Wintergarden becomes lush in the summertime

Kim High educates a group of nature lovers about the seasonal changes at Wintergarden.

By LINDSAY-JO DOUGLAS

BG Independent News

No matter where a person looks, there is something to notice at Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve. Kim High, a naturalist interpreter, showcased some of the seasonal changes that could be seen to a group of nature lovers on a mild day in July.

High asked that everyone share knowledge they may have, too, as she believes that nature education should be non-hierarchical. She also advised that everyone stay humble as nature is infinite.

Along the tour, High stated that, “one man’s toxin is another man’s medicine.” Whether something is toxic or medicinal depends on the strength of the concentration and its use-case. Using the terms “always” and “never” should also be avoided when referring to nature – in due time, the statement will be wrong.

To learn about some of the specific seasonal changes, continue reading below.

High will host another walk on Sept. 28 to showcase the autumnal changes to the park.

Before the guided tour began, Monarch caterpillars could be seen on plants next to the Nature Center.
As the group began its walk, a common white-tail dragonfly came to say hello and perched on a park bench.
Trail at Wintergarden
The rose mallow flower that blooms in the summer is related to the hibiscus flower.
Bee gathers pollen.
Praying mantis blends into tall blades of grass.
Mountain mint has square stems and a unique smell emits when the flowers are rubbed.
Deer stops to check out the group before wandering off.