged, all welcome! Saturday and Sunday mornings through March. Go to projectfeederwatch.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 20

All About Ice – 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers – (914) 864-7282. Learn about the role ice played at Muscoot Farm and take a hike out to our ice pond for an ice cutting demonstration. Weather permitting.

Conservatory Tour – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, Route 35, Somers – (914) 864-7268. Join Lasdon's horticulturist for a conservatory tour featuring the Tropical Rainforest exhibit and learn about rainforests and colorful tropical plants. Regular weekend price of $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 years. Purchase tickets at the Shop at Lasdon.

Winter Tree Identification Workshop – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Marshlands Conservancy, Boston Post Road, Rye – (914) 835-4466. Learn how to identify trees by the best technique of all -- their buds. Dress warmly.

More info at parks.westchestergov.com.

PHOTO via Westchester County Parks Facebook page