By Richard B. Primack
“It is a surprising and memorable, as well as valuable experience, to be lost in the woods any time……Not till we are lost, in other words, not till we have lost the world, do we begin to find ourselves, and realize where we are and the infinite extent of our relations.” Henry David Thoreau in Walden.
November in the Webster Woods offers surprises!
On a warm November day, under a rock we were able to find a salamander, which the children were delighted to hold.
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| Photo 1. Children are excited to hold a salamander. |
Several years ago, an unknown artist installed a heavy sculpture piece along the Vale Stream. This past week, it was moved over one hundred yards to the top of a nearby ridge. But why?
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| Photo 2A. A sculpture piece in the middle of the woods transported by an unknown artist. |
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| Photo 2B. From a distance, you can hardly see it. |
As part of the Newton Conservators fall schedule, I showed people the mysteries of Bare Pond, a vernal pond in the Webster Woods. To my surprise, around 35 people showed up for the talk, one of the largest audiences I have ever had for a walk.
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| Photo 3A. The group visiting Bare Pond. |
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| Photo 3B. Elliot Frank and I demonstrating for the group how Bare Pond is like a shallow saucer that spills over when it is full. |
Because of the dry weather over the past few months, the fallen leaves on the ground are exceptionally crunchy and light.
Video 1: Crunchy leaves swirling under foot.
