NORTH ALEXANDER PARK in Faribault has become, for me, a place of refuge. A place to walk. A place to connect with land, sky and river. The park offers a paved riverside trail, part of the city’s inter-connected trails system, that bends into a tree-filled space.
When life gets especially stressful, as it has thus far in 2022, enveloping myself in nature allows me to temporarily escape reality. Who doesn’t need a break? Focusing on the natural world rather than struggles and challenges brings a sense of peace, of calmness and sometimes clarity.
This sprawling park on Faribault’s north side is home to many waterfowl, drawn to the Cannon River. I never tire of watching them, whether in flight over the water, in the water or beside the water.
Their numbers seem down this year, perhaps due to avian influenza. Still enough ducks and geese meander the shoreline and trail to make me watch where I step.
I even spotted a pair far from shore, under the bleachers at a ball field.
While I’ve never been fond of winged anything up close, I certainly admire them (except bats) at a distance. Mallard drakes, with their iridescent green heads, practically shimmer with beauty. And the hens are lovely, too, in their mottled brown feathers.
In the spring, ducklings and goslings draw my motherly eye. There’s something about a baby.
The Cannon River also attracts pelicans. And eagles. On a recent riverside walk, I saw an eagle trace the river, reverse course and settle low in a tree along the opposite shoreline. Too far away to photograph even with my zoom lens. It just sat there. I was hoping it would swoop down to grab a fish. But, when I left, the eagle still perched in that tree. Quiet. Still.
There’s something to be learned from observing waterfowl. How they sit. How they glide. How they navigate wind and water. How they adapt.
So I will continue these riverside walks, immersing myself in nature, discovering the peace and quiet that comes from connecting with ducks and geese, pelicans and eagles at North Alexander Park in Faribault.
TELL ME: Do you escape into nature? If yes, where’s your favorite place to go and how does being in the natural world benefit you?
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Do I escape into nature? You bet! In fact, just yesterday I posted about how I took a week’s break from blogging to enjoy our company – and the opportunity to go into the Gravelly Range to soak in the beauty of the wildflowers. You wrote, “Who doesn’t need a break?” And I said, “I do!” You wrote, “Focusing on the natural world rather than struggles and challenges brings a sense of peace, of calmness and sometimes clarity.” And I said, “Amen!” I love your photos of the birds, Audrey. I need to go take a walk today along our “Madison River Trail.” Thanks for the encouragement.
I’m glad you enjoyed my post, Jan. I’ve taken a bit of a break from blogging also for a short get away to a lake cabin. Posts will be forthcoming soon. It was hard to return home…
All the time, nature cures everything…almost.😊
Almost. Nature certainly helps. I just returned from the Up North lake cabin, a much-needed five day escape from reality into nature.
I am sorry 2022 has been so stressful but grateful for places like this where you can escape and relax. Nature is pretty amazing!
Thank you, Beth Ann. I’m now even more recharged after a relaxing five days at the lake cabin.
Every August for many years we frequented Alexander Park for the annual Church of Christ softball tournament, It’s a beautiful park, I can see why you enjoy it so much. My tranquil place is the cabin, we have recently had bald eagles perching in the pine trees in our side yard. It’s fun to see them up close
Bald eagles at the cabin…I understand that joy. There were resident eagles at our extended family member’s cabin up until last year. We just returned from the cabin this afternoon.