Patti Lynn Clark Barnett

The Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve is absolutely beautiful and practically in our own back yard. I'm supportive of private citizens and corporations preserving green space and I'm also very grateful they have prevented this land from being subdivided. Otherwise, we would not be able to enjoy it like we do.

Last Sunday was a spectacular day with clear blue skies and it was so warm we ended up carrying our coats. Far more like spring than mid winter temperatures. Other than very muddy trails, it was perfect. My husband and I sat under this lonely hickory tree last year and ate hickory nuts he arduously cracked with a rock. Fresh hickory nuts taste fantastic, but if you have ever eaten them from the shell, you'll understand why they are so very expensive, that is if you can find them at all.  It is virtually impossible for mere humans to extract the delicious little nuggets from their cloistered embedments and chambers. However, an amazing non struggle for the squirrels I've seen devouring them with almost mechanical speed. Seems to me the hickory nut tree is rare and headed for extintion. This being the first I've seen in years. On this visit, we could not find a single nut that the squirrels had not gotten to first. Must have heard we were coming:))

I am thankful to God for our good health and the ability to experience the joy of days like this.