A Sensory Trail for the Blind, Stony Brook Reservation - Norfolk, MA
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NorStar
N 42° 06.482 W 071° 19.077
19T E 308352 N 4664371
The Sensory Trail, for all seasons, all senses, all people, at the Stony Brook Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary, is a short trail with a rope to guide people by objects for people to feel along the way.
Waymark Code: WM9J1Z
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 08/25/2010
Views: 5
In Norfolk, in the Stony Brook Massachusetts Audubon Reservation, there is a short nature trail, named the Sensory Trail, where visitors can walk holding a rope to stations along the way. At each station is a large bead shaped fishing float in the rope where the walker stops and feels a sign. The raised letters or braille let the person know what is at the station, such as "oak tree" and the person feels nearby to touch the object, such as bark or leaves. The end point is a spot on a boardwalk overlooking Kingfisher Pond, where people can listen to the sounds of birds, frogs, even the lilies. At the head of the trail, just behind the nature center, on the back of a kiosk is a map and explanatory sign for "The Sensory Trail for all seasons, all senses, and all people." The sign itself does not have a braille translation, though.
The trail was just opened in June 2010, with fanfare. It was done in collaboration with a lot of groups. The primary organizations involved are Massachusetts Audubon and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, who jointly maintain the property, the Lions Clubs in the area who provided some of the funding, and Boy Scout Troop 61 in Wrentham, who dug over 130 posts for the trail.
In general, the trail is open every day in the daylight. The visitor center is only open certain hours, so check the sanctuary's web site for details. In general, I believe that the trail is to be enjoyed with a sighted person, rather than alone. The trail is mostly flat, but there is a boardwalk and bridge, and it may be possible to get turned around.
Accessibility Activity: Nature Trail Walk
Time available: Yes, though nature center is open certain hours of the day.
Group providing the activity: Massachusetts Audubon, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Perkins School for the Blind, Lions Club
Website for more information: [Web Link]
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