September 22 marked the autumnal equinox - end of summer and the beginning of the fall season. You could hardly tell with the heat, the humidity and an evening thunderstorm more typical of July than late September. But Sept. 22 did mark the first of our orientation field trips for new students who will carry on where last year’s groups left off. We had 47 students on this first trip and next week we expect probably just as many. After everyone has seen the preserve in its entirety, we can begin to divide up the tasks and set some goals and timetables for October and November.
Yesterday, even with the above average temperatures in mid-80’s, we covered the area quickly and saw all the highlights -Alley Tidal Creek (at high tide) headwater streams (cold, clear and flowing strong) the ‘secret’ spring (always beautiful) and poison ivy in full bloom - so maybe they can recognize it in the weeks to come. I think the students were suitably impressed and I was glad to share the day with co-leaders Frank Cantelmo and Paula Lazrus. I think we work together well and I think the students appreciate that too.
The trails are completely passable (generally good to excellent but with a couple of rough spots). Sometimes its easy to forget that when we are out with people for the first time, they can’t really anticipate what we are asking of them. One unfortunate student ran into a real problem with footwear. Those elevated platform heals just weren’t going to work on earthen trails. We did give fair warning about the walking conditions and proper dress and footwear but when you are working with rookies this is something to look out for before we step out into the preserve.
I hope next week is a bit cooler but just as beautiful and just as successful.
We shall see.
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