BRISTOL — Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust naturalist Sarah Gladu will lead a hike at Keyes Woods Preserve in Bristol on Friday, Feb. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. 

The trail at Keyes Woods Preserve follows a meandering route through the forest, along a hemlock-shaded stream and down to the shores of the Pemaquid River, according to CRCT, in a news release. Along the way, the group will search for animal tracks and signs, with a focus on owl pellets. Gladu will talk about different strategies animals use to survive the winter.

Keyes Woods is a wooded property in Bristol extending east to the Pemaquid River from Poor Farm Road, with over 1900 feet of shoreline and a free-flowing tributary stream. The outflow of this stream, at a quiet bend in the river, is a hotspot for waterfowl viewing. Wildlife such as deer, porcupine, and ruffed grouse are abundant.

The preserve also has a number of interesting historical and geological features, including old stone foundations, stone walls, and glacial erratics, according to CRCT.

This program is free of charge, thanks to member support. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.

The next guided hike will take place at Dodge Point in Newcastle on March 21.

Coastal Rivers is a non-profit, member-supported, nationally accredited land trust caring for the lands and waters of the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region by conserving special places, protecting water quality, creating trails and public access, and deepening connections to nature through education programs. For more information, email info@coastalrivers.org or visit coastalrivers.org.