We are tickled pink to introduce you to the newly installed Storybook Trail along the left hand loop at the Kezar River Reserve on Route 5 across from the Wicked Good Store.
The featured book is Pond by Jim LaMarche.
As the author and illustrator, LaMarche has created an incredibly beautiful story of the wonders found in nature. The main character, Matt, sees the potential of a small spring in an abandoned lot and with the help of his sister and friend, they turn a trickle of water into a sanctuary.
The Storybook Trail is a collaborative effort between the Greater Lovell Land Trust and Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library. The project was funded through grant monies.
Though we'd talked about installing such a trail a year or so ago, it was Associate Director Aidan Black who provided the inspiration to make this dream a reality.
Along with his colleagues, Stewardship and Systems Associate Dakota Ward, and volunteer Kelley Attenborough helped develop a prototype and then install 17 panels that follow the trail and lead down to the former mill pond on Kezar River.
This afternoon four families found their way to the Kezar River Reserve to read the story.
As one mom noted, "I like how the book makes for a more quiet walk in the woods."
The moms took turns reading and each page elicited new questions about what might come next.
After they finished the story, and checked out the painted turtle in the pond, fresh otter scat on the land, and dragonfly exoskeletons caught in spider webs, the kids enjoyed some lemonade and cookies.
It appeared they were tickled pink as well.
We hope you'll find time this summer to travel down the lane that leads to the Kezar River Reserve and enjoy this beautiful tale.