Burlington Parks and Recreation Visit to Nature Linc
By Lily Gordon, Program Coordinator
On the first Saturday in March, we were thrilled to host Burlington Parks and Recreation's Therapeutic Recreation Program on site! We have hosted this group every few months for the past several years and love the enthusiasm and excitement they bring every visit. Arabella Notar-Francesco, the staff leading the program, greeted the visiting group with a smile and a schedule of fun activities for the day.
Burlington Parks and Recreation offers a fantastic Therapeutic Recreation program, creating opportunities for folks of all ages to experience the therapeutic benefits of many different enrichment experiences. This aligns perfectly with Farrington Nature Linc’s goal of providing positive outdoor experiences for historically marginalized groups as a way to improve mental and physical health. They have brought groups of adults and young adults to our site for a day of fun, relaxing, and safe outdoor activities. Many participants have returned multiple times, building ongoing relationships with FNL staff and the land. Burlington Parks and Recreation has been an amazing partner to Nature Linc, always providing excellent and supportive staff to ensure that participants have their needs met.
The chilly, clear March day was perfect for the activities: learning about maple syrup, making a cozy owl craft, and roasting marshmallows around a campfire. Everyone bundled up to go see Arabella mimic the process of tapping for maple syrup on a beautiful old maple tree. The participants (and staff!) loved trying the maple sap and syrup and shared stories of their favorite uses for the product. Then, after learning a bit about the owls found in Massachusetts, the participants had the opportunity to decorate their own owl masks. Some chose to use pictures as inspiration while others made the rainbow owl of their dreams. They laughed together as they put the masks on, transforming into owls.
The group wrapped up roasting marshmallows and reflecting around a cozy campfire. Arabella showed them how to build a campfire and the best techniques for roasting marshmallows. Many participants remarked that they couldn't remember the last time they had a s’more, or had never even tried one! Everyone enjoyed the sweet treat and warmed up by the fire before heading back inside to wrap up the day and say goodbye. For Arabella, it was “one of the most meaningful programs” she’s ever run in her work at Nature Linc.
