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We explore Worcester'sWild SideSeptember 7-8th & 16th, 2007 |
What?? Worcester has a wild side? You bet it does! And for the third year in a row we kicked off our fall season by showcasing some of our favorite outdoor spots right here in the city. Our Wild Side weekend officially commenced on Friday evening with our annual fall marshmallow roast between Bullock Hall and Goddard Library. It was an amazing time, as well over 100 people stopped by to relax in the warmth of the fire while enjoying the strumming of guitars and the company of so many friends new and old. As the fire slowly died down, Emma and Amy (below) easily captivated the crowd with a superb performance! The night was a success beyond our wildest expectations. |
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On Saturday we teamed up with the Blackstone River Watershed Council, Tatnuck Brook Watershed Association, and Clark Waterwatch for an
afternoon of canoeing in Coes Reservoir, located only a mile from campus. The eight canoes we launced were in use the entire time
as 40 students took turns paddling them across the tranquil waters and navigating around the reservoir's several islands.
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Brenna and Darren, out on the reservoir.
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While one group was enjoying the canoes, another group of us drove upstream a few miles to hike the trails of Boynton & Cascades park, an expansive, peaceful woodland on the city's outskirts. Lana and Ashley didn't miss the opportunity to climb atop a split boulder, one of the park's notable attractions. |
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We then proceeded to our favorite vernal pool along the Meadow Ridge Trail to play with all the frogs.
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By Sunday the beautiful weather had run its course and we awoke to an overcast, wet day. Our planned hike of Worcester's Broad Meadow Brook
Wildlife Sanctuary was postponed until the following weekend, by which time the fantastic weather had returned. The sanctuary is run by the
Massachusetts Audubon Society and spans over 400 acres.
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| The Sprague Trail offered a nice spot to view the brook (below). At right, we're hiking along the Ladyslipper Trail toward the Troiano Trail. |
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The clearing along the appropriately named Powerline Trail (left photo) was one of the prettiest sections of our hike. In the right photo, we're gazing down at the brook from a bridge on the Cardinal Trail. 
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