Unfortunately, tonight was cold and drizzly.
Despite the unpleasant weather, we bundled and joined the group. And for such a miserable weather there was a pretty good turn out.
We learned a lot about how the city is working to conserve the 60 acre park and return it to a more natural setting. Several decades ago, the city purchased the land from the Turville family. Some of the foundations of the families homes still sit on the land and the guide says there are still spots where you can find rows of daffodils from when the family grew flowers as part of their farm and flower business (they sold their wares at the Farmers Market downtown).
We also saw deer!
We also heard loons calling to each other which was pretty cool. :)
I'm excited to go back when things are nicer out. The trail is pretty easy. It was a good hour and fifteen walk - nothing too strenuous, which was good after Sunday's expedition. (My legs ALMOST don't hurt.)
I wish I could remember a few more of the details about the conservation efforts. The main thing I took away is that they use controlled burning to get rid of brush that is not naturally found in the area and that spring ephemerals are really cool - even if they don't stick around for very long.
Next week is another conservation hike - I hope that we're able to make it. The parks department does them once a month through October - here's a link to the list: http://cityofmadison.com/news/view.cfm?news_id=2624
Well, until next time - happy adventures!
No comments:
Post a Comment