And, with luck, I will meet Florian again for one of his walks. A permanent multimedia exhibition explains to young and old about the development of this untamed, wild forest. From the building’s foyer, visitors can take the skywalk through the tree tops, with panoramic views. ![]() In June 2021, the new National Park Centre at the Ruhestein mountain opened, making this wonderful, unspoiled green world be even more perceptible. Every day must be interesting and exciting in a nature reserve. I wonder what this park will be like in years to come, when the wilderness becomes even wilder? Pine martens and three-toed woodpeckers, pygmy owls and boreal owls, nutcrackers and red cross bills already call this paradise home. Apparently, there are a thousand and one stories hidden in the wild. Florian explains: “This bark beetle feeds on the inside of the tree bark, leaving lacy patterns on the underside.” Florian is like a talking book. I don’t believe that a beetle could have created this artwork). (This time I listen and say nothing for a change. "That’s the work of the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle," says Florian, with a smile. The ranger has a piece of tree bark in his hand the inside looks like a carving. Some rays even make it to the forest floor. (I have to admit that I don’t remember learning that).Īs we talk, the sun penetrates the dense green roof. The spruce have a gentle lemony scent the fir is more like orange. The citrus smell of the needles, for example, that comes when you rub them between your fingers. As I put on my knowing smile, I am deeply grateful to the ranger for mentioning the obvious little things. (Now that he tells us, I remember learning that). "Spruce needles are sharp fir needles are soft," adds Florian, giving us a branch to rub with our hands. what was it the teacher said? "Fir cones stick up spruce cones hang down," explains the ranger, a mine of information. For example, what is the difference between fir and spruce? Um. ![]() The forest reminds me of what I learned at school, a long, long time ago. As Ranger Florian points out tiny details that are not in any hiking or nature guide, we begin to understand what real wilderness is all about.Īs well as learning more about nature, I learn something about myself. What seems unusual at first glance soon looks just as it should. As we press on, the wilderness gets wilder. When we set off through the undergrowth, the morning air is fresh and tingling.
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