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Get Outside!

© Christine Roane

Science museums are often allied with nature centers that display (and rehabilitate) wildlife and usually offer environmental educational programs. Better yet, nature centers are usually located on lovely grounds where you can do some self-paced field work. Test your knowledge of native flora and fauna, or just take a quiet walk. Fall is the perfect time for it. Spending a beautiful, cool, crisp, clear day outside will help invigorate the mind and refresh the spirit. If you take an opportunity to make peace with nature's seasonal transition in person, you'll weather the winter better.

I've tried to provide a tiny sample of nature spots available in each region of the USA. I know I'm minus many great sites, so please, tell me about places I left out. I'll try to include readers' favorites in future columns.

East: When I was a kid in eastern Massachusetts, a trip to The Blue Hills Trailside Museum was a huge treat. Located in Milton and managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, it has 150 miles of trails meandering through a 7,000-acre sanctuary. You can climb to the top of Great Blue Hill to look for hawks and turkey vultures, while getting a breathtaking view of Boston. There are exhibits inside the museum and outside, where you can view white-tailed deer, otters, red foxes and bobcats.

If you live in or near New York City, The Brooklyn Botanic Garden isn't nature in her wildest state, but it is nature most beautiful and serene. Stroll the garden, visit the Herbarium. Scientific research done here includes the most comprehensive study ever of the plant biodiversity in metropolitan New York. Check the online Metropolitan Plant Encyclopedia that offers photos, descriptions, maps and help identifying area plant life. You might also look at Urban Habitats, on online professional journal.

The Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory is a migratory bird and insect observation station located at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Banding operations for songbirds and raptors are conducted each fall from mid-August until the end of November. Visitors are welcome to the Hawk Observation and Songbird Banding Stations.

Middle: Just east of Cleveland in Kirtland, Ohio, you will find the Holden Arboretum. With 3,400 acres, it is one of the largest horticultural institutions in the US. You'll find education, research, conservation efforts, plant collections and natural areas combined. You can take guided hikes or self tours, choosing easy or challenging terrain. There are indoor exhibits and special programs. The Hoden is an amazing resource. Check the web site for more about the arboretum and great, online plant/gardening resources.

USGS / Milton Friend

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