A Wonderful Micro-Adventure in Story Walks

The Story Walk begins with the book cover.

        I just discovered a new Story Walk at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls. Perfect for Thanksgiving, though unrelated, the featured story is "Thank the Animals", a Native American tale shared by Passamaquoddy storyteller Allan Sockabasin.

        If Story Walks are new to you, this family-friendly concept combines children's stories with short walks. Storybook pages are presented in sequence on posts for a reasonable distance that can be on a lawn or along a sidewalk or trail. Walking as you enjoy a story is a welcoming way to exercise, or warm up for a longer walk. The Story Walk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, in 2007 and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Now they can be found all over the U.S. and beyond.

Story Walk along Walden Pond's accessible trail.

        The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has been posting Story Walk Adventures in some state parks. Currently, you can find them on the wheelchair accessible trail at Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, and along the accessible outdoor exhibit area outside the Trailside Museum in the Blue Hills State Reservation in Milton.

        "Thank the Animals" is posted on a lawn which is mostly flat but has some moderate changes in grade that might require assistance for some wheelchair users. The illustrations are a delight. Story Walks offer a pause between pages that allow for discussion and anticipation, as well as fresh air and exercise.

A young child poses next to a winter story page
 in the winter woods.

        Story Walks are temporary in nature, staying installed for a few weeks to a few months usually. "Thank the Animals" is up through January 4, conditions permitting. "Little Otter Learns to Swim" will be up through Thanksgiving at the Trailside Museum in Blue Hills. At this location you can also see a live otter! "Henry David Thoreau Loved the Seasons of the Year" will be in place through November at Walden Pond.

        Watch for Story Walks everywhere - they are often found in association with libraries, children's museums, parks and related areas. If you are interested in creating Story Walks, click here for instructions.

        DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to be mindful of the pandemic situation and follow current safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.