LEWISTOWN — Mindy Wilt has spent nearly her entire life outdoors. From the time she was a kid, her parents had her walking in the woods near their cabin in Blacklog of the Juniata River Valley, trout fishing along Licking Creek, and when she was old enough, turkey and deer hunting in the woodlands.

Being blessed with having forest ground to explore on their own, the Wilts didn’t really visit state parks. Growing up, Mindy always assumed Little Buffalo State Park in Newport was just a popular pool and picnic hangout.

“I went to Penn State for Wildlife and Fisheries Science,” said Wilt, who has worked at Little Buffalo as an environmental education specialist since 2016. “I really wanted to work with animals, but I also enjoyed being out in the woods. During and after college, I worked for a vet, at a zoo and with farm-raised deer.

“I loved working directly with animals,” Wilt added. “So when I saw a job opening for a ranger at Little Buffalo, I thought, well, it pays well, and it’s only for a season until I find something better …”

Her experiences each year just keep making the job better and better.

Part of her duties involve making speaking appearance at wildlife groups, like the Towpath Naturalist Society of Juniata and Mifflin County about “Animal Physical Adaptations: Winter Survival,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Fellowship Hall, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lewistown. Attendees should use the rear entrance.

“I’ve worked with the Towpath Society now for several years,” Wilt said. “In the past, I have presented topics like ‘Invasive Species’ and ‘Super Animal Senses.’ This year, I am presenting on ‘Animal Adaptations: Winter Survival.'”

During this program, Wilt will discuss some of the amazing ways that native wildlife cope with the cold, from specialized feet to anti-freeze chemicals in cells. She’ll also talk about migration, hibernation and how resident species tough out the cold and lack of resources that winter often brings. Attendees should be ready for a pop-up quiz.

“I’ll also bring a few pelts and skulls and test our Towpath Society’s mammal ID,” Wilt quipped.

When she started spending time in the park, it became apparent almost immediately that it was a match made in heaven.

“I fell in love with the park,” Wilt explained. “As a ranger, or now as an educator, no two days are the same. The park is more than just a pool. We have a unique history, the only working grist mill in the state park system with possibly the largest working steel water wheel on the East Coast, a tavern museum, covered bridge, recently restored train car and 19th century cemetery all in one small area.”

“The history is amazing and I absolutely love these cold windy days where I can do further dives into the lives of the people who lived and worked in this valley, especially in preparation of America’s 250.”

Wilt admits she never thought she would love history, but the park has definitely given her an appreciation of and fascination for it.

“The wildlife here is also phenomenal,” Wilt said. “We have a diverse array of reptiles and amphibians, which I love, such as uncommon Queen Snakes and spiny softshell turtles. Species I had never seen in person before.

“Birding is also amazing, with different highlights in every season,” Wilt added. “We’re now getting into waterfowl season, and a few weeks ago we had surf scoters on the lake. A lifer for me, right here at work.”

For those who love wildlife, like Wilt, it just can’t beat.

“I’m also really into native plants, so I enjoy all of the uncommon species that can be found in the various habitats in the park,” Wilt said.

The park has changed a lot since it’s development in the 1970s. While many of the buildings are still there, the park office was built in the early 2000s and the campground was purchased around the same time.

The train car was added in the 1990s then recently restored last year through funding by the Friends of Little Buffalo State Park, which supports all of the projects that the state can’t fund.

“We recently held our Apple Festival, a fundraiser which has been going on since at least 1982, and this year was our biggest attendance to date with probably over 4,000 people,” Wilt added.

She and the park staff are gearing up now for their annual Christmas Trail, to be held from Dec. 17-23, which is a free holiday light display on their Covered Bridge Trail where kids and pets can get a free chance to visit Santa Claus and learn about Pennsylvania wildlife.

“We also have cookies and hot chocolate for sale by the 4H, and local choirs sing on stage most nights,” Wilt said. Like the Apple Festival and Little Buffalo Festival, the Christmas trail has been taking place for over 40 years.”

The Towpath Naturalists always welcome new members and guests. Annual dues are $10. For more information, call (717) 248-0883.