By Emma Kerr
Adult Education Manager 

I recently took a walk with my dog, Burden, and began to think about what exploring looks like from his perspective. So here are some tips from Burden on how to enjoy a hike.


1) Use your nose. For us dogs smell is super important, but you can pay more attention to it on your hike or walk too. Some of our flowering bushes are starting to bloom, like forsythia. Take a whiff of one of those if you spot one. What does it smell like? Flowers aren’t the only things with interesting smells. What does the soil smell like under your feet? What does a pinecone smell like? What does the wet sidewalk smell like after it rains? If you can’t catch a whiff yourself, try to imagine what something might be like. Engaging your senses helps keep you present while you walk.


2) Look low. Don’t forget to look for low-growing plant species, like these incredible lichens! You may find some other interesting plants just beginning to push their way up through the leaves and grass. If you’re walking in your neighborhood you may also notice your neighbor’s daffodils and other spring bulbs making colorful appearances. Looking at a dog’s level might also help you spot footprints, burrows, and other animal signs.


3) Listen. Your ears may not be as big as mine, but you will be surprised by what you hear if you start to tune in to the sounds around you. There is the wind, the swaying branches of the trees, the rustling of the squirrels through the leaves, and the birds! I’m not great at identifying birds but I can always remember the calls and songs that sound like food! The Black-Capped Chickadee likes to call by saying its own name: chick-a-deeee! But its song sounds like cheeeeeese-burger! And the American Goldfinch’s most common call sounds like po-ta-to-chip! Trust me, once you hear it, you’ll get it. And you might get hungry too.

4) Breathe. Stop for a few minutes and do nothing but breathe. Take in the fresh air and peacefulness of the outdoors around you.

5) Set achievable goals. Dogs can’t climb trees. Unless they’re like this one. Set goals that match your own abilities!

6) Stay with your group. These days it’s important to stay on your leash and with your group. Offer plenty of space on the trail for others to pass. Wave “hi” and wag your tail!

7) Make like a reptile and sit on a hot rock! Especially if there’s a good view. It’ll warm you in more ways than one. We recommend it.