Observing etiquette of nature
- Herb Broda: Nature Notebook
- May 13, 2021
- 1030
Without a doubt more people than ever have been using our local parks. That’s wonderful news, but as usership increases, so does the need for thoughtful, courteous and responsible use of the natural setting.
Barnes Preserve, for example, is a busy park averaging nearly 1,000 visitors per week during the warmer months of the year. The word “preserve” was carefully chosen because it has a special meaning in the parks and recreation community.
Although natural materials should not be removed from any park, using the word “preserve” in a park’s name adds even more clout. To put it simply, nothing should ever be removed from a preserve by the public.
Downed tree limbs may be moved off the trail for safety, though they are usually moved to the side of the trail and remain a part of the park. The removal of plants, even if there appear to be many of the same type in the park, is strictly prohibited.
Although gathering a small bouquet of wildflowers in the meadow may seem like a minor thing, it quickly becomes a problem when several of those thousand visitors per week begin picking. Many park guests come specifically to see the flowering plants that are there and would quickly lose interest in the park if the normal display of blooms and blossoms were gone.
“Take only memories; leave only footprints” is more than just a catchy saying. It’s what is necessary to maintain the beauty and diversity of a park. Unfortunately, there are visitors who leave much more than footprints. Everything from lunch bag litter to abandoned appliances have been found in local parks.
Many hikers carry a bag to collect trash they find while hiking. Some take along disposable gloves as an extra precaution. That’s not required to use the parks, but it definitely helps to keep trails litter-free.
Taking the dog for a walk provides a nature experience for both man and beast. At Barnes Preserve, though, dogs are expected to be always on a lead. Barnes is a relatively small area that has high visitor usage, so it really is not a good place for free-range pets.
An important item of park etiquette is "stay on the trail." Park trails are carefully planned by persons who know the different species of plants and animals that are in the area. A natural area can be quickly altered even if only a few people randomly wander off the path.
People come to a park for many reasons. For many it’s to find relaxation or to get needed exercise. But for some folks a walk in the park is important not only for physical health, but also for mental well-being.
Walks don’t need to be lengthy or even daily occurrences. One British author cites a research study that found going on a weekly 15-minute “awe walk” that involved stopping to appreciate nature helped to boost positive emotions and reduce stress. It’s not necessary to walk in silence on a trail, but loud music and boisterous conversation aren’t needed either.
I love the term “awe walk.” It refers to taking the time to focus on the interesting things in nature that are right around us. Even a short walk on a paved path in a park we have visited many times before can be turned into an “awe walk.” The keys are intentionality and focus — taking the time to walk slowly and look closely.
Friends of the Park
The Friends of the Wayne County Park District was formed in 2011. Keep in mind the Park District has no paid staff and no income-producing levy. All the work that must be done to keep a park safe and appropriately maintained is primarily done by the Friends group.
The park board is grateful for the donated help from Scout groups and other community organizations. Anyone interested in helping should go to the park district website and click on Friends of the Wayne County Park District. There is a volunteer link that takes you to a page that provides an electronic submission form to sign up for various types of volunteer opportunities.
Barnes Preserve is a beautiful example of the power of volunteerism. Thanks to the commitment and hard work of volunteers like Carole Van Pelt, Denny Jordan, George Shopbell and a dedicated Friends group, this park is as well maintained as any state park in our area.