Dave Schubert is a naturalist at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville. He leads guided snowshoeing jaunts during the winter. 

Dave has been working here for almost 20 years, but he’s been connected to the place since he was a child. In fact, he says his family moved to Baldwinsville the same year the Nature Center opened.

What You Need To Know

  • Beaver Lake offers guided snowshoeing walks on Saturdays and Sundays at noon

  • In March, they will also have "moonlight" snow shoeing that will start at 7 p.m.

  • More people are taking advantage of the park this year than usual, and workers say memberships are up

“I’ve always loved nature. I can’t remember a time I wasn’t out walking around, or probably as a baby, crawling around outside. My whole life has been enjoying all forms of nature,” said Schubert.

Dave says he is a nature interpreter. His job is show people the value in the outdoors. During his tours, he points out special things about the park and the signs of wildlife.

“That’s hopping, so that could be a squirrel. I’m looking for like a coyote or a fox,” said Schubert.

In the winter, the trails look completely different, and some of them even are. Dave says it gives people an opportunity to get closer to nature.

“On snowshoes, especially in fresh snow, you’re kind of walking along silently, so you can walk up to these animals without disturbing them,” said Schubert.

Dave brings new people through the woods on a regular basis, and even though he goes on the same trail every time, he always finds it refreshing.

”To be able to share it with people and show them, and also live their experience of nature. Maybe the first time they are seeing a bald eagle, or even a child seeing a chipmunk is excited, and it gives me that same first-time excitement of seeing something,” said Schubert.