38°
Looking for a quiet place in Wilton to cool off while on a leisurely stroll around a pond? Are you curious to and learn about the pond trail's history, culture and nature?
Then you will want to register for a program launched last year and expanded this summer and fall at Weir Farm Historic Site. But what may seem like a simple, short walk to the pond is actually a "complex foray into a cultural landscape," said Park Ranger Allison Herrmann, who guides the hike.
"The Ponder the Pond Trail" free guided walk, which allows hikers to learn about the cultural landscape and includes a talk on history and nature at the 60-acre site, drew about a dozen people last Sunday.
The walk has been scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for July 3, Aug. 14, Sept. 4 and Oct. 9. "The walks are designed to explore the ways people have shaped their natural environment, and discover sights that often go unexamined ones which you may have passed several times and never thought to consider," Herrmann said. "People will find the Pond Trail has many surprises."
Those surprises are natural and man-made, said Park Ranger Cassie Werne, who helped develop the idea for the tour. "There are some things along the trail that happen naturally over time, and others that were done intentionally for reasons people are usually fascinated to learn about," Werne said. "When we did it last year, it was just twice. Because of its popularity, we decided to expand the program this year to six walks." The first hike was held May 1.
Weir Farm National Historic Site was home to three generations of American artists. Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism, acquired the farm in 1882. After Weir, the artistic legacy was continued by his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young, and her husband, sculptor Mahonri Young. Painter Sperry Andrews continued their legacy.
For more information or to register, visit Weir Farm National Historic Site's website at www.nps.gov/wefa or call 203-834-1896.
Have you taken the Weir Farm pond guided walking tour? What did you learn that surprised you? Leave a comment below.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.
