Observing Place

In our Ecological Enhancement workshop in June, we talked about one’s relationship with the land. We explained a concept that we’ve learned over the years in working to enhance ChicoryLane – that we are partners in a collaborative relationship with the land.

We have introduced many changes over the years and, ultimately, the land itself decides the result. If all goes well, we may sit back and enjoy the result, or we may lament a failed innovation. The important lesson is the response to our actions. The land will be brutally frank: flourishing if it likes what we have done, dying if it does not agree, or languishing in varying degrees in between. It is, after all, a living, breathing thing that is fully capable of communicating to us.

Another concept from our June workshop, which lends itself to how any landowner makes enhancement decisions or introduces changes, is observing your land. Taking the time to observe your land is incredibly important. One way we do this is to sit quietly in a place of our choosing, at a time of day of our choosing, and simply watch. It might take a moment to turn off other thoughts or concerns of the day and simply be in place. As John remarked in the workshop, “Give it 15 minutes. You will invariably experience something interesting, something you had not expected or seen before!”

Observing Birds While we observe place, we also do bird watching. Not to identify or add to a species list, rather simply to observe birds living their lives. Sitting in the pre-dawn quiet one morning, Catherine heard, then dimly saw a hummingbird hovering at a sweet-water feeder, stoking up before sunlight made nectar in flowers available. Two hours later, in full sun, the hummer was back – darting from blossom to blossom nearby. 

A few weeks ago, John was sitting at the eastern edge of the vernal pools, contemplating the invasive cattails, when he happened to catch this scene – Canada geese parents leading their goslings from the snapping-turtle inhabited vernal pool to the safer farm pond across the lane. It was quite the process, with considerable distance to cover and strategic choices of route to accommodate the goslings’ short legs and tender feet.

In recent days, Ian and Lauren have watched a robin choose a nesting site among the twigs of a Rose of Sharon shrub outside their Aaronsburg kitchen window, build a nest with beak and feet, lay eggs, incubate, eat a bad egg, and feed the surviving hatchling in fast-action visits.

Observation is endless. It’s always available to show you where you are and what else is there.

ChicoryLane hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Here is the line up of upcoming events. Mark your calendars and join us! More information will be sent prior to the events.

Painting Workshop

with Elody Gyekis

September 28

Elody Gyekis, artist and experienced art educator, will offer a fall workshop in the art of Plein-Air painting. Plein-Air is a French term that translates to "out of doors" and refers to the techniques and practice of painting landscapes outdoors. Elody has an MFA in painting from the New York Academy of Art and regularly offers on-line courses for them. Additional information about Elody and her art is available on her website. Classes are limited and registration is required. For additional information on this fall workshop, contact Elody directly.

Bird Walk

with Joe Gyekis

September 21, 8:00 - 10:00 AM

Joe, a skilled birder with long experience at ChicoryLane and expert in identifying birds by their calls, will lead guests along streams, and through wet meadows, forests, and grasslands. The walks will use easy, mowed trails throughout, but may include an optional upland meadow, ideal for spotting Hawks and other raptors. This tour will anticipate fall migrants such as water fowl, and witness the summer species begin to molt color to drab browns and grays, giving sport to spotting. Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Raptors such as Red-tailed and Broad-winged Hawks are commonly spotted in fall.

Pictured above: A Great Blue Heron spotted resting on a scrub pine during the spring tour.

Pictured below: Joe Gyekis, left, at the spring tour. 30 birders identified over 40 different species, both visually and by calls.

"Walking Willow" at ChicoryLane in Summer

ChicoryLane is an ecological reserve near Spring Mills, protected by a Conservation Easement held by Clearwater Conservancy. It is 68 acres of very diverse lands that we are actively enhancing ecologically. We hold outdoor events throughout the year.

The landscape is natural, but scenic. It includes wetlands and meadows, several streams, remnant and successional forests, and a grassland. This diversity of habitats is especially inviting to birds and butterflies. A system of mowed trails makes most of it accessible to walkers.

If you wish to visit ChicoryLane, email us a request including the time, date, and number in your group.

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