By Collin Hadsell
“Winterthur has a lot to offer.” That’s a sentence I’ve used to start a lot of my talks about where I work and what I do. It’s so broad a statement that it feels like an easy out, but it’s true. The reason I say it so often is because Winterthur is a huge place, profuse with history and activity and so much to give, and I am always discovering more the longer that I am here.
Although I’m a horticulturist who works primarily in the almost 60-acre historic garden, some of my favorite spots and discoveries on the estate have been in our meadows and forests on the many hiking trails that lead you through them.
Since I am not a natural lands technician, I sat down with Jim Magee, our resident natural lands expert, and discussed the trails, meadows, and forests—what they have to offer and how guests can best explore these areas, learning and discovering new things while they wander.
Here is a quick list of 5 things to remember when visiting the “wild” areas (meadows and forests) at Winterthur:
1. Upon arrival, stop by the Visitor Center.
If you are a Member, please check in so that we know how many people are visiting us; if the Visitor Center is closed, wear your lanyard displaying your membership card.
If you are a nonmember, please purchase a ticket.
2. Get a map. These are available at the Visitor Center, or you can download them. There are 15 miles of trails to walk and hike, and we are always adding more, so visit us often to see all there is to see.
3. While hiking, be sure to leave nature in its place. “Leave no trace, take only memories.”
4. Dress for the weather. Wear comfy walking shoes, bring a bottle of water, and, after your hike, always check for ticks!
5. Most important, have fun, get lost, go on an adventure! There is always something new to see at Winterthur, whether you are hiking the trails or lounging in the shade of a tulip poplar at the forest’s edge.