tigersonthego

By Olivia Garfink

           From the moment I stepped onto the trail at Lake Roland Park, I began to take in the beauty of the nature around me. The air felt crisp and cool as it carried an earthy scent of early spring blooms and damp soil. The gravel of certain areas crunched beneath my shoes as birds were chirping overhead. This created a peaceful rhythm that made it easy to take everything in. 

Exploring the Nature center

         The first stop on my adventure was the Lake Roland Nature Center. The space was welcoming and educational with its exhibits about the local wildlife and ecosystems. I especially loved the snakes and the turtles. I could hear a soft hum of conversations and the excitement of kids who were eager to look at the animals. This made the room feel lively without being too overwhelming. The nature center makes for a great starting point for those who want to learn more about the environment that they are exploring. 

Finding peace by the stream

After my time in the nature center I wandered onto a trail, not really knowing where it would take me. As the path twisted through the trees, it gradually opened up to a quiet stream that was tucked away. I just took a moment to appreciate the sound of the trickling water. I walked down further and crouched down by the edge, feeling the cool air rising from the water. I then began stacking stones and rocks of different sizes. One by one, I carefully balanced them and built a small tower. It was a simple activity, but I found it oddly calming and I like that I was able to leave a small creative mark on the stream without disturbing it. 

Rocks On The Bank

the lively dog park

         After spending time by the stream, I then made my way over to the Paw Point Dog Park. I don’t have a dog, so I was glad to be able to see so many dogs running freely. Their excitement was contagious. I heard lots of barking, laughter, and the chatter of their owners as their pets played with each other. I learned that the park has strict regulations and rules about the dogs. To join, you pay $35 for membership and must have up-to-date vaccinations which to keep the environment a safe and enjoyable space. 

more information

As I circled back towards the lake to start my adventure back home, the sun was starting to lower, casting a warm and golden ligeht through the trees. I had a perfectly balanced experience at the park between the quiet learning at the nature center, the playful energy at the dog park, and my peaceful moment by the stream. Lake Roland is the perfect place to come if you need to explore, reset, and connect with nature in your own way. 

Lake Roland Park, 1000 Lakeside Drive, Baltimore, MD 21210; Phone 410-887-4156 https://www.lakeroland.org/lake-roland-nature-center/