Looking to walk in fields and woods for a few hours? Hankering to spot some birds? Just need to savor peace and quiet?
A portion of an Eastern Shore farm was donated to the Audubon Society in 1981 to be transformed into the 400-acre Pickering Creek Audubon nature sanctuary and environmental center.
Red-winged Blackbird. Section of Wall Mural 
Swamp Sunflowers
Two major trails cover about four miles. With a trail map from the Welcome Center, visitors can choose mostly open wetlands (“Wetland Overlook Loop”) or deciduous woods running along Pickering Creek (“Farm-to-Bay Loop”). Look also for the shorter Children’s and Pond loops.
The trails present varied views, so be ready to take photos. The Wetland trail has three observation structures and the Farm-to-Bay has wooden walkways across streams and bogs and several benches with creek vistas.
Bridge Survives Felled Tree View of Wetland from Inside Blind
These are easy trails on which you can saunter rather than hike, so they’re highly suitable for small children and older folks. Dogs are not permitted for now.
My wife and I have just spent two glorious fall days exploring Pickering. We ran across migrating warblers, a plant called “ghost pipe” (Monotropa uniflora), and an abundance of bright yellow swamp sunflowers. Bring your binoculars! Pickering Creek is clearly a place for all seasons!
Ghost Pipes (Monotropa uniflora) Milkweed Seeds Exploding
There is no admission fee. Open from 7 a.m. top 6 p.m. daily. Center is located about 10 miles northwest of Easton, in Talbot County.
More info at https://pickering.audubon.org/
