Trail Talk – March 2021

Quietly, they came to feed and potentially nest and raise their young. One day, the old city reservoir in Forest Park was bone dry. The next day, after a bit of rain fell on the parched uplands, it filled, and water flowed quietly through the boulders in the old spillway beneath the new suspension bridge. Another day, and a lone mallard drake arrived to feed on the flooded seed heads of the wetland flora. Another week, and a hen arrived, soon followed by more mallard pairs. Then a small flock of lesser scaup arrived, and a Canada goose couple. What intuition directed these waterfowl to a pond that had been dry for so many months? One wonders if it’s mirrored in the human need to be out and about as days lengthen.

More people, more time outdoors. As winter continues to grip the upper elevations, folks flock to familiar trails nearer the valley floor. Trails too hot and dusty for summer excursions are popular destinations as spring arrives. Bird sightings and wildflower appreciation take on added importance: that first pussy willow of the year, that first returning songbird, that first brave lily. Our woodlands fill with the joyful chatter of excited children experiencing being out-of-doors, letting loose whoops of delight at discovering some new treasure.

For us more prone to take it all in stride, to simply sit and let the new season bathe us in its brilliance, finding a spot for a bit of meditation is welcome. Our local trails abound with benches for just this purpose. Who hasn’t stopped for a rest on the Denman Reserve Trail system to simply hear the bird chatter? Or visited the overlook benches on the Sterling Ditch and East Applegate Ridge trails? Closer to Jacksonville, benches abound at vistas and in quiet groves, often along the welcome song of running water.

Forest Park visitors will have the opportunity to challenge themselves to visit the more than 50 benches scattered throughout the watershed. A “Spring Challenge” is being created by a local hiking group for just that purpose. During March, April, and May, upon locating a bench and its associated tablet and pen, you’re asked to write something about that bench or location, “tagging” it in words. A tally of champion bench-sitters will be published, and the more inspiring writings will find their way into a future Trail Talk. Information about the Challenge will be posted at Parking Areas P1 and P1A. With pandemic protocols in place, please carry and use sanitizer as you participate and remember social distancing.

Sadly, on another topic, recent increase in traffic in both the Woodlands and Forest Park has resulted in increased violations of park rules, particularly litter and vandalism. Please pack out all trash. Removal of signs, cutting vegetation (especially trailside trees), and the willful destruction of trail integrity by removing water bars and opening unauthorized trails or shortcuts, will result in closures. A few bad apples in this regard will spoil the basket for everyone. ‘Nuff said.