Spring Walks on a Nature Trail
Spring activities on some trails involve speed and motorized equipment. On trails such as those on the Kuse property, the emphasis is on taking time to experience what is found in nature. Sometimes they are wet in spring and appropriate footwear may be needed. Some vernal ponds bordering the trail are intentionally NOT filled in because they are the breeding habitat for amphibians, such as wood frogs and salamanders, that would not survive in deeper water.
At any time of year, the same trail may be taken for a wide variety of reasons with the result that what is experienced will differ greatly. A scientist, historian, artist, writer, or someone intent on quiet meditation might all feel they are in different places even when they are all in the same location at the same time. It is also possible to select different purposes on different segments of the journey.
Planning
Think about what you hope to see or do. Look at pictures of what others have seen.
Make a list of questions. How will you use all of your senses?
Dress so that you will be safe and warm. What equipment would help you best see or learn? (Cameras, binoculars, trail guides, notebooks, magnifiers, etc.)
What roles might you take? Would persons with different jobs or purposes have different experiences on the same trail at the same time?
Think about the topics from various points of view.
Be an Artist |
Be a Botanist |
Be a Friend |
Be a Geographer or Geologist |
Be a Historian |
Be a Meditator |
Be a Meteorologist |
Be a Musician |
Be an Ornithologist |
Be a Writer and Reader |
Be a Zoologist |