If you’ve always wanted to sumerge yourself in icy water but needed an opportunity or cause, get to Moraine State Park Feb. 16 for the Douse for a House Polar Bear Plunge.

Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity’s third annual plunge for all ages will take place at Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore.

Registration will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and the plunge is at noon. To participate, sign the waiver form and raise a minimum of $100. Prizes will go to the top three individual fundraisers, top team fundraiser and best costume. Don’t want to jump alone? Form a team of six to 10 members.

Heated tents will be provided by the National Guard. A disc jockey will be on hand, along with food and refreshments. Spectators are invited.

For information, contact Sheree Cunningham, executive director of Lawrence County Habitat for Humanity, at (724) 652-3438 or sheree@lawrencecountyhabitat.org.

Set out on a First Day Hike Jan. 1 at one of 18 Pennsylvania state parks including Pymatuning, Moraine and Kinzua Bridge.

The Pymatuning event for hikers 5 and older is 2 miles. Register by calling (724) 932-2142. Meet at the park visitor center at 10 a.m.

The Moraine hike is along a 4.6-mile stretch of the North Country Scenic Trail. It’s rated moderate to difficult and is for hikers 8 and older. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the bike rental building on the north shore. Registration is not required.

The Kinzua Bridge hike will cover 1.5 miles and is for participants 5 and older. Meet at 1 p.m. at the park pavilion. Registration is not required.

Dress for the weather and pack water. The programs will be canceled in the event of severe weather.

Other parks that are participating.

Pymatuning State Park is taking part in Winter Trails Day Jan. 7. If you ever wanted to try snowshoeing before investing in equipment, this event is for you.

Pymatuning will have an Almost Full Moon Snowshoe Walk starting at 5 p.m. A limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow free of charge; those who own snowshoes are invited as well. You’ll walk a short trail in the 21,122-acre park to search for animal tracks, listen for owls and discuss winter ecology. To register, call the park office at (724) 932-3142.

A few sites in western New York also are taking part .

On Jan. 21, Moraine State Park’s second annual Winterfest runs from 1-4 p.m. from McDanel’s Launch on the North Shore. Try ice skating (weather allowing), snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking at the 16,725-acre park. Ice sculpture and dog sledding demos also are planned. There also will be crafts, a chili cookoff, and hot food available. If the weather cooperates, there will be snowshoes and cross country skis available to borrow for use on the Butterfly Trail.

For information call (724) 368-9185 or visit www.morainepreservationfund.org.

Like you needed an invitation …

National Get Outdoors Day is Saturday. While you probably can find something to do without assistance, there’s an organized event at Moraine State Park. Learn to paddle on Lake Arthur, among other planned activities.