Nature for all: HCT’s Accessible Field Class offers wildlife wisdom at a relaxed pace

Harwich Conservation Trust’s (HCT) first-ever Accessible Birding & Natural History Field Class proved that a relaxed pace can reveal the beautiful intricacies of nature for people of all abilities.

Harwich Conservation Trust’s first-ever Accessible Birding & Natural History Field Class was held at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve. The walk utilized the half-mile All Persons Trail at the Preserve, which features a flat and even surface that allows access to nature for people of all abilities. Photo by Gerry Beetham

Guided by HCT Field Naturalist and author Peter Trull, the walk took full advantage of the half-mile All Persons Trail at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve, which provides a flat and even surface, suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and folks with physical challenges.

The walk had special meaning for Trull, who is a polio survivor and deals with post-polio syndrome. His empathetic approach to the program had the group move at a slow pace, which allowed everyone to keep up, with frequent stops to rest a bit and discuss birds and nature topics.

This mellow pace amplified conversation and camaraderie and allowed for a deep dive into the natural wonders of the Preserve. It felt like we were a team of explorers who had the time to really figure things out.

“We’re going to go slow,” Trull said. “We’re going to try and see as many birds as we can. We’re going to talk about who they are and why they’re here and the habitat that they’re in.”

The dynamic life of birds

The time of year is an important factor in determining what birds might be seen, and Trull elegantly set the stage.

“It’s getting late in fall migration, he said. “But it is still fall migration. There are a lot of birds arriving here from anywhere from Alaska to northern Canada to Ontario and the Great Lakes and Canadian Maritimes. And they’ll be arriving here right up until early December.”

A gadwall on a pond at Harwich Conservation Trust’s Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve. Photo by Gerry Beetham

Familiar favorites from the birdwatching days of summer are also on the move, heading out to southern climes. “There are a lot of dynamics going on in the lives of birds,” said Trull.

Duckweed and dragonflies

The ponds at Cold Brook were a beehive of bird activity, with feathered celebrities that included northern shovelers, gadwalls and mallards. It was lunchtime for the mallards, and they were chomping down duckweed in the water like contestants at a pie eating contest.

The slower tempo of the walk allowed us to closely observe the feeding frenzy and consider duckweed’s important role in the food chain. From a distance it looks like one green mat, but that mat is composed of a huge number of individual, free-floating, miniscule plants.

“Duckweed is a very nutritious plant,” said Trull. “It’s a native species and you can see it all through this area.”

Had we been in a rush, we might have missed an autumn meadowhawk dragonfly taking in the sun on a bench, an unusual sight for this time of year. “This is the latest I’ve ever seen one,” said Trull.

All Persons Trail shines

While nature, Trull and the wonderfully insightful participants were the stars of the day, kudos were also in order for the All Persons Trail. The reliable, secure footing allowed us all to proceed with confidence.

Northern shovelers were sighted during Harwich Conservation Trust’s first-ever Accessible Birding & Natural History Field Class at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve. Photo by Gerry Beetham

And if you like the All Persons Trail at the Cold Brook Preserve, you’re in for a treat at HCT’s Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Preserve, which recently reopened after an ambitious eco-restoration project.

The Hinckleys Pond location features a mile-long All Persons Trail that loops around the restored wetlands and a new pond overlook area that offers a stunning vista.

Exploring a nature trail can inspire a lifetime of curiosity about the world around us. HCT is grateful for the generous support of our members who help us create these All Persons Trails, making this life-affirming experience accessible to everyone.

—HCT offers great guided programs year-round. To see the full calendar view of upcoming walks and events, click here.

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.