Interpretive
Nature Trail Committee
January, 04
We have recently formed an Interpretive
Nature Trail committee. The committee has taken on the task
of designing and implementing an interpretive nature trail.
An interpretive trail is more
than a path connecting two points. It includes the pathway,
or tread, the surrounding scenery, and the interpretive devices
along the path. Thus, the path becomes a guide to the forest
or natural area, rather than a way through it. The trail leads
the walker to points of interest within the area, while the
interpretation acquaints the visitor with the natural scene,
serving as a pointer. Many visitors may at first see the forest
only as a mass of trees, but their interest and perception can
be heightened by making them familiar with the details of nature--by
helping them see and recognize the drama in any natural environment.
Interpretation of a forest trail is an integral part of any
good trail system.
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It makes
the trail more versatile and useful to all who use it, and the
trail then becomes an educational tool. Interpretation also
serves to help people appreciate their natural surroundings
and adjacent features. Interpretive
trails can tell a story or theme, describe a variety of features,
or identify specimens. They can focus on tree names, plant ecology,
flower and herb identification, soil and water relations, wildlife
homes, geology, or local history.
We plan to develop a nature trail
that will serve as an educational tool for schools throughout
the region and enhance other outdoor activities such as snowshoeing,
hiking and cross country skiing.
The committee members are Chairman,
George Bragdon, Dean Gendreau, Karen DuBois and Colin Jandreau.
If anyone is interested in working on this project please feel
free to contact us at fourseasonstrail@fourseasonstrail.org
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