We often talk about “reading” the landscape. How can you look at forest and understand some of the many natural interactions that take place every day?
Often, it is so easy to walk a trail and not even notice what is happening around you.
Take, for instance, a walk I took with Patty the new education director early in the week. We were hiking up to the farm to have cake for Rose’s birthday, talking about this and that. In mid-stride, Patty looked down, saw a smattering of wood chips scattered across Old Town Road. She looked up above her where a dead aspen stood amongst the other road-side trees.
“Woodpecker,” she said.
It was such a little moment, but one in which I quickly remembered to try and be more observant. Noticing what is happening around you takes more that just looking; observing takes awareness and mindfulness.
What have you discovered on the trails?
– Melissa