January 18 will mark the first full moon of 2015. It has several names: the Old Moon, the Moon After Yule and the Full Snow Moon. Perhaps its most famous name is the Wolf Moon; many Native American tribes so-named it in honor of bands of wolf packs whose hungry howls carried far and wide in the winter nights.
Wolf Sanctuary of PA offers By the Light of the Moon Tours during each month’s full moon, including one for the January Wolf Moon.
Located in Speedwell Forge outside Lititz, the sanctuary is an educational facility featuring 20+ acres of natural woodland and dozens of rescued wolves. The sanctuary provides the wolves with food, shelter and veterinary care using funds from visitor donations and contributing members; it receives no government or corporate assistance.
By the Light of the Moon Tours are $20 per person. Tours (no reservations are needed) begin at 7:30 p.m. The tours are restricted to those over the age of 16 (please call ahead if special assistance is needed).
Can’t make it for the Wolf Moon tour? Wolf Sanctuary of PA is offers daytime tours throughout the winter, too. Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. (reservations required; admission charged); Saturdays and Sundays at noon (no reservation required, but admission charged).
717-626-4617 or wolfsanctuarypa.org.