“IN NOVEMBER, THE EARTH IS GROWING QUIET. IT IS MAKING ITS BED, A WINTER BED FOR FLOWERS AND SMALL CREATURES.”
So said children’s author Cynthia Ryland.
She might have something there, particularly where Wood County parks are concerned.
“In November there’s a transition,” said Jim Witter, the Wood County Park District’s program manager. Shifting from summer into cooler weather, small animals scurry to collect acorns and other food, squirrelling their stash safely away so they can survive the coming winter, he said.
It’s a transition that doesn’t mean the parks can no longer be enjoyed for the season. On the contrary, the 21 parks remain open and free of charge for people to enjoy the remnants of fall foliage and the crisp, fresh air, while offering indoor activities and projects to ease into the upcoming holiday season. One of those projects is taking part in a national bird-feeder survey (more of this later).
“One of the big things in Wood County,” said Witter, also a certified interpretive guide, “is the diversity of experiences, depending on the park.” From the riverside views at Otsego and William Henry Harrison parks, to the archery at the Arrowwood Archery Range, to the quarry at the Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve, to an actual working farm at Carter Historic Farm, “there’s always something new to explore. Even in November,” Witter said.
“Our parks are open every day of the year, including holidays,” he said. For example, a walk in any of their parks can be a good idea after the big Thanksgiving meal. Hours are from 8 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset.
“Take a walk down the Slippery Elm Trail to see the wildlife or take a cool breeze bike ride,” suggested Jessie Walton-Summers, the park district’s community and communications specialist. “Not only will you be nurturing your senses with sights and sounds, but also your body!”
Walton-Summers said studies show spending “just 20 minutes in nature improves concentration. Walking through your parks helps improve cognitive function and memory.”
She added, “Taking exercise outdoors leads to greater health benefits than performing the same activity indoors. The visit can improve heart health and circulation, and lower glucose and blood pressure.” And if the weather turns sour, “Wood County Parks can also improve your health indoors. From art classes, craft circles and knowledge seminars, there are programs for every audience.”
Among the November activities are an introduction to orienteering, chair yoga and traditional yoga, a full moon walk, a book club, how to build a campfire for beginners, how to identify local wildlife, making holiday gifts with a nature theme, compass reading, learning about the county’s agricultural heritage, and taking a stroll to see birds.
Special days are set aside for homeschoolers to learn about the Native Americans who lived in and passed through Wood County and for students in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) courses. “There’s always something going on in the parks,” Witter said.
Beginning in November, the Wood County Park District is taking part in Project FeederWatch, at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve. Project Feederwatch is a survey of birds that visit backyards, community areas, and other locales in North America – including nature centers. That’s where the park district comes in.
“At W.W. Knight Nature Preserve there’s a bird feeder set up so that, snow or rain, people can come into the building look at and count the birds,” Witter said.
People can volunteer to be part of the program by contacting Jim Witter or by calling the park office (visit wcparks.org). Types of birds and their numbers observed are reported to a national database; the project runs through April.
Another author, Catherine Pulsifer, offers a similar take on this month: “November is a month of transformation and preparation. November invites us to embrace resilience and prepare for new beginnings.”
