Sat, Nov 18 2023 - Saturday Morning - - Easy Walk at Autrey Mill Nature Center (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Joyce T. Participants: Joyce T., Rocky M, Pina R, Claudia, SusanF, Lee W, Shirley W, Marie-Felixe, Lisa Berger, Patty, Gloria Colley, Farah, John

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We had a very gentle walk on a very rooted trail throughout the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. The first pictures are the people on the hike; the next ones are a few of the reptiles and animals at the Visitor Center; and the last large group of photos are the historic buildings and structures on the preserve.

A few of the photos feature statues of monkeys. According to Atlas Obscura, the monkey statues commemorate the mass killings of circus monkey who escaped the circus and were shot by local landowners who feared the animals. Supposedly, an unknown sculptor wanted his creations to send a message that not understanding something is not a reason to want to destroy it.

It's always special to welcome new members into the AOC, and today we had a first timer (Patty) and Farah, on just her second event. Hopefully, we'll see more of them on future hikes. And it was great to see John S. whom I hadn't seen in a long time. Of course, the good friends who joined me today always make my hikes special for me.

Though the trails at the preserve aren't extensive, the park is very pretty and well-maintained. A new bathroom beyond the overflow lot is pristine, and signs throughout the preserve make it easy to follow their maps.

Thanks to Rocky for the group pictures and to Lee for the photos he added to the album. ~.Joyce