Imagine more than 500 acres of unspoiled wilderness -- forest, meadow, marsh, tree-ringed lake. Imagine that place, open to the public to discover, explore and enjoy.
Now imagine it in the fall.
If you're itching to see autumn's glory in its most natural setting, The Wilderness Center is the place. Located just off US 250, between Mt. Eaton and Wilmot, the center is a non-profit organization dedicated to nature education, wildlife conservation, natural history research and community service.
Supported largely by its members (around 10,000 people) and maintained by more than 600 volunteers, the center offers a myriad of nature activities, from a simple walk in the woods to educational programs for the entire family.
The state-of-the-art Interpretive Building is a great introduction to the center's offerings. The "fossil wall" just inside the lobby is popular with children ("the first thing they do is go up and touch it," said Volunteer Coordinator Vicki Capps), and the nature-themed bookstore and gift shop will delight the conscientious shopper.
Upstairs, visitors can peer inside a real bee hive (try to spot the Queen Bee!) and enjoy numerous interactive displays, including a "please touch" area featuring snakeskins, turtle shells and pinecones, among other natural items. A specially-designed alcove with large windows and comfy chairs allows people to hear and watch nature outside -- you know those "nature sounds" CDs? This is a live soundtrack!
Outside, the "rock walk" contains dozens of types of rocks, plus history and facts about each. The centers huge lake provides more interaction with nature -- one of my favorite activities as a child was feeding the fish and turtles from the pavilion there. For great views of the countryside and forest, climb the lookout tower. And a free program is given at the Astronomy Building on the first Friday evening of every month (call for details).
This fall, the center is offering some special activities sure to please any and all age groups.
On October 10 and 11, youngsters, their parents and grandparents can explore the "Enchanted Forest," an annual nighttime walk that introduces children to nocturnal sights and sounds of the woods -- and it's billed as a fun, not scary, experience for children ages 4-10. (This activity fills up quickly, so if you don't get in, keep it in mind for next year!)
For slightly older nature-lovers, the center's first-ever Nature Festival Arts and Crafts Show happens Saturday, November 1. Free to the public, the show will feature artisans and craftspeople displaying their nature-themed wares. From pottery, gourd art, woodcarving and sculptures to baskets and homemade soap, this will be a great place to do some or all of that Christmas shopping! Plus, proceeds go back to the center. And according to Vicki, "it's going to be a great show."
Finally, don't miss the "Fall Wilderness Hiking Extravaganza," where visitors can earn an Amish-made wooden hiking staff emblazoned with the centers logo. Just hike all of the center's six trails (about 10 miles total) anytime through November 30.
According to Executive Director Gordon Maupin, last fall's "Extravaganza" was the first, and "we thought we might get 50 or 60 people interested...and we had more than 600."
Hikers who earned the staff last year will receive a pin to place on the staff this year, Vicki said.
"A serious hiker could do this in a day, or a couple of days," Gordon added, so visitors to Amish Country might find it a nice break from shopping and sightseeing.
Trails at The Wilderness Center are open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week. The Interpretive Building is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. There are no bicycles, dogs or horses allowed on the trails. Three picnic pavilions are available for picnics, gatherings and other events on a first-come, first-served basis. What a great place to unwind with some just-purchased local Swiss cheese and bread!
Discover and explore all The Wilderness Center has to offer this fall.
The Wilderness Center, Alabama Avenue, off US 250 (look for "The Wilderness Center" sign on 250 ... there is no sign that says "Alabama Avenue"), 1-877-359-5235, www.wildernesscenter.org.
The Wilderness Center also owns a 1.5-mile trail in Zoar Woods, Tuscarawas County. Call the headquarters for directions.