Nature at Carleton

Spring is on the horizon. It looks like the tundra-bound days are behind us. There’s a cheery air on campus, and even though it’s still only fifty-four degrees, people are walking around in a tank top and beach shorts. As per usual in northern states.

For me, the rising temps coincide with a sudden desire to spend every waking moment outside. After being deprived of sunlight for so long, I now jump at the opportunity to work a stroll into my daily routine or study outside instead of in the stuffy halls of the library (still a great spot to work, though!). In honor of this freedom from winter’s clutches, I’m here to run through some of the nature-related opportunities on Carleton’s campus, just in time for spring.

The Arb

Of course, the most obvious example is the Cowling Arboretum. With 400 acres of forest, streams, and prairies, it’s truly the “wild backyard” of the campus. On any given day, you’ll see people from the Northfield community fishing in the rivers or hiking down the trails. If you’re lucky, you might even get passed by the Carleton or Saint Olaf Cross Country Team while out for a jog, and feel very self-conscious that you are not as fast as they are!

The Arb (as it’s colloquially referred to) sort of wraps around the campus, so it’s never too far from any given dorm or building. Musser Hall, where I currently live, is just across the street from one of the trailheads, making it super easy to access. Musser perks!

CANOE

CANOE, or the Carleton Association of Nature and Outdoor Enthusiasts (put your paddles away, it’s not just for canoeing!), is the club that you want to be a part of if you consider yourself outdoors-y. Every weekend, they organize trips to various locations and offer outdoor activities—think hiking, climbing, and even caving. You can sign up for all or none of them—but be warned, spots go fast! My first CANOE trip, kayaking down the Mississippi river, was chronicled in one of my earliest blog posts: you can read about the whole adventure here.

CANOE club is not to be confused with Wade House—informally named “CANOE House”. While the club is non-commitment and free for anyone to sign up, CANOE House is a type of interest-based housing for people who want to live in the same building as other outdoor enthusiasts. You can apply to it starting your sophomore year—whether you consider yourself the ultimate thrill-seeker, or just someone who likes relaxing on the grass with a good book.

Bird Walks

I have to admit, I still haven’t yet attended a bird walk. I fully intended to when I saw the posters in the fall term—but the 7 AM starting time seemed a bit early for my tastes. In any case, the Birding Club hosts regular hikes through the Arb to spot and identify bird species. They also offer binoculars and fun facts, as well as teaching you about birding etiquette (which I didn’t even know was a thing—but I suppose it should be taken seriously!)

It’s a super cool opportunity to unwind while connecting with the natural world, especially if you’re an animal lover. It might not have been enough to entice me to wake up at 6:30 in the morning, but I’m sure for many of you it will be!

Carleton Farm

If you’re into agriculture and sustainability, the Carleton Farm is run by students and grows food that is sold to the campus dining halls. You can apply to work on the farm as a summer intern, where you’ll get paid to grow organic crops and learn about sustainable farming practices. It’s a big attractor for students in the biology and environmental studies departments, but anyone can apply if they want to gain meaningful experience in an agricultural field (or just to get their hands dirty!).

Also, you get to eat lots of home-grown food. Which is a plus.

While these are some of the most nature-oriented activities on campus, there are so many opportunities to get out into the great outdoors. Joining a club sports team, like frisbee, or just studying with a friend on the Bald Spot can give your mind a necessary break from the (sometimes) overwhelming indoors.

Inigo (he/him/his) is trying very hard to turn interests in subjects like film, english, and psychology into a manageable course load. Originally from Somerville, Massachusetts, he can often be found running in the Cowling Arboretum (and getting passed by everyone on the cross country team) or rock climbing at the bouldering cave in the evening. He loves Carleton’s walkability: it didn’t even matter that he forgot to bring his bike to campus. He considers bad horror movies to be the ultimate form of entertainment.