What is one of the best parts about living on 15 acres that is mostly trees? Going on nature walks of course! We can now walk outside and within a few feet be drenched in nature. Even though it is winter, there is so much life in our woods.
The biggest and tallest part of our piece of nature are the pines that shoot straight up into the air. Just recently we noticed part of a huge tree fell and seeing just how much of it was spread out laying on the ground was fascinating. There is a part of us that worries just a bit about having so many tall trees around but fortunately this one wasn’t near the house. We aren’t even sure when it fell as we didn’t hear it. I guess that answers the age old question that even when someone is around to hear a tree fall in the woods, maybe they won’t!
On this newly downed tree and many other branches and limbs are a diverse selection of lichen in a variety of textures and such interesting colors. Another element that brings an array of color and texture is the different types of pine branches – I so conveniently received a book for Christmas – ‘Trees of New York Field Guide’ to help identify all the different types of trees in our forest.
Another thing we discover on our nature walks is human artifacts, for better or worse, I do find them incredibly interesting and try to imagine the stories they could tell. On the edge of the neighboring property, we noticed a gathering spot of some chairs and a fire pit right next to the pond that has probably been a spot for storytelling and sharing memories. Nearby there is an old car, long since forgotten, rusted and wedged underneath another large tree that accepted the fate of gravity.
We aren’t the only creatures enjoying such a plentiful landscape. During a recent reprieve when all the snow had melted, a herd of 8 deer – a mix of moms and babies, wandered around snacking on all the tasty plants and ferns that were once again exposed. One of my favorite forest friends is a lively little red squirrel, and sometimes their pal who run around, searching for nuts and pine cones. They run all the way up the tall trees and back down and around and all over – just flittering about all day. As we are exploring, we see pine cone laden nests around the base of trees and wonder if that is their little hideaway.
I am so excited for the transformation of our landscape that will occur as spring approaches. Bare trees full of leaves, sounds of birds and animals – the fresh smells along with warmer weather and longer days. That will also bring the opportunity to work on some outside projects – fixing up our fire pit, creating some defined trails and more. So much to look forward to!
Being in nature really is a healing experience – we are grateful to have so much of it right outside our door. See the photos here!
