Winter is still departing us, but some early crocuses are blooming in gardens, so there is hope for spring. Walking the Nature Trail at this time of year is an adventure, and not yet recommended for several weeks. Testing it out in late February, I found that I could slip on snow, ice, or mud, depending on where I was. In fact, my shoes got sucked off twice in mud, so wear something tight and sturdy if you venture out now. Read more
This time of year, the Nature Trail is a fairly dormant operation, but a few things keep it interesting. For one, we have added a troll (see pic). He is properly green and peers out from the old spring opening, which seems appropriate, since by Norwegian lore they live in caves. He is about 50 feet from the covered bridge, which is also appropriate, since they reportedly like to hide under bridges and reach up to grab passersby. To round things out, the series of tree section seats nearby can be considered the trolls’ meeting room. Anyhow, kids especially like this part of the Nature Trail, and now they have another reason to enjoy it. Read more
If you walk along the Nature Trail, be sure to notice the new erosion control branches staked into the hillside just downstream of the covered bridge. Members of the UMBC Lambda Chi Alpha service fraternity completed this backbreaking work during our recent Fall Trail & Stream Clean-up Day. Read more
The latest Nature Trail Committee news is our Fall Clean-up of the Trail and Stream. On Saturday, October 10, 23 people participated in a 2-hour weekend clean-up. Then on Wednesday, October 14, ten people participated in our weekday 2-hour clean-up. Read more
The Nature Trail continues to be a serene place to take a walk on the Charlestown campus. During the summer it has been at least 10 degrees cooler than upper, sunnier areas. A couple of trees came down across the western end of the Trail in July, but they were quickly removed by Grounds personnel. Read more
The Nature Trail Committee’s Trail and Stream Clean-up Day on June 6 was not only a resounding success, but also a fun work day, with 19 persons participating. We worked on cleaning Herbert Run and its tributaries, removing downed trees from the stream, pulling garlic mustard weeds, erosion control on the hillside above the Trail, clearing portions of the Trail, picking up trash by the Lake Trail, and weeding the Butterfly Garden. Read more
The Nature Trail Committee’s Trail and Stream Clean-up Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-12 noon, weather permitting. We have a number of on-going work projects in addition to cleaning up Herbert Run, so come join us if you care to. Read more
The Nature Trail Committee is beginning to stir, casting off winter’s cloak and getting ready for spring. We are now planning for our 20th Wildflower Day celebration. Read more
The Gallery Room on the second floor near the Fireside Lounge is used to display the art of residents. The displays rotate throughout the year with all the art painted by the members. The public is invited to the opening receptions, twice a year, and 10% of the proceeds goes toward the Benevolent Care Fund. Read More
The Mexican Train (Dominos) game is played on Friday, after dinner from about 6:00 – 9:00 pm in the Atrium Lounge. We will be happy to help you learn this fun game.