The Poetry of Nature
A new guide to Bear Run Nature Reserve revives an almost-forgotten trail experience

Long-time WPC members may recall the birth of Poetry Trail around 1970. At that time, Dr. John Hug conducted nature education programs at the Bear Run Center using a mimeographed guidebook. This spring we are celebrating the continued popularity of this hiking trail with the publication of a new guidebook. The Poetry of Nature takes a fresh look at Poetry Trail, and at how we observe nature in general. Like the trail, this small book was created in the spirit of Fallingwater as a guide to contemplating our physical and spiritual connections to the natural world.

The new publication, available at the Fallingwater Museum Shop, provides a detailed guide to Poetry Trail, which is used mostly as a connector to the longer uplands trails. Its name evokes the enjoyment we find in nature, the sense of beauty that entices us all outdoors. In that respect, any trail could be dubbed “Poetry,” but Bear Run’s Poetry Trail was created with a specific purpose in mind: the enjoyment of nature experienced and enhanced through literature.

Together with Uniontown teacher and part-time WPC naturalist Frank J. Berardi, Hug charted the course of Poetry Trail and produced a mimeographed guidebook. Small numbered signposts along the trail corresponded to poems that provided “a relaxing, pleasant and different outdoor experience.”

We were pleased to have the award-winning poet, essayist and amateur naturalist Jeff O’Brien provide the text for the new book. O’Brien drew on his own years of experience in the Laurel Highlands to offer suggestions on how to pause and appreciate the subtleties of nature. Blank pages encourage the hiker to write, draw or sketch.

Notes made in the midst of the natural world often seem ordinary at the time, but that is only because in nature, beauty is frequent; as Yeats said, “Everything I look upon is blessed.” But when you come back to your observations recorded, they will surprise you with their focus and vividness.

O’Brien also gathered thoughts from poets, philosophers, conservationists and others for even more perspectives on seeing the natural world anew.
Complementing the text are photographs taken by O’Brien and photographer Robert P. Ruschak, whose images of Fallingwater appear in numerous publications. Ruschak has spent countless hours capturing the senses of exploration, discovery and peace in his native western Pennsylvania woods. His nature photography will be the subject of an exhibition opening this July at the Barn at Fallingwater.

The Poetry of Nature is available for purchase online at www.wpcshop.com and at the Fallingwater Museum Shop, just in time for the appearance of wildflowers and leaves. This time around, though, there’s no need for signposts. Your instructions are included in the book.


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