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While the human-made decorations are coming down after the holiday season ends, nature still has plenty of colors, lights, and beauty to decorate the landscape.

The snow tells a new story about the nature we see everyday. As we start the new year, I encourage you to let the snow guide you to rediscover nature in a different way and rediscover the excitement and joy nature brings to the child inside yourself.

We all have our own favorite ways to welcome in a New Year, and one of our favorite traditions at Baltimore Woods is to head out on a staff hike in the early days of the New Year to spend time connecting to nature and each other. As we walk into a new year together, I invite you to take a hike without an agenda; just let nature be your guide.

Summer Memories Week of December 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022 by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator As winter’s chill sets in, there is plenty of beauty to enjoy, like the intricate patterns of frost on the windows or the quiet hush after darkness settles in on top of a snowy landscape. Some activity out in nature [...]

Fire has been one of nature’s most cherished gifts to humans for millions of years. Fire offers protection from predators, the ability to cook food, life-saving warmth, and light in darkness. The ability to keep fires going for longer periods of time was incredibly important. One of the ways that ancient humans would do this is through the use of amadou, the flammable substance found in the Tinder Polypore or Hoof Fungus (Fomes fomentarius).

As the shortest day of the year approaches, it can be difficult to find time to connect with nature during the daylight hours. However, one of winter's gifts is the opportunity to appreciate the night sky. On clear nights, there's a whole universe to explore waiting right above our heads.

Often, the holidays also bring up family traditions that remind me of ‘my roots’. The deep sense of connection and belonging that the holidays bring seems to be intricately connected to traditions and holiday rituals. In some ways, nature is ‘the roots’ that bind us all together.

Many Shades of Evergreens Week of November 21 – November 27, 2021 by Bridget Jones, Environmental Educator After the bright colors of fall disappear, the forest landscape in November can seem full of muted browns and grays. However, during a walk last week at Baltimore Woods, a color caught my eye that is more commonly associated [...]

Beaver Families Week of November 28 – December 4, 2021 by Anna Stunkel, Environmental Educator Beavers are incredible ecosystem engineers, and their dams create habitats for a great variety of other living things. By altering the flow of water and allowing beaver ponds to form, they create living space for waterfowl, amphibians, aquatic plants, and more. [...]

Skeletons of Trees Week of November 14 – November 20, 2021 by Melissa Kirby, Environmental Educator While hiking the preserve recently on a glorious sunny day I gazed up at the leafless skeleton of a sumac tree. The contrast between the tree and vibrant blue sky was mesmerizing enough that I stood there for a minute [...]