Roaring Brook Nature Center

Krista Maloney

The kids and I spent a beautiful morning at the Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton.

Black Eyed Susans at Roaring Brook Nature Center
© Krista Maloney 2012

We hiked one of their seven trails, the Werner Pond Trail.

Educational Signs along the trail

The kids had lots of fun carrying the map and looking out for the red trail markers.

Blazing the Trail
© Krista Maloney 2012

We tried to look for wildlife, but the “quiet voice” of my soon-to-be four year old, served as adequate warning to everything but a few bold chipmunks & curious birds.  The trails were clearly marked, beautifully maintained, and easily walked.

Eastern Painted Turtle
© Krista Maloney

It was shady and cool on this warm morning.  We tried to see the birds in the large cages, but had little luck seeing any of them due to the distance and shade.  We came across plans inside, for a new raptor facility, that we are hopeful will get us a little better viewing ability once completed. We really enjoyed the inside exhibits.

Red Fox
© Krista Maloney 2012

The oldest was riveted by the computer touch screen learning activities, while the younger two ran all over from exhibit to exhibit excitedly yelling for my attention.

Future Photographer
© Krista Maloney 2012

We ended the morning looking at snakes, spiders & cockroaches in the back classroom area, when my daughter proclaimed she’d had enough of “yucky boy stuff”.  My oldest, a “yucky boy,”  thought it was very cool.  Not being a fan of snakes & bugs myself, I smiled, nodded, and tolerated it as long as I could, then lured them all out by suggesting we’d head for a swim!

We’ll definitely return to explore more trails.  If you haven’t visited already, Roaring Brook Nature Center is located at 70 Gracey Road,  Canton.  Admission is $6 adults, $4 children under 12, @ &5 seniors over 65.  Additional information can be found at www.roaringbrook.org.