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One of the few blessings from this dumpster fire of a year was an opportunity to stretch my legs walking every day. One of my favorite destinations is Hyland Forest Park which I had walked on the outskirts of for years but never in. Starting in April 2020 I explored the trails in the 29.5 acre park. It’s 1½ miles from my house up to the park, then about a one mile loop – or maybe a bit more if I walk down more trails, then 1½ miles home. So a 4 mile walk with plenty of elevation change and a beautiful forested park in the middle. I’ve been intrigued by how the woods have changed over the 8 months.

In mid-April I loved how the leaves were coming on, and the green undergrowth.

Just 2½ weeks later the greenery was going wild. Western Oregon is a magical place in the spring. We get some rain but the benefit is apparent all around us.

By mid-June it was out of its mind. It was still a week before summer would officially start.

Through July and August the paths had narrowed significantly due to the overgrowth. For whatever reason I didn’t take pictures in those months. By the end of September, the green was fading but was still abundant.

Despite our reputation, it is still warm and mostly dry in October and trees haven’t given up their leaves yet.

Two weeks later, in early November the leaves are beginning to fall.

And by early December the leaves are gone, the undergrowth is shrinking and the paths are wide.

As the year comes to a close, it’s fun to reflect back on the changes in nature.