Trinity Outdoors

Wandering & Wondering: Trinity Outdoors began in the winter of 2023 as a result of a line in a Sunday sermon. The Very Rev. Gregory L. Powell spoke of people seeking (or conversely, fearful of) a direct encounter with God. Those of us who spend time in nature experience that direct encounter in myriad ways. Scott Smith, who recently retired after 34 years as a wildlife ecologist with the MD Department of Natural Resources, started Trinity Outdoors with an invitation to parishioners and Cathedral friends to join him in seeking transformative experiences while hiking and examining nature at nearby mid-Shore natural areas. Hikes have included commentary on the plants, animals, soils, geology and history of the natural areas the group trekked through.

Rescheduled hike to the Lynch Preserve south of Denton in Caroline County. Monday Nov. 24. The hike is from 9:30 to ~11:30 am, and those who will carpool should meet at Trinity (North St. parking lot by Miller Hall and Diocesan offices) by 9 AM. Parking is limited at the Preserve so please carpool if you drive separate and be there no later than 9:30 AM.

Lynch Preserve, Caroline County, is a 25–30-minute drive from Trinity. This is a 200-acre nature preserve which is open to the public and owned by the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (Jim & Mary B. Lynch Preserve - ESLC). No hunting is allowed. It is adjacent to the Two Johns residential development south of Denton along Rt 16 (Two Johns Road then left onto Robins Creek Road – dead ends at trail kiosk). We will be following a number of trails for a ~1.75 mile hike. Trails wind through very old loblolly pine plantations and mixed hardwood forest. The trails are generally flat but there are some roots hidden in the leaf litter. There are a number of nice views of both the Choptank River marsh and Robins Creek. We may see deer, eagles, geese, ducks, songbirds, red fox, and river otters. A very quiet and peaceful place. We will have an opening prayer and a walking meditation. There are NO RESTROOMS or other amenities so please plan to LEAVE NO TRACE.

Please RSVP to Scott Smith (mtnman22@gmail.com; 443-786-7163). This is important if we have to cancel and/or if you need to reach me if you are lost or running late.