Some goals for this new year

January is a good time for reflection. Where have we been? How did we get here? What could we have done differently? What have we learned?

From David Allen’s blog post “Development for Conservation”

By Beth Sullivan

Sitting on the couch, cuddled into a down blanket with a cup of tea, some throat drops and a box of tissues, and a couple of dogs that just don’t understand-that’s where I have been for the last week. How did I get here? Way too much wonderful Christmas affection that I wouldn’t change for the world. But it has made me sit a bit more and think about that quote above. 

To get very close to see details

Reflecting back on my past New Years’ resolutions , as far as I can remember, they all involve getting out, exploring, looking more closely and appreciating the outdoors. If I do that, it will take care of my secondary resolution to get more exercise.

Being involved with Avalonia, and wanting to get more knowledgeable about the preserves and trails, has given me a lot more incentive to roam. In the past year I enjoyed getting out of my backyard and getting to properties in other towns, properties with trails to explore so I can share them in this blog and on the website. 

To help overcome fears.

For the next generation

Lately, I am feeling a greater sense of urgency in helping the next generations get out and look closely and appreciate the natural world around us. Working on the Hike and Seek project gave me an outlet to accomplish more of that mission. As I walk and wander, I am now thinking about how I would show things to a child by my side. I try to get down lower, look up higher and think with an open curious mind. I am trying to take photos that will help inspire or explain or create curiosity. We started this project as a challenge to find a target or goal, a personal challenge, not a contest, but it has evolved into more of an educational project. People have responded that they enjoy having the photos and explanations to help guide their walk. We are adding educational resources and links as we go along now. Parents have enjoyed looking ahead so they can point things out to their kids, and some of those parents have written back and said they have learned a lot as well. This gives me great hope because I realize more people are actually using the project site to give greater depth to their own outdoor explorations. 

To know where to find something unusual.

There so many distractions, responsibilities and various dangers out in the rest of the world. To me one of the biggest dangers is that we are losing open space with its beauty and diversity, where we can find peace and get away from the distractions and responsibilities of the other lives we have to lead. Our mission as a land trust is to continue to preserve these beautiful and valuable spaces so everyone can continue to find respite. My goal is to help provide the insight into some of these places and the treasures hidden in plain sight, so everyone can understand the importance of our conservation mission and share it with their own children. It is preserved for them and the generations to follow.

To look at ordinary and see extraordinary. 

Direction is clear

So, I know where I have been and I know where I want to go. I have learned a lot, and I have a good idea of what I want to do in the next year: I want to be able to share this even more. 

To look up high for a new view.

To see beauty in soft landscapes.

To spot a jewel.

I ask you to help me. Send your photos and thoughts about the places you wander to hikeandseek@avalonialc.org. I would love to be able to use them to help encourage others to do the same.



I look forward to hearing from you. Happy New Year!