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What happens when you mix a scenic lakeside trail, a documentary on a world-renowned nature artist, and the boundless creativity of youth? You get an unforgettable morning of outdoor exploration and natural art-making!

On July 16, CLCC, the Middlebury Land Trust (MLT), and the Afro-Caribbean Cultural Center (ACCC) teamed up to host a special Pathways to Nature: Art and Hike event. As part of the ACCC’s Summer Program, this exclusive field trip brought an inquisitive group of youth to Middlebury Land Trust’s beautiful Lake Elise property for a day dedicated to creative expression and environmental appreciation. The outing was made possible by a grant from the CT Community Foundation that aims to build relationships between land trusts and underserved communities in the Waterbury area.

Finding Inspiration in the “Rising Tides”

Before stepping onto the trail, the youth watched Rivers and Tides, a documentary showcasing the work of renowned nature artist Andy Goldsworthy. Known for crafting transient, breathtaking sculptures out of found objects in nature, Goldsworthy’s philosophy served as the perfect creative spark.

With their minds buzzing with artistic ideas, the group arrived at Lake Elise. Guided by dedicated MLT volunteers Alice Hallaran and Dita Carley, the youth embarked on a creative quest along the shoreline.

For many of the participants, the best part of the day was beautifully simple. When asked what they enjoyed most, a chorus of responses echoed variations of: “Being outside, being outside, being outside!”

As they walked, the kids breathed in the fresh air, marveled at the vibrant summer green, and investigated the local ecosystem—spotting a snake in the water, counting butterflies, watching dragonflies zip along the shore, and learning about local mushrooms.

Transforming the Forest into an Outdoor Studio

After gathering inspiration along the shoreline, youth split into small teams to create their own Goldsworthy-inspired masterpieces using entirely natural, found materials. The forest floor became their palette, and the results were incredible:

• Concentric Stars & Domes: One group meticulously arranged branches into nested star shapes, while another engineered a complex dome out of woven twigs.
• Festive Foliage: Embracing the summer greenery, one team designed an elaborate “Christmas tree” completely out of vibrant leaves.
• Gamer Inspiration: A few inventive students even used sturdy branches to craft physical, Minecraft-inspired pickaxes and swords, which were later incorporated into one group’s star design.

• The Beauty of the Fallen Log: One group leaned a log against a tree stump then made a paste of mud and water to adhere flowers and leaves to the log, mimicking how fallen logs can give way to new life on the forest floor.

Beyond using traditional twigs and ferns, the youth also found a brilliant stewardship use for a problematic plant, utilizing the dried stalks of the invasive Japanese knotweed to construct parts of their sculptures.

The Power of Community Partnerships

This enriching day proved that land conservation is about so much more than lines on a map—it’s about creating spaces where the next generation can connect with nature, express themselves, and build community. By utilizing conserved land as both a classroom and a canvas, partnerships like this one between CLCC, MLT, and the ACCC ensure that the benefits of nature are shared equitably and joyfully.

A massive thank you to the Middlebury Land Trust volunteers, the ACCC staff, and the incredible youth artists who brought so much energy, imagination, and laughter to the shores of Lake Elise!