Tiny mythical creatures spotted at Ridge Hill Reserve

Most of the year, squirrels, possums, deer and raccoons run around the forests in Dartmouth. Once the April showers pass and May flowers start to bloom, more than just flowers pop up in Ridge Hill Reserve. There have been reports of over 30 gnomes hiding in the trees. 

“Having an activity is a good excuse to get outdoors and have some fun,” said Kendra Parker, the development & outreach specialist for the Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust. “We love planning scavenger hunts and hikes. We receive a lot of positive feedback from the community when we stage events like this.”

Parker said the Trust chose gnomes because they’re fun, and they wanted to encourage kids to get out into nature. The staff and a number of volunteers made and set up the gnomes.

The gnomes are pinecones in felt hats and pom poms. There’s all styles of gnomes; girls, boys, birds and hats of every color of the rainbow. 

The gnomes were accompanied by a storybook walk, "How to Catch a Garden Gnome" by Alice Walstead and Leo Trinidad, which told the story of a group of kids who stumble into the magical garden of a gnome. The door disappeared and the gnome must help them, but he’s busy tending to his flowers, giants and unicorns. 

To read the story, kids could follow the trail of gnomes to find the next page of the book. 

The story ends after walking for a couple minutes, but the gnomes continue. By following the remaining gnomes, kids can then find Wallace, a large gnome made from a pine tree. 

“Nature is so important for the human spirit! It's great to introduce children to the great outdoors at a young age to instill a love of nature,” said Parker. “Having an activity is a good excuse to get outdoors and have some fun.”