Week of September 20, 2026 – September 26, 2026
by Katie McLaughlin, Environmental Educator
I have been pondering my own connection with nature as of late. With our busy lives, it can be difficult to take the time out of our day to be in awe of nature – even for those who work at a nature center. I have felt in a slump, where I haven’t been able to enjoy what is happening outside. If you have been feeling that too – Baltimore Woods can help.
All of our programs create time to connect with nature in a variety of ways.
Our Nature in the City program, which kicks off tomorrow for its 25th year, helps elementary students in Syracuse learn that nature really is all around us. We don’t need to travel to a park to observe nature. We are part of nature.
Our Trail School programs, which started this week, create space for nature connection through play and curiosity. Teen Trail School is going to be a blast this year with all of the learning and bushcraft skills building that Jeff Devine and I have planned for our new cohort. Standard Trail School really allows child-led curiosity and inquiry to thrive. I swear their eyes are trained to spot the tiniest of creatures.
Even our public programs! There is such a variety, there is something for everyone. You want a simple walk to see what the trails have to offer? We got it. Nature sketching? Check! To learn about something new? Of course. (Click here for the upcoming program calendar).
These programs often create the spark, or help fan it back into a glow if you have been stuck. Or even if a program is not your jam… knowing that you can come to the trails, take a seat on a bench, and simply watch nature unfurl its beauty around you is a blessing.
I am grateful to have a workspace that helps others gain nature connection, and a place I can retreat to when I need to find my own again. Over the next few weeks I will be looking at the leaves changing color, squirrels stashing food, birds migrating to somewhere warmer as we enter the beautiful season of autumn.
We hope to see you on the trails soon!