The Naturalist’s Blog

The sights and sounds along the trails had changed dramatically since early summer and I felt like a newcomer to the forest. How easy it can be to forget that we, too, are a part of the natural world! So many things in our day to day life tune that connection out, but it comes back so quickly.

Do you remember those days when you were young? When it didn’t matter how wet you got, every puddle was an invitation to splash, your clothes soaked, eyelashes clinging together and your heart full of joy!

In my garden is where I find a connection to my food and an appreciation for the gifts of nature that make it possible for plants to grow. The sun, rain, bees and other insects, and the warm nights all contribute to the plentiful harvest.

August is the last magical month of summer. It feels like an old friend who is preparing to leave  and I feel an urgency to spend as much time with them as possible, doing all the things we love!

When you think of your childhood, what comes to mind? Maybe you remember spending hours playing with friends or running around outside. Right now, Baltimore Woods is filled with campers playing games outside and exploring the preserve. For many of us, summers were all about playing games, running around outside, and having fun.  So, why did we stop?

There are moments when I spot a young animal and while observing the way they behave or something the parent does, it reminds me of a moment with my own children. When we take the time to observe nature we can find so many similarities to our own lives and sometimes it can trigger a memory or lend us some wisdom.

Through nature play children make personal and emotional connections to the outside environment. Recently I watched a child catch a frog for the first time. That child’s face lit up with happiness and it was a beautiful moment to witness. Though she may not remember that exact moment 20 years down the road (or maybe she will) that experience left her with a positive emotion and a positive experience in nature that she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life.  

Many of us who love the outdoors are familiar with the multitude of benefits that nature provides. A sense of wonder for the world is something that brings us together, helps us make valuable connections, and is one of the main reasons I became an educator here at Baltimore Woods. This inspired awe, for me, is rooted deeply in my childhood. Playing outside, climbing trees, flipping over rocks, and chasing fireflies were all parts of growing up that have instilled a deep respect for nature within me.