As spring wakes up the woods, and hiking/outdoor season really begins, I'd like to bring up a few basic guidelines to ensure you and your fellow hikers will have a great time outside. The old saying "Take only photos, leave only footprints" holds true: - don't litter - do clean up your doggy's do do - don't pick the wildflowers, let everyone on the trails see their beauty - don't play loud music: I never thought I would have to list this one but it's here for a reason... - do stay on the marked trails to help prevent erosion and damaging delicate plant life - do greet your fellow hikers, it's just good manners - do walk through muddy puddles, walking around them widens the trail and erodes the land around - do take lots of photos and keep wonderful memories How to have the best time: - prepare for the weather - layer up! Winter takes more layers, spring and fall less, and summer even fewer. If it looks like rain take a poncho. Hiking through all the different elements can be rewarding if properly prepared for. - wear appropriate footwear for the specific trail you'll be on - eg: paved tennishoes -vs- muddy waterproof boots - keep an open mind - sometimes you'll see flowers, animals, rainbows, whatever, sometimes you won't - be present - put your phones away, this is time for you - allow yourself these few minutes, hours, etc to be completely in the moment, forget about your to-do list, about that traffic jam, about your boss, about all of life's expectations and just listen to the sound of the Earth. "I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."
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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
May 2022
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