Earth Day Outings

Nature's Alphabet "Q"

Nature's Alphabet "F"

      This year Earth Day, April 22^nd, will fall on a day that students will be on school vacation in Pawling.  It presents us all with an opportunity to celebrate the day with authentic Earth Day activities that are not possible in the classroom.  I can’t think of a better activity to connect with the Earth than to take a walk: observe, breathe in, and celebrate nature's beauty. We live in a town that makes it easy to access a perfect walking spot for every level of “hiker”, whether you have children home from school or not.  

Road Strolls:   

     For those who are uncomfortable walking into the woods, Lakeside Park's paved roads make much of the park accessible without stepping off the pavement.  There are also numerous dirt roads throughout town that bring you into the woods and allow you to enjoy nature up close, without having to go off the roadway.
 

Nature's Alphabet "O"

Walks in the Woods:   

     Lakeside Park has a lovely trail circling Green Mountain Lake that contains a few gentle slopes, yet is primarily level.  Park in the Lathrop Building parking lot; walk in front of the Lathrop Building towards the lake, then down the first right hand turn by the flagpole; beyond the residence on the left you'll see a path on the left just after the wooded area begins.  The path is easy to follow and will bring you out to the rear road which will wind you around to the back of the parking lot.

     The Appalachian Trail meanders through Pawling with a number of easy access points: Route 55, West Dover Road, Route 22, and Quaker Lake Road. 

     The Pawling Nature Preserve intersects with the Appalachian Trail near the parking area on Quaker Lake Road.
 

A Moderate Hike: 

     Take West Dover Road beyond Deerfield Ponds.  Park your car under the old oak on the right hand side; cross the street; and follow the Appalachian Trail to the rock outcropping,  “Cat Rocks”.  You'll walk up a steep incline, but be rewarded with a great view of Pawling.

Techniques to Engage Young Hikers:

Nature's Alphabet "X"

• Play nature’s alphabet, where the goal is to find every letter of the alphabet hidden in nature.
• Create a “photo essay” of ten unusual, interesting, beautiful, amazing…images discovered during the walk.

     No matter how advanced your hiking skills—whether you prefer a stroll or heart pumping climb—walks throughout the town of Pawling offer an Earth Day (or weekend) outing for everyone.