NEW: Backyard Wonders—A sunset walk into The Great Right-Here

Five tulip trees rising from one base meet again in one canopy
This Wednesday’s Excursion (Aug. 18): A Sunset Walk at Whippoorwill Park
Monday, August 16, 2010
by Martin Stankiewicz

I think exploring new places brings out the Lewis and Clark in all of us. It excites our senses and stirs a wide range of emotion, from fatigue and uncertainty, to triumph and tranquility. Many of us long to travel to faraway, exotic places to experience and see new things, but it can be just as refreshing to explore our own New Castle backyard.

As an avid nature photographer and outdoor enthusiast, I thought it would be a great idea to share some of the natural wonders I’ve found right here in our neck of the woods. So last Wednesday I decided, along with my friend and colleague Stetson Hundgen, to lead a nature walk in one of our most visited recreational areas, Gedney Park.  It was a spur-of-the-moment idea.  A post on my website and a quick email blast to friends yielded in an enthusiastic group of five.

We began hiking the trail by circling the perimeter of the park, stopping to identify various trees and flowers, or to taste the berries of a spice bush and smell the fragrant leaves of a sassafras.  We went off-trail to inspect the variegated strata of “folded rock” formations.  Then came the towering cluster of five tulip trees rising from one base, fusing into one massive canopy of green.  We passed from one trail to another crossing and recrossing a meandering brook along our way.  Not a frog or feather lodged among the leaves escaped our notice and our lenses.  Two hours later we emerged at the pond, exhausted but satisfied with the experience and with our photo catch.

So when was the last time you explored New Castle’s wildflower bloom in Whippoorwill Park or the meadow in Glazier Arboretum?  What about our town’s butterfly and hummingbird gardens; the mudflats at Crystal Springs at Pruyn Sanctuary; or the folded rock formations at Gedney?  Do you know what’s in New Castle’s backyard?

Martin Stankiewicz is a nature photographer residing in Chappaqua, NY.  In 2008 he left his legal practice to open a gallery in downtown Chappaqua in the Village Yard on King Street, just 20 yards north of the Horace Greeley House displaying his own work as well as that of visiting artists whose passion is nature. He also shares his experiences through workshops and tours here in the northeast and around the world.  For more information visit his website www.naturetrailimages.com and http://www.stankiewiczgallery.com.

Whippoorwill Park Photo Walk

Sunset Walk - Wednesday, August 18, 2010 starting at 5:00 p.m. till around 7:00 p.m.

$20 per person

When comparing parks in New Castle, the beauty of Whipporwill Park tops the list. This Wednesday’s photo walk will take you through a vast array of natural habitats, through a gnarly vine-ridden forest, lush green fern pastures and the beautiful wildflowers surrounding the park’s pond.

Along the way, nature photographers Martin Stankiewicz and Stetson Hundgen will instruct you on proper use of your camera as well as on techniques that will help you get your best nature shots. Even if photography is not a hobby of yours, let them show you the hidden gems right here in our own backyard.

Next Wednesday, August 25: Glazier Arboretum