A Sunday Stroll With Nature

Nature guides employed by Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, are a knowledgeable bunch, but visitors need not rely on them to enjoy the county's huge Green Lane Nature Center. Two of the center's finest summer attractions - Hemlock Point Trail, and its Butterfly Garden - are free, self-guided jaunts.

The county-funded center is located in Marlborough Township, on Route 29 just south of the borough of Red Hill PA. It hosts family-oriented naturalist and environmental programs year-round. A substantial portion of its budget, however, is spent on items like trail maintenance. Casual walkers and avid hikers alike are the beneficiaries.

Hemlock Point Trail is a looping, roughly 2-mile walk. It starts at the nature center, follows the shore of nearby Green Lane Reservoir to a picnic area atop a promontory known as Hemlock Point, and then cuts across a forest and a small meadow to return to the center.

The trail, while not strenuous, does require minor climbing ability. It is occasionally rocky, hilly in some places, narrow in others. Several stretches of the path are purposely lined on each side by fallen logs, and covered by a soft cushion of wood chips. And although they're not by your side, the nature guides' presence can be felt ... red and brown plaques dot the trail to identify wild-growing tree and plant species.

The hike is suitable for fit adults, and youngsters at least 10 years old. Children younger than 10 may find it a challenge. There is no handicapped accessibility. Appropriate footwear is required to help avoid ankle sprains and similar injuries. Depending on the month, mosquito repellent may also be a good idea.

When we navigated the trail on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon during mid-August 2008, it was safe and well-defined. It also was clearly marked in three different ways: by arrows attached to trail-side trees, by stand-alone arrows carved into wooden signposts, and by numbered distance markers. Getting lost is nearly impossible.

Vistas from the trail out onto the calm water of the reservoir are pleasant and relaxing. Many times canoeists and fishermen can be heard and seen at a distance.

Once done with the trail, rest awhile on one of the benches in the serene Butterfly Garden. It's located just beyond the front doors of the nature center's office.

The roughly 30-foot-square plot is filled with milkweed, butterfly bushes and weeds, and other native plants purposely cultivated to attract a wide range of colorful insects. At the height of the season, adults and children alike will be held in rapt attention by dozens of butterflies.

Visitors should budget about 90 minutes to two hours to both walk the trail and see the garden. Parking is free and plentiful.