A Year of Hikes
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
In the fall of 2024, Springsong Museum launched a new program that’s quickly become a favorite for nature lovers and curious minds alike: Seasonal Hikes with Springsong. Designed to help the community connect with the natural rhythms of the year, this program invites participants to explore the beauty and transformations of the natural world practically in Rachel Carson’s backyard—along the scenic Northwest Branch Trail.
Over the past year, 95 community members participated in this free program. Winding through the wooded ravine of the Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, the Copperhead Trail offers an immersive view of the dynamic ecosystems that inspired Rachel Carson. During the hike, participants discovered how the landscape shifts with the seasons—how trees prepare for winter dormancy, how the water level and clarity of the stream reflect recent rainfall and leaf fall, and how wildlife activity changes as the days grow shorter.
The goal of the Seasonal Hikes is more than a walk in the woods. It’s an opportunity to witness the subtle and profound changes that occur in nature every few weeks—changes we often overlook in the rush of everyday life.
Each hike in the series is timed to highlight unique seasonal phenomena—from spring’s ephemeral wildflowers and returning migratory birds, to summer’s lush greenery and insect symphonies, fall’s color shifts and seed dispersal, and winter’s stillness and resilience.
The series also fosters community connection—bringing together families, students, amateur naturalists, and seasoned hikers for a shared experience rooted in appreciation and stewardship of the local environment.
The series continues with hikes scheduled in October and November of 2025. For dates and registration information, visit the Upcoming Events page. Whether you're a longtime nature enthusiast or simply looking to reconnect with the outdoors, these hikes promise to deepen your understanding of local ecology—and inspire you to see the forest (and its changes) through new eyes.