Favorite Places to Explore Nature in Southern New England

Today’s guest post is part of the “Favorite Places to Explore Nature” series and comes from fellow nature lover Jodi of KidsDiscoverNature.com. Jodi’s blog is all about connecting kids with nature, and with two children roughly the same age as mine, we’ve got a lot in common! I’m thrilled to have her visiting today.

Thanks a bunch to Debi for inviting me to add my perspective to her “Favorite Places to Explore Nature” series. I am honored to represent southern New England and all it has to offer families who love exploring nature. There is a plethora of opportunity to connect children to nature here, and my favorite places represent only the tip of the iceberg!

Mine Hill Nature Preserve (Roxbury, Connecticut)
If you ever visit the Litchfield Hills section of western Connecticut, set aside some time to take a short hike through Mine Hill Nature Preserve, a quiet, beautiful 360-acre wilderness area. It is one of the largest protected natural areas in Connecticut and supports diverse wildlife, as well as several rare and endangered plant populations. You can also see the remnants of the quarry where rock was taken for use in the buttresses of New York City’s 59th Street Bridge, and for the railroad leading to Grand Central Station.

The blue loop trail is a pretty easy hike for kids, and they will enjoy exploring the old iron making complex and quarries. The highlight of the hike is the numerous mine tunnels (beware: the tunnels are dangerous and closed to visitors) turned bat caves that play safe harbor to several species of bats. During the summer, hikers can stand in front of an entrance to the mine and get blasted by the cool air rushing out. It’s natural air conditioning and the reward for making the trek in the heat!

Old Lyme, Connecticut
Ok, so maybe I am a little biased, but my hometown is one of Earth’s most beautiful places. I am not the only one who thinks so though, because the Nature Conservancy named the Lower Connecticut River, including Old Lyme, one of the Western Hemisphere’s 40 “Last Great Places.”

If you would like to explore the beauty of Old Lyme with your family, there are several spots that are worth the trip. A visit to the Florence Griswold Museum, located in the historic village center and on the banks of the Lieutenant River, will allow and your children to enjoy a history lesson on American Impressionist Art and the opportunity to stroll through its beautiful gardens along the river.

Photo credit: Soundbounder

You can also view the famous tidal wetlands from Ferry Landing Park, which offers a beautiful boardwalk with impressive views of the mouth of the Connecticut River from an observation deck at the end. A slow stroll through the center of town is perfect for families, especially those with strollers. It will take you back in time to the days when life was much simpler. 

Block Island (Rhode Island)
A short ferry ride from Point Judith in Galilee, Rhode Island will take you to the perfect family getaway: Block Island. The Island is famous for its miles of free public beaches, sparkling clear waters, dramatic bluffs and a multitude of offerings for family outdoor activities.

My family has spent many vacations here jumping waves, building sandcastles, hiking the Nature Conservancy Trails, trekking along the bluffs and exploring the island lighthouses.

A favorite activity of ours is hiking down the Mohegan Bluffs to view the Southeast Light. The lighthouse had to be moved back from the edge of the bluff many years ago to save it from collapsing down the bluffs and into the sea. If you choose to follow the some 144 steps (there is debate on the correct number) down the bluffs to the beach below, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view. Just remember, you have to hike back up to return to your car!

Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center (Westport, Connecticut)
If you’re looking for a place to visit on a rainy day, or if you only have a few hours and need a breath of fresh air, a visit to Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center is well worth your time. Its mission is to educate the public about nature and the environment and it certainly accomplishes that.

My kids can spend hours exploring its many indoor exhibits, which include Nature Place, Ecology Resource Lab and Animal Hall. Here you will find hissing roaches, screech owls, a copperhead snake, a little brown bat, a working beehive and many other animals. There’s also a tree house, clubhouse, wildlife dioramas and many books and other hands-on activities.

Photo credit: Earthplace

Outside, your little ones can enjoy the Native Plant Courtyard and view several Connecticut birds of prey, including bald eagles, owls, vultures and hawks. There are also 62 acres of hiking trails that will lead you through a forest, meadow and swamp. You can even take advantage of several activities while on the trail including tree identification, letter boxing and learning how to use a compass.
 
Visit Jodi on her blog at KidsDiscoverNature.com to learn more about how you can connect kids to nature.