One of the best things about living in Maryville is that nature is never far away. You do not have to drive to the Smokies to have an amazing nature experience - our own greenway trails and local parks offer wonderful opportunities to observe, explore, and learn. This guide will help your family turn an ordinary walk into an extraordinary learning adventure.

Before You Go: What to Bring

• A nature journal or plain notebook and pencils (colored pencils are great too)
• A magnifying glass if you have one
• A reusable water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes (no flip-flops on trails!)
• A small bag for collecting treasures (leaves, acorns, interesting rocks)
• Binoculars if you have them
• Bug spray in warm months
• A camera or phone for photos

The Maryville Greenbelt

The Greenbelt is our town greenway trail system that connects neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas. It is paved, flat, and perfect for all ages and abilities. Sections run along Pistol Creek and through wooded areas, giving you a mix of habitats to explore.

What to notice on the Greenbelt: - The creek: Watch for minnows, water striders, and crayfish in the shallow areas - Birds: Listen for cardinals, blue jays, and Carolina wrens along the path - Trees: Can you identify the big oaks, maples, and sycamores that line the trail? - Wildflowers: In spring and summer, look for purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and wild violets along the edges

Seasonal Walk Guide

Spring (March - May)

Spring is explosion time in Maryville. Everything wakes up at once. - Look for: Dogwood and redbud trees blooming (white and pink), new leaves unfurling, birds building nests, tadpoles in puddles and ponds - Listen for: Spring peepers (tiny frogs) singing at dusk, woodpeckers drumming on trees - Journal prompt: "Draw three different spring flowers you find today. What colors are they? Where were they growing?"

Summer (June - August)

Warm, lush, and full of life. - Look for: Butterflies (monarchs, swallowtails, painted ladies), dragonflies near water, fireflies at dusk, spider webs sparkling with dew in the early morning - Listen for: Cicadas buzzing, tree frogs calling, birds singing at dawn and dusk - Journal prompt: "Sit still for five minutes. Write down every sound you hear. How many are made by animals versus humans?"

Fall (September - November)

The grand color show. - Look for: Changing leaf colors (red maples turn first!), migrating birds, squirrels gathering acorns, woolly bear caterpillars - Listen for: Geese honking overhead, dry leaves crunching underfoot, less bird song as migrants leave - Journal prompt: "Collect five different fallen leaves. Tape them in your journal and label each one with its color and the tree it came from."

Winter (December - February)

Quiet and revealing. - Look for: Bird nests now visible in bare trees, animal tracks in mud or frost, evergreen trees (they stand out now!), winter berries on holly bushes - Listen for: Crows calling, Carolina chickadees, the quiet of a winter woods - Journal prompt: "Without leaves blocking the view, what can you see that was hidden in summer? Sketch the shape of a bare tree."

Nature Journal Tips

A nature journal does not have to be fancy. It is just a place to record what you see, hear, and wonder about. Here are some ideas:

• Date and weather: Always write down when you walked and what the weather was like
• Quick sketches: You do not have to be an artist. Simple shapes and labels work great
• Questions: Write down things you wonder about. "Why is that tree leaning?" "What kind of bird makes that sound?"
• Collections: Tape in pressed leaves, flower petals, or feathers you find
• Counts: How many birds did you see? How many different types of trees?

Trail Etiquette

• Stay on the trail to protect plants and wildlife
• Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints
• Keep dogs on leashes
• Say hello to other walkers (that is just the Maryville way)
• If you find trash, pick it up!

Nature is the original classroom, and Maryville gives us beautiful places to learn. Make the nature walk a regular family habit. You will be amazed at how much changes week to week, season to season.