Nature hikes have always been a means of escape for me, adventures to help refocus on God’s creation, my passions, and reconnect with others. And after my three-hour hike at Sibley State Park with my mom (Deb) and dog (Red), my three avenues refilled on a gorgeous late October afternoon.
The locals showed they had the same idea as they flocked to the 18 miles of trails the park offers. I realized the same fuel that founded Sibley State Park in 1919 by local citizens still burns brightly as an outlet for individuals of New London to continuously visit the 2,900 acres to stoke it year-round. Similar to most state parks, many ecosystems are encompassed within the boundaries, including glacial hills, wetlands, Oak Savannas, and deciduous forests.
We began at the top of Mt. Tom, which is considered the highest point within 50 miles, and observed the last of the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows dying back for the year throughout the park and New London. However, we didn’t stay long as the observation tower stood as a beacon for other hiking families, plus I had Red. So, we hopped on a more remote trail that looped us around all the environments Sibley State Park protects.
Walking among the deciduous forests, we witnessed the final fading golden-brown leaves of the multiple mature Oaks and other hardwoods up-close. These sites create an eye-catching backdrop for the surrounding prairie remnants and wetlands – whose tall-grass displayed swaying, scattered pops of green, off-white tuffs of mature seed, and their own shade of golden-brown, winter interest color. The several glacial ponds, plus Lake Andrew itself, we passed reflected the almost cloudless sky perfectly, minus the handful of swans and ducks seemingly gliding across the calm waters. And the rolling hills promised beautiful views of recycled farmland and prairie remnants as well as an increased heart rate for both my mother and me.
In the end, the visit resurfaced an important reminder; community. Community with nature and the need to keep the relationship alive. Beauty, peace, and fellowship with others are just a few factors as to how I find and see God in nature and become overwhelmed by it too. It also drives the need to protect it because if we don’t, we’re going to lose it. And as God’s touch is within it, why would we want to lose it?
