Coming to Bellevue from Snoqualmie seems a strange choice for a couple looking to get back to nature. But for Andrea and Pete DeShaw, that was exactly the case this past Saturday.

In the aftermath of the storm that dumped piles of snow and left roadways an iced over mess across the region, the DeShaws (who both work in Bellevue) had been without power for nearly three days when they decided to make the trek down I-90 to the Mercer Slough Nature Park for a ranger led hike, to stave off the “cabin fever” if nothing else.

The two said they had been to the slough before, but never with snow on the ground or in the company of a ranger.

“It was nice to have someone there to point out what we were looking at,” Andrea said. “It was a little more strenuous with the snow, though.”

The weather no doubt has an impact on the programs the city offers, Assistant Ranger Curtis Kukal said, adding that he personally enjoys walking the Nature Park during the winter months because the absence of overgrown vegetation and tree canopies allows for different views than during the spring and summer months.

“You get another perspective of this urban wetland that you would never be able to get otherwise,” Kukal said. “Even through the urban trails.”

Winter programs (January-April) offered through the city of Bellevue also provide a chance to examine the habitat of beavers in the slough (Beavers- Nature’s Architects), learn more about adaptations of wetland wildlife in general (Animal Adaptations) or even take on a night adventure with Rangers to search for owls (Owl Prowl).

The Ranger led walks offer an opportunity to interact with a professional that is familiar with the Nature Park and Kukal provided insight into Native Americans in the region and their uses of various plants, the history of the Slough and its relationship with the Ballard Locks and which plants are edible versus poisonous.

Kukal, who is one of three full-time Rangers at the Mercer Slough Eduction Center (there are also three part-time Rangers and additional staff during the warmer, busier months), which was finished in 2008 with a focus on “green” construction and the idea of putting visitors inside the Nature Park even from its lofty perches.

The facility features green roofs on several buildings, has foundations raised off the ground to allow for better drainage, incorporated vast amounts of recycled materials during construction and was planned around existing trees.

Most Bellevue Parks programs are free or have a suggested donation attached, though some paid programs do exist. Call 425-452-2565 or email mseec@bellevuewa.gov for more information.