We walked the grandkids around the Pineview Nature Loop, but took the time to go off-trail here and there to inspect the plants and animals we found.

One surprise was a golden currant shrub (ribes aureum), sometimes called buffalo currant.  The tubular flowers are sweet-smelling and the berries are edible.

In a wet, shady spot were some baneberry shrubs (actaea rubra) in flower.  Red or white berries will form in the summer.    All parts of baneberry are poisonous.

Mallards were on the ponds.   The color patterns on the female are very  pleasing.

At the edge of the ponds was some silverweed (potentilla anserina) in flower.   The leaves will turn to a silver color in summer.  The plant is sometimes called Indian sweet potato since the roots are edible.

Redheads were spotted on all of the ponds.  Redheads are medium-sized diving ducks with larger grey beaks.

Along the pathway, one of the grandkids pointed out a black beetle working its way to the grassy hillside.    We picked it up to examine it more closely then put it into the grass.

A love of nature starts at an early age through simple walks, bringing along a sense of wonder and a capacity for delight.