Exploring Nature One Page at a Time: National Trails Day® at Atherton Island Natural Area
Trails do much more than connect one place to another.
They create opportunities to explore, learn, imagine, and experience the outdoors in new ways.
In celebration of National Trails Day®, Ouabache Land Conservancy welcomed families to Atherton Island Natural Area for a storybook hike that combined literacy, nature exploration, and time spent outdoors.
At the heart of the hike led by OLC board member Jim Nardi and OLC Vice President of Programs Phil Cox, was In Mouse's Backyard, a children's book written and illustrated by Jim. As participants explored the preserve, they encountered many of the same plants, animals, and habitats that inspired the story's pages, creating a unique connection between literature and the landscape itself.
Bringing Stories to Life
What made the hike especially unique was the setting itself.
As participants moved through Atherton Island Natural Area, they encountered many of the same plants, animals, and natural features that inspired the story. The landscape became more than a backdrop—it became part of the experience.
Storybook hikes offer a different way to connect with nature. They encourage children and adults alike to slow down, observe their surroundings, ask questions, and engage their curiosity about the world around them.
Why Trails Matter
National Trails Day® is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways trails enrich our communities.
For some people, trails are places to exercise and enjoy fresh air. For others, they provide opportunities to observe wildlife, spend time with family, discover new landscapes, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet outdoors.
At OLC, we believe trails help connect people to the places we work to protect. When people experience a landscape firsthand—whether through a hike, a volunteer project, a birdwatching outing, or a storybook adventure—they begin to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Connecting Families with Nature
Events like storybook hikes are one of many ways we work to make nature accessible and welcoming for people of all ages.
By combining reading, exploration, and outdoor recreation, these programs help foster both a love of learning and a connection to the land.
We're grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate National Trails Day® and to Jim Nardi and Phil Cox for sharing their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
After all, some of the best stories aren't just read—they're experienced.
Explore OLC Trails
National Trails Day® may come only once a year, but the trails at OLC preserves are available year-round.
Whether you're looking for a quiet woodland walk, a prairie landscape, opportunities for birdwatching, or a place to introduce children to the outdoors, our preserves offer a variety of trail experiences throughout west-central Indiana.
Atherton Island Natural Area is home to more than three miles of trails, offering a few different routes and trail difficulties for visitors to explore.
John O. Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve features an easy woodland loop trail, making it a great option for visitors seeking a shorter walk through a mature forest landscape.
Jackson-Schnyder Nature Preserve provides visitors the chance to experience both prairie and woodland habitats, with trails that showcase the diverse landscapes protected on the property.
Bushnell's North Star Woods is currently undergoing trail development and will soon offer even more opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Have you visited them all? Explore our preserves and plan your next adventure.