Explore the Magic of Nature.
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So far in 2021, we've been spending a lot of time outdoors rediscovering nature up close. While quietly wandering the trails, we've noted a flash here, a spark there, a mysterious footprint too small to be a mouse...a flutter in our ear. ...and then, one chilly winter day, a tiny door appeared at the base of a small oak tree. The Fairy Folk had enchanted our woods. This is our story... |
It was like any other day.
I made a visit to the barn to check the mail and water the plants.
As I turned the key in the lock of the front door, I noticed a brightly colored box on the ground at my feet.
"Who could've left this?", I thought. I looked around but saw no one.
"I wonder who this belongs to", I whispered to myself.
Then, I opened it very carefully.
The box was lined with glimmering gold and inside was a tiny brown scroll tied with mossy green tattered velvet.
I slipped the tie off, unrolled it and discovered there were directions, like steps to a treasure.
I knew I had to follow them!
When I reached the Oak tree, I couldn't believe my eyes - there was a tiny door at the base of it!
It was both peculiar and magical, and I couldn't wait to share it with all of you.
Also in the box was a page called 'Folklore & Nature' which told of the many secrets of how the fairies care for the Oak trees.
Since then, we've discovered many more doors on the reserve, each with a unique tale of folklore and nature!
We are quite certain that there are more fairy folk on the reserve waiting to be discovered.
You can find the directions and clues to the doors and the 'Nature & Folklore' stories
in our wayside exhibit, in the photos below, and on our social media pages.
Please help the Fairy Folk spread their magic by using #WPNRFairyFolk on social media.
Have fun and enjoy the adventure!
As I turned the key in the lock of the front door, I noticed a brightly colored box on the ground at my feet.
"Who could've left this?", I thought. I looked around but saw no one.
"I wonder who this belongs to", I whispered to myself.
Then, I opened it very carefully.
The box was lined with glimmering gold and inside was a tiny brown scroll tied with mossy green tattered velvet.
I slipped the tie off, unrolled it and discovered there were directions, like steps to a treasure.
I knew I had to follow them!
When I reached the Oak tree, I couldn't believe my eyes - there was a tiny door at the base of it!
It was both peculiar and magical, and I couldn't wait to share it with all of you.
Also in the box was a page called 'Folklore & Nature' which told of the many secrets of how the fairies care for the Oak trees.
Since then, we've discovered many more doors on the reserve, each with a unique tale of folklore and nature!
We are quite certain that there are more fairy folk on the reserve waiting to be discovered.
You can find the directions and clues to the doors and the 'Nature & Folklore' stories
in our wayside exhibit, in the photos below, and on our social media pages.
Please help the Fairy Folk spread their magic by using #WPNRFairyFolk on social media.
Have fun and enjoy the adventure!
Folklore & Nature
WPNR Fairy Folk are not only magical, they're practical.
They have so much to teach us about the nature all around us. Read their stories below!
They have so much to teach us about the nature all around us. Read their stories below!
#WPNR Fairy Folk
Everyone could use a little magic right now.
We hope when you visit our trails and discover our fairy doors you experience a little magic.
Throughout the year, the WPNR Fairy Folk teach us about the
lesser-known miracles of nature, history and folklore.
Bookmark this page and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay in the loop.
Each month, we'll feature new stories, project ideas, and other fun tidbits to keep you inspired to #getoutside and explore nature.
Don't forget to use our hashtag, #WPNRFairyFolk to share your photos and creations with us.
See you on the trails!
We hope when you visit our trails and discover our fairy doors you experience a little magic.
Throughout the year, the WPNR Fairy Folk teach us about the
lesser-known miracles of nature, history and folklore.
Bookmark this page and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay in the loop.
Each month, we'll feature new stories, project ideas, and other fun tidbits to keep you inspired to #getoutside and explore nature.
Don't forget to use our hashtag, #WPNRFairyFolk to share your photos and creations with us.
See you on the trails!
The Winter Solstice Sprite is still in our midst!
It's been told that Jack Frost rules over the winter fairies and tasks them with blanketing windowsills, rooftops, and rolling hills with sparkling snow. The Solstice Sprite is especially magical since she appears on the land around the time of the winter solstice, which occurs on Wednesday, December 21, at 4:47 pm. This is the day of the year with the least amount of sunlight and, consequently, the most darkness, and is the astrological first day of winter in the northern hemisphere. Known to the Germanic people as Yule, one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world, they rejoiced with bonfires, song, and libations as the darkest night of the year would now give way to the return of the light.
Though the solstice has passed, the Solstice Sprite remains in our presence as a reminder to honor the light as the days grow longer, minute by minute. Hidden somewhere on the reserve, you'll find her sparkling door. Use the riddle below for clues to find it, and share your photos of your adventures and tag us on your social media page!
'On the day most scarce of light
a sparkling tiny sprite
of winter's chill and cheer
you'll find will soon appear.
On the treed path east of our door
through the gate, you must pass
and search for green moss in the cherry tree hollow
for magic and merriment follow!'
Though the solstice has passed, the Solstice Sprite remains in our presence as a reminder to honor the light as the days grow longer, minute by minute. Hidden somewhere on the reserve, you'll find her sparkling door. Use the riddle below for clues to find it, and share your photos of your adventures and tag us on your social media page!
'On the day most scarce of light
a sparkling tiny sprite
of winter's chill and cheer
you'll find will soon appear.
On the treed path east of our door
through the gate, you must pass
and search for green moss in the cherry tree hollow
for magic and merriment follow!'
