Finding Gentle Recovery in Licking County’s Reserves
After getting a shoulder injection that kept me from work, I needed to find a balance. The rest for recovery but not be locked down to the house to prevent myself going insane. The perfect solution? Low-impact nature walks with Luna at two of Licking County’s hidden gems. With temperatures in the low 70s, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect for gentle exploration.
Friday’s Journey: Taft Reserve:
On Friday (8/29), Luna and I ventured to Taft Reserve in Licking County. This beautiful natural area is part of the Licking Park District and offers peaceful trails through biodiverse habitats. The reserve features a mix of woodlands and open areas, providing a perfect setting for a gentle recovery walk.
Taft Reserve’s trails wind through the areas natural landscapes, offering peaceful surroundings without a super demanding terrain. This made it ideal for someone nursing a tender shoulder. Luna enjoyed exploring the various scents and sounds. On the other hand I appreciated the relatively flat sections that didn’t put strain on my healing shoulder.m
What Makes Taft Reserve Special?
Taft Reserve is one of Licking County’s natural treasures, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature without traveling far from Newark. The reserve provides habitat for local wildlife and native plants, creating opportunities for quiet observation even when moving at a slower pace due to recovery.
The trails at Taft are well-maintained but retain a natural feel, allowing visitors to experience genuine woodland and meadow environments. Even with my limited mobility, we were able to enjoy a satisfying walk through diverse natural settings.
Saturday’s Adventure: Denison Biological Reserve
On Saturday (8/30), feeling slightly stronger, Luna and I explored the Denison University Biological Reserve in Granville. This 350-acre natural area has been maintained by Denison University since 1966. It serves as an outdoor laboratory for ecological research and education.
The reserve contains several distinct ecosystems including deciduous woodlands, old fields, streams, and at least 2 ponds. The trail system is well-maintained but more rustic than formal parks, with paths that wind through research areas where students study ecology, biology, and environmental science. Though primarily maintained for research and education, the reserve welcomes respectful visitors.
The Unique Features of Denison’s Reserve:
What makes the Denison Biological Reserve special is its dedication to conservation and research. The reserve includes several distinct habitats, from early successional fields to mature woodlands. Trails vary in difficulty, but many sections were manageable even with my shoulder limitation.
The reserve is home to diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, various bird species, and numerous small mammals. Luna was particularly attentive to the many scents and sounds throughout our walk. The reserve’s commitment to maintaining natural processes means visitors can observe genuine ecological succession and natural communities. The field house totally has dog bowls for public use year round as well!
How These Walks Supported My Recovery
These two days in nature proved to be exactly what my body and spirit needed. The gentle movement kept my shoulder from stiffening completely while the natural surroundings provided a mental escape from discomfort. Luna’s companionship and joy in exploration reminded me that healing doesn’t have to mean complete inactivity.
By Sunday, I noticed improved range of motion and decreased pain. And whether that was from the medical treatment finally taking effect or the therapeutic benefits of forest bathing? I can’t say for certain. What I do know is that these two reserves offered exactly the right medicine to complement my medical care.
Have you found healing in nature after an injury or medical procedure?
Which local trails do you recommend for gentle recovery walks?
Share your experiences in the comments!
Whisper to the void it might whisper back