The 20-Minute Nature Fix

Finding Spring’s Magic at the Hiroshi Trailhead

by Phil Brown

March is a variable and unpredictable month, often featuring rapidly changing snow depths and ground conditions. Hearty hikers who brave late winter trails are often rewarded with the delights of spring — the thawing of rivers, the return of vibrant birdsong, the warm glow of sunshine, and other ephemeral signs of the season. But there are easier ways to witness these spectacles than navigating an icy crust, post-holing through deep snow, or wading through inches of mud and snowmelt.

A sugar maple stands sentinel in the Hiroshi field on a March afternoon. (photo © Brett Amy Thelen)

If you lack the time or ability to tackle these challenging conditions, try parking yourself — literally — for 20 minutes at a favorite trailhead. When I have a little time and need a nature reset, I take a lunch or coffee break in the parking lot of one of my favorite spots: the Harris Center’s Hiroshi property. Conveniently close to many town centers (less than 10 miles from Hancock, Dublin, Harrisville, Peterborough, and Jaffrey), it’s an easy getaway. I often find that the beauty, birds, and sunshine at Hiroshi provide just the nature fix I crave.

This scenic spot offers something special in every season — lively birdsong in spring, pink and gold fields in summer, the stunning foliage of autumn, and the silence of winter snowfall. Whether you visit alone or with friends, it’s a perfect place to pause and take in the surroundings. Despite the wooded landscape, the dirt parking area always seems to bask in sunshine on clear days. You can also soak up the sights and sounds of nature while sitting on the new bench that overlooks the field. (Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, including the Dublin School and LaValley Building Supply, the Harris Center has recently added nine benches to our properties, providing people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.)

On a recent March walk at the Hiroshi land, I admired the neon green lichens popping along the trunks of wide-branching ashes, maples, and the lone parking lot pine. Even the shapes of winter trees were striking, making my short visit feel like a small victory. For a fun parking area challenge in stick season, try identifying trees by their shapes, bark coloration, and branching patterns. One species that needs little introduction — the paper birch — stands out against the hardwoods along the northern woodline, while a sentinel sugar maple commands attention in the southern field.

By March, spring is in the air, even on the coldest mornings. Woodpeckers drum and chickadees, titmice, and creepers whistle their bright songs. An early-arriving Red-shouldered Hawk may announce itself with piercing, repeated calls. In April, a Canada Goose or two — searching for open water — will sound off, while a faint chorus of wood frogs emerges from the distant wet woods. This is also when the resident Eastern Phoebe pair may return to its nesting spot under the trailhead kiosk, and American Woodcocks may ‘skydance’ overhead just after sunset.

Migratory birds peak in May, and by mid-summer, colorful wildflowers mix with tall grasses in the surrounding field, nurturing a diverse community of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. In September and October, the autumn foliage of birches, oaks, and maples turns brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Winter has its own rewards, though they are more understated.

This only scratches the surface of what you might come across during a short break at the Hiroshi land or your own favorite nearby conservation area — and if you’re inclined to venture further, I highly recommend hiking the Hiroshi Loop Trail in any season. You can learn more about all of the Harris Center’s trails here.