News and Updates
Fall Aspen Hike and Guided Nature Tour, Sante Fé 2013
By Michael Wright
Nature Guide: David Groeneveld PhD Biology/Hydrology
A group of 12 people met at the Aspen Vista parking lot n September 22nd, 2013 at 11 o’clock in the morning. Aspen Vista is a gorgeous hiking area high up on the Santa Fe National Forest road that goes to the ski basin.
On this day the sun was radiating beams of light down through the Aspen trees and the leaves were turning from pastel green, to a yellow, then to ochre.
The group was guided by David, a major nature enthusiast who has spent many years studying the ecosystems of the west. As the group hiked along the forest service trail, David stopped to point out interesting plant species indicating whether they were indigenous or invasive, their use, food or medicinal value, and how each plant affects the overall ecosystem within the Aspen forest.
The tour moved along the mountain trail with many stops with David answering questions and conversing with the participants. Occasionally the wind would ripple through the trees releasing bunches of multicolored leaves that drifted downward through the thin mountain air in a kaleidoscope of patterns. It seemed as if the leaves were turning colors and departing from their branches just for us. As our tour proceeded, we climbed higher up the mountainside and the color of the canopy slowly changed into a soft golden glow we all were feeling the conclusion of one cycle and the beginning of another.
The day ended with a picnic lunch by the babbling Big Tesque Creek. The children played near the stream, some climbing trees and collecting rocks and sticks they liked. After lunch, the hike continued up the mountain along the stream trail. Thanks to David for the educational experience and for sharing with us the science of Nature.
Thanks all for your participation,
Mike Wright, NE Monitor Sante Fé