In the Woods: First Week of September

This morning I had a few minutes after playgroup to go for a hike-about at the Slim Baker Foundation. Last year my class spent every Wednesday at the Foundation, exploring and hiking. I knew exactly where I was going to run into wet spots, the mushroom tree and the wishing portal. However, moving at an adult’s pace is so much different than hiking at the end of the line of a dozen 5 year olds! Us adults miss so much! Yet, I tried to slow down and enjoy some of the simple pleasures the woods had to offer!

Many of my small friends from last year will recall that we couldn’t find a single acorn on the ground through the entire fall! That is not the case this fall! There are plenty of acorns and no so many squirrels and chipmunks. Interesting!

Last fall found the forest floor teaming with fungi! We’ve had a couple days of rain now, and the forest floor is just starting to come alive with a variety of mushrooms.

Are you finding that your little ones are coming home from school cranky and emotional? If your schedule allows, consider taking a quick hike at Slim Baker before heading home. Especially, if you have the flexibility to pick your little one up directly from school at 2:30, pack a snack and hit the trail. Make your own Wilderness Wednesday! Watch the seasons change and create a sense of place in your child.

Our kids are so rushed, they’ve been rushed to finish their seat work, to eat their lunch, to even have recess. Everything in our modern life is so regimented and hurried. Give your children the gift of time and go explore at Slim Baker!