Make Your Own Nature Trail

You've lived most of your life in the city or in a town. Now you've moved to the country to enjoy a taste of the real life-rural living amid nature's wildlife and wildflowers.You couldn't afford a large parcel-perhaps a mere four to five acres-yet it is gorgeous and it is yours. You've decided you want your property to be a kind of refuge. You will build your own nature trail right here! But how should you go about making a nature trail on your own property?

Untouched Canvas

You are the artist and your land is your canvas. Decide what portion of your property you will use. Maximize terrain variety. Try to include at least some of these features: part of a stream, some trees, rocky outcroppings, some speckled sun, and some shade. Is there a little rise and fall? Are there special plants already present? Include the greatest diversity possible of mosses and ferns, plants and shrubs, non-problematic vines and small trees. Are there potential nesting areas for birds? What will draw butterflies? The end result should not look like a garden. This is a nature trail!

The Overall Layout

If you've ever hiked in the mountains, it is nice to hike an up-slope but to return by a down-slope, rather than the other way around, isn't it? Though your nature trail won't be as extreme, this principal is a good one to keep in mind. As to the trail itself, it should not be straight. Curves are beautiful and give the feeling that the trail is more extensive than it may actually be. You don't want the whole trail to be visible all at once. Incorporate some large boulders suitable for sitting and meditative reflection.

Planning and Planting

As for plant life, for increasing interest, you can augment the visual space with native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, whether by transplanting or by seeding. If the seeds are of a variety that readily germinates, they can be broadcast. If they are more difficult to grow, they should be carefully placed and planted in prime locations. Plants should be included that some may not consider beautiful, but interesting. At the same time, avoid invasive plants, as any neighbors may not appreciate your introducing plants that could later cause them difficulty. Also, laws should be complied with in acquiring the plants and seeds.

A Worthwhile Investment?

The author, at his former Virginia home, planted or scattered the seeds of two to three hundred varieties of Virginia native plants. In addition to the pleasure in the hunt for new varieties, many restful hours were spent enjoying the trail, and many photographs were taken for future pleasure and for online publishing. But for the author, there was something more. Surprisingly, when he needed to sell this former property, the incumbent owner remarked how much he loved the plantings. It evidently helped him make the decision to purchase the property.

Resources:

Personal Experience and many publications, e.g. "Fall Wildflowers of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains," by Oscar W. Gupton and Fred C. Swope