While the chill of winter may be upon us for a while, there’s plenty of reasons to get outside in January and February. Among those reasons, a series of weekend programs at Goose Creek State Park in the next two months will allow area residents a chance to explore the natural wonders hidden right in their back yard.

“We try to spread out the area of focus, as far as hikes, general topics about the park,” Park Ranger Joe Martin said. “We’ll do hikes, PowerPoint presentations, formal talks and some hands-on activities to show everybody what we’ve got to offer here.”

Programs run on Saturdays and Sundays this month and next month, offering a chance to learn about forestry, ecology, history and a wide array of topics. Each program is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, at 10 a.m., the park will offer a program on the benefits of prescribed burns and the crucial role fire plays in ecosystem of Goose Creek. From why and how the state park burns to the equipment it uses, the program will show the ways flames can actually promote natural growth.

Amphibians are the topic of consideration during the 10 a.m. program on Jan. 19. From the interesting lifecycle of these part-terrestrial, part-aquatic creatures, to how they spend their winters in North Carolina, the program will offer insight on some of the creatures that call our area home.

An easy half-mile, ranger-led hike on Jan. 27 will offer new and experienced trekkers alike an opportunity to see pine hardwood forests and a scenic view of Mallard Creek. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring both water and binoculars. The 2 p.m. hike departs from the last parking lot in the park.

Moving into February, visitors on Feb. 2 will have the opportunity to learn about an important piece of North Carolina history they might not have heard about since grade school. For eastern North Carolina, the naval stores industry, fed by the area’s copious long leaf pine forests, was a major economic driver in the area. Visitors should come to the 2 p.m. presentation prepared for a short hike.

While these opportunities are not to be missed, Feb. 9 will be a great day to visit the park for the first time. A 10 a.m. program entitled “Welcome to Goose Creek” will offer an overview of all of the recreational opportunities at the park.

For those ready for a slightly longer hike, a ranger-guided trek along the park’s Tar-Kiln Trail will mix nature and history. From taking in the scenery of an early succession pine forest to exploring some antique tar kilns along the way, the hike departs the Ivey Gut parking lot at 1 p.m.

Last but not least of the season, a ranger-led hike Feb. 24 will take visitors along the Live Oak Trail, which offers glimpses of the river as hikers travel beneath a canopy of live oaks draped with Spanish moss. The 2 p.m. hike departs from the last parking lot.

The park is open seven days a week, with the exception of Christmas.