I have walked the trails along Nine Mile Creek to the Minnesota River and beyond for many, many decades. I used to walk from Moire Park, but it didn't take me long to realize that it was the natural section, south of 106th St., that I preferred. I always was in awe of this special place and grateful to the city that they had the foresight to preserve this precious, natural area. It is this peaceful sanctuary that I have grown to love. Along Nine Mile Creek Corridor, the prairies and upper trail are where I fell in love with wildflowers and decided to study and learn about them. From spring through fall, I get to enjoy all the flowers and I don't even need to take care of them! Some of the wildflowers grow alongside of the trail and others grow further into the woods. So, I am always looking for flowers and grateful that I do not have to worry about bicycles as I search on each side of the trail. Like the ornithologist who stops to observe birds, I am often stopping to view or take pictures of wildflowers. It is not just the wildflowers that draw me back to this place over and over again, but, also the sounds of the rustling of the trees, the flow of the creek, the birds singing, the meandering natural trail, and sometimes just the peace and solitude of the area. Yes, this is where I come when I have a stressful day; I leave with my spirit refreshed. There is more! Besides the song birds, there are owls, eagles, ducks, geese, egrets, herons, and a variety of migrating birds. Then there are the beaver, otters, foxes, and deer that one can encounter. Sometimes they are just as curious about us as we are of them. Once on the land bridge, dividing the lake, I saw a water snake come out with a minnow in its mouth. Even the children thought that was a special experience. We need to remember that this natural area is the home for a variety of wildlife and plants; it needs to be preserved for them too.
As I have walked the trails over the years, I have encountered many people who come here to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this special place. Many are not even from Bloomington. Some people learn about it from friends, relatives and hiking apps. All are amazed at this piece of paradise in the heart of the city and tell me that they will come back again and again.
I have watched children running and playing along the trail as they come with their families. Usually they are ahead of the adults. Some children are climbing a log that has fallen, exploring the creek or finding a hiking stick or special stone. They are exploring nature as children should. These experiences teach children about nature and the value of the natural world. They will grow up to respect nature and our environment and learn to protect it as my own children did.
I realize that there are places along the creek where the banks need repair, invasive species need removing, diseased trees need to be removed and stairs need repairing. Other than that, lets preserve this natural environment as the sanctuary it is.
