We launched the first of this summer's adventures with our Park Quest at Wye Island. An nature walk down the School House Woods nature trail -- easily walk-able even for our 2 year old. The nature trail took us through several sections of new-growth and old growth Maryland forest. And because of the "quest" the kids had the opportunity to learn about reforestation and some of the plants and animals native to that area on the Eastern Shore. We did see waterfowl, birds -- one of the most common forms of wildlife we witnessed were frogs... and something even more common than that (we even brought several home with us)... Ticks! This trail was a little less traveled than those we're used to -- near the end it was so overgrown we could scarcely tell where the trail led. The school house trail will take you down to an overlook of Grapevine cove, an inlet of the Wye River off of the Chesapeake Bay
The second part of the quest was another walk, this time down the Holly Tree Trail. Also an easy walk with a beautiful view of the 250+ year old (and very big) American Holly Tree. This section is where we completed the final portion of our quest, the rubbing for our passport! C. (our 6 year old German Shepherd) tagged along too. A nice get-away from suburbia for him :-)
Our actual quest here consisted of solving a crossword puzzle related to the plant and animal life on Wye Island as we walked through the park. We also had to unscramble a secret word for our PQ Passports, and finally completing a rubbing in our passport as proof that we completed the quest. We're saving the crossword puzzle for our scrapbook (I would love to post it but don't want to spoil the quest for other families!) I'm posting the actual quest below so years from now we'll be able to look back on it!
Altogether, this was one of the easier park activities that we've taken part in -- a great work-up to this year's family hiking season.
The park quest description for Wye Island:
A Puzzling Hike Through An Old Growth Forest
Introduction To Quest
Your Park Quest Adventure at Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA) will have your team exploring an old growth forest, a quiet cove on the Wye River and admiring a beautiful 275-year-old American Holly.
Quest Information
The Park Quest Adventure at Wye Island begins at the entrance to the School House Woods Nature Trail parking area. The Quest team journeys along the School House Woods Nature Trail looking for clues to solve the questions on a crossword puzzle. This exploration through this old growth forest stand will allow the teams to explore and learn about the history of Wye Island, old growth forests and the animals that may be found in and around an old growth forest. The team will also visit the Wye Island American Holly to find the final clues to finish. To verify that a team has completed the Quest, they will finish the puzzle and write the final question’s answer on their passport along with a rubbing of the medallion located near the Holly Tree. For the Web log in for Park Quest, teams will record the secret word. The quest may be completed seven days a week from 8 a.m. to sunset. The loop trail for School House Woods and the trail to the American Holly is approximately 1½ miles and should take approximately two hours.
The staff also recommends that Park Quest Teams take the time to visit the Ferry Point Landing trail to explore another section of Wye Island while also walking through a unique field edge stand of Osage Orange trees and variety of wild flowers.
You may print your questions out before you arrive at Wye Island, or you may pick up the crossword puzzle in a box by the entrance to School House Woods. Print your Wye Island Quest Crossword Puzzle here.
There is no cost for visiting the park. Pets are permitted as long as they are on a leash.
Park Information
The Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area was established in 1976 to protect the island from development and to preserve the unique agricultural and natural heritage of the Wye Island area. Wye Island consists of over 2,450 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife species including the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel. There are over 12 miles of trails open to the public for hiking, biking and equestrian riding. Picnicking is available at the Grapevine Cove picnic area. Paddling is also an excellent way to explore and enjoy Wye Island. Wildlife is plentiful and visitors often see bald eagles, herons, deer, waterfowl and a variety of song birds.
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