Hiking & Treasure Hunting

This is your chance to walk the lanes of a working “Crop Farm.”  Instead of seeing Farm Fields from the road, stroll right through them and observe our Alfalfa Hay, Soybean and Corn Crops.  You might see Sand Hill Cranes,  Wild Turkeys, Pheasants, Deer, Bald Eagle’s, Great Blue Herons, Wood Ducks, Canada Geese etc.  If you see them, you must stop walking and be very quiet, so they don’t fly away or run away.   (Don’t worry about the Stinging Nettles- once you know about them and that most of them are in the woods between the “Pine Tree House” and “The Thumb Park,” you will enjoy the river from “Rippling River Park” nearest the barn, and “Sunset Park” at the west end of the property.  The Nettles like the type of soil that is found in that area.)

Maps are given out during check-in and upon request.

Enhance your observation skills and try an adult “Treasure Hunt,” by looking for little green trinket bags or eggs on your hike. Decorative bags (eggs) hidden against trees, benches, and boulders along the trail. You will find 2 green bags or eggs between the colored parentheses for a total of 10 per guest room. Exception: if there are three guests in “Brook” then there will be 15 bags or eggs- 3 bags or eggs per set of colored parentheses.

 

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The Surprising Power of Stinging Nettles: A Nutrient-Rich Wild Green

When it comes to natural superfoods, few plants rival the stinging nettle. Often overlooked due to its painful sting, this wild green is packed with nutrition and offers a wealth of culinary and health benefits once properly prepared.

A Wild Superfood with Serious Benefits

Stinging nettles are low in calories yet remarkably dense in nutrients. A single cup of blanched nettles provides approximately six grams of fiber, over two grams of protein, and only 37 calories. They’re an excellent source of vitamins A and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. These values make nettles a worthy addition to any health-conscious diet.

What Do Nettles Taste Like?

Once cooked, nettles lose their sting and take on a flavor that’s often described as a cross between spinach and cucumber. Their fresh, green taste adds vibrancy to a variety of dishes—from soups and risottos to sauces and teas. More than just a health food, nettles offer a delightful way to enrich both flavor and nutrition in everyday cooking.

Can You Eat Nettles Raw?

Technically yes—but it’s not recommended. Raw nettle leaves are covered with fine hairs that deliver a painful sting and can irritate the mouth and throat. Cooking or steaming neutralizes these hairs and makes the leaves safe and enjoyable to eat. Most medicinal preparations involving nettles also use them in processed forms such as teas, extracts, or capsules.

Harvesting Tips and Warnings

It’s important to harvest nettles when they’re young and before the plant begins to flower. Once flowering begins, the plant’s chemistry changes, making it less suitable—and potentially unsafe—for consumption. That said, nettles are fast-growing and can be cut back to encourage new, tender growth suitable for the table.

Always wear gloves when foraging for fresh nettles, as direct contact with the leaves and stems can cause skin irritation or a rash.

Is There Any Risk in Eating Nettles?

In general, stinging nettles are safe when consumed properly. However, some individuals may experience side effects such as mild stomach discomfort, sweating, or skin reactions, especially if used topically. It’s wise to handle nettles with care and introduce them slowly into your diet if you’re new to them.

Final Thoughts

Though they may seem more like a nuisance than a food at first glance, stinging nettles are a prime example of nature’s overlooked bounty. Easy to identify, widely available, and incredibly nutritious, they deserve a second look from both foragers and food enthusiasts alike.