Today: A walk in the woods at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.
Thanks to C. Columbus, his holiday and his poor navigation skills (He was headed to India, right? …Also: The same day is celebrated as Native American Day in South Dakota and Indigenous People’s Day in places like Seattle and Minneapolis. These seem like much more worthy holidays.), my office was closed on Monday. I kept Grace home from daycare (“We’re havin’ a Diva Day!“) and joined my parents and younger brother for a walk in the woods.
We bundled up the baby and headed down to the Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Norfolk (about a 40 minute drive from the city) and followed a two mile loop through the woods and marsh and across a few streams. Most of the pathways are flat and there are designated trails for strollers and wheelchairs.
I picked up all kinds of gorgeous fallen leaves (and, feeling inspired, got out my watercolors as soon as we got home) and then convinced myself during the drive back to the city that I had poison ivy. I did not. In other words: A normal day, but with fresher air, fewer people flipping me off in traffic, less noise, and more vibrant scenery.
A walk in the woods
We used my parents’ Audubon membership (which seems like a very grown-up thing to have) to access the wildlife sanctuary, and I remembered how much fun we had at places like this and the Trailside Museum when we were younger. There are a number of Massachusetts Audubon sites close to the city, so I figured it was worth checking out. I didn’t realize how much programming (including art classes, yoga, and something called an Owl Prowl…) they do at individual centers.
A few upcoming events at local Audubon sites:
- 10/18 Farmer’s Choice: Pick your own vegetables and flowers at Drumlin Farm
- 10/18 Fall foliage canoe and brunch on The Charles at Broadmoor
- 10/25 Yoga and Meditation Workshop at Stony Brook
- 11/14 Birds and Brew (beer tasting from local breweries) to support the Boston Nature Center’s education programs in Mattapan
And how’s this for timing: Memberships are currently discounted ($32 for a family or individual membership) through the end of November. I am now one membership card closer to becoming America’s Next Top Nature Model a fun parent.
Also On Tap for Today:
- From The Oatmeal: Christopher Columbus was awful.
- Two words: Sleep regression. (Two more words: Help me.)
- 29 awesome illustrators to follow on Instagram
What was your favorite field trip as a kid? As an allergic-to-wool-person, I can tell you my least favorite was definitely the Lowell Mills (all 4 trips we made there).
