>> Naturalist Notes & Musings:
When winter really sets in, there is no better place than the Closter Nature Center for a quick hike. Considering the ordeal of getting dressed for the cold and snow, it gets hard in the winter to go outside for some exercise, but the benefits are tremendous. To offset our tendency to spend more time inside and less time outside, a few simple tips can help pave the way towards a happy and healthy winter.
"There is no such thing as bad weather - only bad clothes." I don't know who to credit this quote to, but that doesn't lessen the power of this nugget of wisdom. Layering up and topping things off with a windproof top can be the difference between a great hike and a shiver-fest. Snow boots may not be the best hiking boots for an all day trip, but for a 45 minute walk along snow covered trails they will be fine. A warm hat that covers the ears, and some gloves to protect those tender digits and we are ready.
The forest in winter is a magical place, and being able to enjoy it while getting some exercise is a special treat. The Nature Center is open from dawn to dusk, and we encourage you to show up and hit the trails no matter what the weather.
See you on the trails!
Marc Gussen, Naturalist
P.S. Cute Kid’s Quote
While talking with some kindergartners about habitats, I asked the kids, "What is a pond?"
One insightful 5 year old scratched his head and said, "It's an inside out island"