February Walking Tour - Beauty Is Still Here: A Winter Walk

For me, most days in this new year have felt heavy so far. At times it has been hard to bear the many things that are coming at us all the time. On top of that, it is also late winter here in Colorado, which means we have fewer hours of sunshine and can have colder temperatures in late February – yet the snowpack is terribly low so far.

I acknowledge that these difficult feelings are valid and real, and at the same time I make it a practice to look for the beautiful things that continue to exist in our world—and they are everywhere! Making time to reconnect with the good things is crucial to staying well and strong, both mentally and physically. A simple walk in a natural area can give us the space to meet again with beauty and joy, to stretch muscles, engage with curiosity and to regulate our nervous systems. Open spaces are known for their ability to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and lift the mood, so getting outside into a natural landscape can help us feel better. 
 

Evolutionary Influences

For most of human history (100,000+ generations) we have been directly bonded to our local ecosystems for survival. Our innate attraction to certain landscapes is linked to our ancestor’s survival instincts. They were driven to find places that provided food, water, shelter and relative safety. The presence of water, signs of animal life, healthy vegetation and pockets of open space can signal enhanced conditions for survival. Consequently, these environmental preferences are still hardwired in us. They speak to us subconsciously about sustenance and safety. Feelings of security help regulate the nervous system, can enhance creativity and improve sleep quality, heart rate, digestion and immune function.

Go for a Winter Walk at Chatfield Farms

Chatfield Farms is a 700-acre native plant refuge and birding hotspot with 2.5 miles of nature trails, and over 15 curated gardens with various themes. The south side of Chatfield Farms offers a unique and unexpected respite from its urban surroundings, featuring a wetlands area, places to see animals and signs of their presence, hear birds sing and watch them fly, and see a variety of plants. 

To begin your winter well-being walk, make your way from the Robert & Judi Newman Welcome Center to the Green Farm Barn. 

Here is a map of Chatfield Farms. 

Green Farm Barn

You will know you are at the Green Farm Barn when you see the silo and a red barn. Now, wait a moment: The Green Farm Barn is red? Yes! It is named for the Green family, who lived and worked here around 1918. 

Before them, the Ute, Arapahoe, Comanche, Puebloan and other Nations lived or travelled through here because this area is an abundant crossroads between the plains and the mountains.

Take some time to explore the gardens near the silo and you will find plants like Echinacea sp.(coneflower), Bouteloua gracilis (blue gramma) and Anaphalis margaritacea (pearly everlasting). These plants provide winter interest for human visitors and a source of food and cover for many birds and small mammals. All three of these plants are native to this area and have medicinal properties.

Deer Creek Natural Area

Turning your attention to the east, you will see the majestic forms of Populus deltoides (cottonwoods) lining Deer Creek. Venture down the wide dirt trail (the Dora & Pauline Robert Riparian Trail (#31 on the map) on the south side of the creek. Notice the abundance of birds as you approach the ponds and look at the creek to spot evidence of beaver activity. If you continue, the trail bends north. Here you will see a prairie dog colony. If you are lucky, you could also spot a coyote, bobcat, hawk, eagle or deer.  Following the north side of the creek will lead you back toward the Welcome Center.

Note: The Dora & Pauline Robert Natural Trail can be accessible for sturdy wheelchairs but is not plowed for snow in winter. 

Please visit us in all seasons to experience the ever-changing beauty here and make a connection to your local ecosystem!