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Follow the Heartland Rail Trail a short distance and before you know it, you'll come across Wayne County, Ohio's newest park, the Robert Brooker Nature Preserve.  On the brisk New Years Day morning, we bundled up and made our way to the Village of Marshallville on the eastern side of Wayne County, Ohio. To get to the Robert Brooker Nature Preserve (RBNP) you must park at the Heartland Trail Trailhead - part of the Rails to Trails of Wayne County trail systems. From there you start walking north along the rail trail, cross the road, pass old industry, then follow the beautifully wooded path for about .3 mile. At the time of writing, when the paved trail trail ends and turns to a mowed path, turn left and you've arrived at the RBNP trailhead! Here you'll find the sign, a map, and a bike rack where you can park your bike while you hike (no bikes on this trail, but you knew that by reading the sign). A short paved path leads to the solar field which helps to illuminate the village, a paved and crushed gravel path that leads through the woods in a short loop, and a longer primitive trail which leads around gentle hills & valleys crossing bridges along the way. It's a simple but interesting trail, oak forest leads to maple forest, eventually ending at the solar field in a big loop. The environment is right for interesting spring wildflowers, frogs and salamanders in the spring, and bird watching. Though it was pretty cold and quiet on our visit, it will definitely be worth visiting again as the seasons change. Find more photos from our walk below. Robert Brooker Nature Preserve
Address for parking: 43 Euclid St. Marshallville, Ohio - follow trail .3 mi north to the Preserve Rules: Open sunrise to sunset leashed dogs are welcome no bicycles, motorized vehicles, or horses no fires, alcohol, hunting, camping, Trails: - Marshallville Tigers Trail .6 mi rustic trail - Dwayne Groll .4 mi gravel and chip and seal trail - Solar Trail .1 mi chip and seal Facilities: Portapots at the Heartland Trail parking lot 
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Happy new year to all of you out there in internet land. It's a brisk and breezy 33* here this morning. Where will this year take you? What do you want to make of the year? For us, the new year begins with our traditions: eating sauerkraut and sausage, noting the first bird we see, and our new year day hike.  To set the tone and to welcome insight on the new year we look at the symbolism attributed to the first bird we see on the morning of the new year.
My bird this year is the Cardinal. The unmistakable brilliant red bird, familiar to all, even those uninterested in birding. What the cardinal brings to our awareness is a call to live up to your fullest potential and encourages you to explore new directions and take risks in order to grow as an individual. Its energy brings passion, warmth, and fire and urges us to realize our hidden talent through our actions. Declare your own self worth, be confident, assert yourself, take risks, and stand up for what you believe in. We can not wait for change but must create change ourselves. There is a fiery energy that drives the soul from one good deed to another, expressing that energy is most important this year. This year we can fly to our goals and reach new horizons. Everything will work out for the best. As opportunities are presented, boldly take advantage of the offerings. Keep a positive outlook on life and all your projects will be successful. This is a year of artistic expression. It's important to not worry about the opinions of others, but to find pleasure in the creating. The cardinal seeks to infuse life with aliveness and joy. My dear cardinal, I'm ready for it! |
AboutSince 2015 we have been exploring and sharing all the amazing things we’ve found in nature. AuthorEmily is an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist who is most often found out in the woods. Archives
January 2025
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