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There is something very special about spending time in a national park. I was lucky to have worked and lived in Yellowstone for a summer during college and hope to do that again in a few years. That was the beginning of my love of national parks. I was excited to learn that we have our very own and very accessible National Historic Park (formally a National Historic Site) right here in Wilton and Ridgefield. So while my feet are still here in Brookfield, I have the opportunity and pleasure to volunteer at Weir Farm National Historic Park. This park is a 60 acre piece of property that was the home, work place, and rural retreat of American Impressionist painter, J. Alden Weir in the latter part of the 19th century. The property continued to be used by subsequent generations of word class artists and was established as a National Historic Site in 1990.
Many years before I started volunteering, I took my three young kids to Weir Farm on a summer day, hoping to teach them a little about the park service. My oldest who loved to draw was very happy to learn that there are always art supplies left out for visitors to borrow. She found herself a quiet spot on the edge of the Sunken Garden and put colored pencil to paper. I could tell right away that this was a special place, as most national park sites are.
The property consists of open meadows, hardwood forests, gardens, wetland areas, a pond and a stream as well as the home, barn, and studio of the artist. The friendly and knowledgeable Park Rangers do an excellent job welcoming the public and encourage us to explore and connect to this land that was such an inspiration to Weir and his artist friends. They also welcome volunteers to help maintain the grounds and educate the public. I knew I wanted to be part of the preservation of this special place and felt called to join the Garden Group that helps maintain the historically preserved gardens and property. It’s a hard working group of people who love getting their hands dirty, being outside and connecting with nature. Recently I’ve taken on the role of trail monitor where I walk the property and report any issues that need addressing, such as downed limbs or loose rocks. Whether I’m working in a group or by myself there is a sense of peace and calm that overcomes me while I’m in this quiet residential setting. My interactions with the Weir Farm staff, both paid and volunteer are always positive. I leave feeling that my time spent there is appreciated. Weir described this land as the “Great Good Place”. I have to agree.
Although it is a small park in comparison to others, the number of activities and programs offered throughout the operating season is impressive. Whether you have an interest in art, nature, or history, there is something for everyone. You can take a self-guided walk or attend ranger-guided tours of the buildings, the pond, stonewalls, and gardens. There are Junior Ranger programs, Art in the Park events, Wellness Walks with certified Nature Therapists and yoga sessions, just to name a few. Next month they will be offering their 27th Owl Prowl evening event which I took my family to a few years ago and highly recommend. Registration is required and limited at most events.
If you are interested in hiking several miles on trails, there is an opportunity to do that as well. Adjacent to the park, and connected by a trail system, is another property called Weir Preserve. This additional 110 acre property gives you the chance to extend your visit and hike through woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and rock ledges. These trails are good for all skill levels.
I encourage you to check out the official websites for the park and preserve at https://www.nps.gov/wefa/index.htm and https://www.nps.gov/wefa/planyourvisit/upload/preservemap.pdf to learn more about the history and current events. This park is a gem in our community and if you’re able to spend some time there, I think you’ll agree.
There is something very special about spending time in a national park. I was lucky to have worked and lived in Yellowstone for a summer during college and hope to do that again in a few years. That was the beginning of my love of national parks. I was excited to learn that we have our very own and very accessible National Historic Park (formally a National Historic Site) right here in Wilton and Ridgefield. So while my feet are still here in Brookfield, I have the opportunity and pleasure to volunteer at Weir Farm National Historic Park. This park is a 60 acre piece of property that was the home, work place, and rural retreat of American Impressionist painter, J. Alden Weir in the latter part of the 19th century. The property continued to be used by subsequent generations of word class artists and was established as a National Historic Site in 1990.
Many years before I started volunteering, I took my three young kids to Weir Farm on a summer day, hoping to teach them a little about the park service. My oldest who loved to draw was very happy to learn that there are always art supplies left out for visitors to borrow. She found herself a quiet spot on the edge of the Sunken Garden and put colored pencil to paper. I could tell right away that this was a special place, as most national park sites are.
The property consists of open meadows, hardwood forests, gardens, wetland areas, a pond and a stream as well as the home, barn, and studio of the artist. The friendly and knowledgeable Park Rangers do an excellent job welcoming the public and encourage us to explore and connect to this land that was such an inspiration to Weir and his artist friends. They also welcome volunteers to help maintain the grounds and educate the public. I knew I wanted to be part of the preservation of this special place and felt called to join the Garden Group that helps maintain the historically preserved gardens and property. It’s a hard working group of people who love getting their hands dirty, being outside and connecting with nature. Recently I’ve taken on the role of trail monitor where I walk the property and report any issues that need addressing, such as downed limbs or loose rocks. Whether I’m working in a group or by myself there is a sense of peace and calm that overcomes me while I’m in this quiet residential setting. My interactions with the Weir Farm staff, both paid and volunteer are always positive. I leave feeling that my time spent there is appreciated. Weir described this land as the “Great Good Place”. I have to agree.
Although it is a small park in comparison to others, the number of activities and programs offered throughout the operating season is impressive. Whether you have an interest in art, nature, or history, there is something for everyone. You can take a self-guided walk or attend ranger-guided tours of the buildings, the pond, stonewalls, and gardens. There are Junior Ranger programs, Art in the Park events, Wellness Walks with certified Nature Therapists and yoga sessions, just to name a few. Next month they will be offering their 27th Owl Prowl evening event which I took my family to a few years ago and highly recommend. Registration is required and limited at most events.
If you are interested in hiking several miles on trails, there is an opportunity to do that as well. Adjacent to the park, and connected by a trail system, is another property called Weir Preserve. This additional 110 acre property gives you the chance to extend your visit and hike through woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and rock ledges. These trails are good for all skill levels.
I encourage you to check out the official websites for the park and preserve at https://www.nps.gov/wefa/index.htm and https://www.nps.gov/wefa/planyourvisit/upload/preservemap.pdf to learn more about the history and current events. This park is a gem in our community and if you’re able to spend some time there, I think you’ll agree.