Skunk Cabbage

If you go hiking in the next week or two, you will see the forest start to come alive. You might even catch sight of the flowering perennial skunk cabbage (Latin name is Symplocarpus Foetidus). It lives in the lowland habitat of the woodlands. You will find them in the…

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Temperate Forest Biome

What is it? A temperate forest is classified by climate (temperature, soil type, amount of light) and tree density. Climate determines the plant and animal life that inhabit the area. Biomes are based on growing seasons and there are seven different types on earth. Temperate forest biome is the second…

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5 Tips on Photographing Nature with a Camera Phone

If you own a phone, you have a camera. So these tips may be just in time for your next hike. Digital cameras are a great invention for the beginner photographer of all ages. Don’t forget to explore what your camera phone has to offer in settings and filters, whether…

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Benefits of Hiking

It seems in today’s world, stress is ever increasing. No age group is immune. A nature hike can benefit mental health (mood, clarity) as well as provide exercise (balance) and wellness (heart health). Nature is our therapy, it helps us see the beauty around us. Building a relationship with nature,…

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Praying Mantis – A Beneficial Insect

Praying Mantis got its name from their “prayer like” pose. This lightening fast insect can swivel its head 180 degrees and can see in 3D. They eat spiders, crickets, grasshoppers, mites and insect eggs. They have voracious appetites. They hide in plain sight through camouflage by blending into the surroundings….

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Hiking is a Sensory Experience

From the moment you step onto the trail your senses are engaged. Your foot feels the spring of the earth beneath you. You may hear water rushing off in the distance. And of course, you will enjoy hearing your little one’s giggles and squeals. A hike will capture your five…

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How to Read Trail Markers

Have you ever hiked Huntington State Park? It borders Bethel, Newtown and Redding, CT.The Park is 1000+ acres. This State Park is fairly well marked. That is not true for all parks. Merriam Webster defines State Park as, “an area of land that is owned and protected by a U.S….

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