The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those who sang the best.
A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.
John James Audobon (1785-1851) was a French-American artist, naturalist, and ornithologist. His most famous work, entitled “The Birds of America”, captured North American birds with a detailed collection of 435 hand-colored prints.
Stephen Hawking (1942-2018): English theoretical physicist and cosmologist. His studies concluded that there is likely no border or boundary to the universe.
To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.
Annie Jump Cannon (1863-1941): American astronomer. She has been called the “census taker of the sky.” She manually classified around 350,000 stars.
Classifying the stars has helped materially in all studies of the structure of the universe.
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630): German astronomer. His research determined that as the planets travel around the Sun, they move in an elliptical orbit.
The treasures hidden in the heavens are so rich that the human mind shall never be lacking in fresh nourishment.
Spring offers an invitation to leave home in order to enjoy a walk at one of two nearby Metro Parks, which are located minutes from Canal Winchester, Ohio. Chestnut Ridge is well-known as the furthest west outcropping of the Appalachian range of mountains. Walnut Woods shares a wooded landscape, much of which used to be a commercial tree farm.
One of the precious locations at Walnut Woods Metro Park is the enormous American sycamore tree, which is located along the Monarch Trail. On the left, an early spring look at the developing canopy of leafy branches. On the right, the girth of the tree’s truck fills up the camera lens.
Chestnut Ridge Metro Park offers a moderate to difficult series of trails, but always be sure to bring a camera. The park is maintained in its natural state so fallen branches and trees are allowed to rest peacefully on the ground away from the trails. On the left, a growth of moss surrounds much of a hollowed out tree stump. On the right, a hilltop garden witnesses the early arrival of daffodils, which proves spring is well on its way.
Returning to Walnut Woods later in the spring, one can immediately witness the maturity displayed in the park. On the left, an opening in the green vegetation offers a camera view of Walnut Creek, which meanders through a portion of the park. On the right, a tranquil spot is found along the trail in the Tall Pines area of the park.
The final pair of photos come from Chestnut Ridge. On the left, the gentle hillside is framed by numerous trees with a delightful meadow below. On the right, a typical trail begins the ascent up the hillside. Notice the natural surface of trail, which found throughout the park.
Back in January, 2025, autumn and winter Ohio photos were shared. Readers are encouraged to access the gallery through this link: Buckeye Photo Gallery #1.
The voice of the Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of birds, the rippling of mighty waters, and the sweet breathing of flowers.
There is no great; there is no small; in the mind that causeth all.
Zitkala-Sa (1876-1938) was a Yankton Dakota writer, translator, and educator. She was also known by her Anglicized married name, Gertrude Simmons Bonnin.
Big Sky Buckeye 