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SENIOR LIFE ODYSSEY: Nature calls again
In September I began a discussion about the healing power of spending time in nature, specifically forests. Shinrin Yoku or forest bathing (widely practiced in Japan) is becoming popular due to the scientific research that is proving the physical and mental health benefits of the practice.
I used Florence Williams’ book “The Nature Fix” as a starting point for my search to find evidence supporting why nature helps us feel better. The research she reports focuses on our sense of smell (the phytoncides that trees use to fight off aggressors), sound (finding quiet spaces), sight, paying attention without distractions (no phones), and experiments trying to replicate the outside experience in a lab. To all this she says, “ I find the intellectual compulsion to break apart the pieces of nature and examine them one by one both interesting and troubling. I understand it’s the way science typically works: To understand a system, you have to understand the parts, find the mechanism, put your flag on a new piece of ground.
The poets would find this is nonsense. It’s not just the smell of a cypress, or the sound of the birds or the color green that unlocks the pathway to health in our brains. We are full sensory beings, or at least we were once built to be. Isn’t it possible that it’s only when you open all the doors literally and figuratively that the real magic happens?” Instead of presenting more research I decided to focus on how to get our dose of nature close to home.
Fall is a magical time to venture outdoors. You don’t have to leave the county to find places that will speak to your need for a nature fix.
Hall Woods Nature Preserve - East of Bainbridge just off U.S 36 is a DNR trail that is part of the Big Walnut Natural Area which is a Registered National Natural Landmark. The trail is a short loop that passes by a log cabin, then eases down to Big Walnut Creek. There are stairs to get to the creek, but they are not difficult. I can hike this in 30 minutes, but it can take longer when I stop to enjoy the view.
Fortune Woods - At the stoplight in Bainbridge turn north, Take the first left past North Putnam High School (950 N). Fortune Woods and Tall Timbers Trail will be on your right in about 1.4 miles. The Nature Conservancy owns this beautiful 119 acres that is adjacent to Big Walnut Natural Area.
This trail also winds down to Big Walnut Creek with stairs assisting in the climb up out of the creek bottoms. Across the road from Tall Timbers trail is a newly developed, shorter loop that leads down to Big Walnut Creek. I can hike the Tall Timbers trail in an hour, without stops. But there are usually stops to admire the views.
Putnam Parks and Pathways - Hamrick Station is the newest trail added to this system, located at the intersection of Manhattan Road and County Road 575S. This is a rail trail 3.1 miles long. At the 2-mile marker, the trail runs alongside Big Walnut Creek. Putnam Park Trail is easily accessed at the Jackson Street and Veterans Memorial Highway intersection or at the Deer Creek Fish & Wildlife parking lot, 5213 S CR 300 W, about three miles from Greencastle. Both of these rail trails make for easy walking while still getting some time in forested areas and farm fields.
Fern Cliff Nature Preserve - This is another Nature Conservancy property and also a National Natural Landmark. Take West Walnut Street to 500 West, follow that to the T, then turn right. The preserve will be one mile on your right. This preserve has lots of history as it was the site of a sandstone quarry, then the factory where the original Coca- Cola bottle was made. Factory remains can still be seen. I do not hike this alone if I plan on leaving the upper trail. The scenery here is breathtaking, the sandstone cliffs and of course, the ferns.
I know my mental and physical health have benefited from spending time at these local treasures. I appreciate the science of trying to prove and replicate the benefits of time in nature. But I don’t need the data or statistics to justify spending time in these beautiful settings so close to home.