Nature Walks

Join our upcoming walk on Sunday, May 25 at 9:30 AM. We will meet at the Lenoir Preserve Nature Center, see below. Debbi Dolan, our conservation chair, leads the walk. We’ll be looking for the changes that spring has brought: butterflies, birds singing to mark their territory and attract mates, flowers in bloom, trees fully leafed out. Email Debbi to let her know you are coming. She will contact you should bad weather cancel the walk.

Another walk is planned for Sunday, June 29 at 9:30 AM. We’ll look for the changes summer brings to the preserve. Meet at the Lenoir Preserve Nature Center. E mail Debbi (as usual) to let her know you are coming

FYI: The walks are on level paved pathways, except for the Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden. A slightly inclined stairway leads to the garden, and the paths within are covered with wood chips. If you’re pressed for time, or have difficulty with uneven paths, you can leave the walk before we enter the Copper Beech Trail. It leads through a wooded area, on a dirt path, with some rocks and roots to watch out for, and small inclines and descents.

The walks are one and a half hours long and cover about a mile. Binoculars needed for optimum experience; loaners are available if you let Debbi know beforehand. Parking available; port-a-potties by Nature Center.

DEbbi’s Report on the April 26 Nature walk

Despite whitecaps on the water from the wind and a chilly 52 degree start, the cloud cover gave way to patches of blue skies and some sunshine. Collectively we saw/heard 18 bird species. Right away we encountered some drama when a pair of Cooper’s hawks called and were located in their perches. Tree swallows and house wrens gave notice of their presence and will be vying for the nesting boxes. We were delighted to find the Baltimore oriole that had been calling in the apple and tulip trees. A pair of American goldfinches took sips at the water basin in the butterfly garden that was being diligently tended by James, Gene, Victor, Michael and Marlene. The phlox and Solomon’s seal were in bloom, and many more native plants were placed around the garden ready to be planted. A common raven sent us off.

Hope to see you again in May on another saunter in Lenoir's Nature Preserve. —Debbi Dolan