40 School Landwoods Rd, Exeter, RI 02822 ~ 2.5 mile loop and 1 hr

Mike had specifically chosen this hike (nature walk) because it was the perfect time to see the mountain laurel blooms. He had seen them several times before and was excited to show them to me. Unfortunately what would have been a gorgeous forest walk through the blooms was sadly was replaced by 2 miles of walking through a burnt forest.

On April 13, 2023, a large brush fire swept through the preserve and destroyed many of the trees and most of the mountain laurel.

The air smelled of charred wood and despite the devastation and eeriness all around us, there was still beauty to be seen. The vivid green new growth in contrast to the charred ground was striking.

We walked down to the river and back. We did see some areas that were not hit by the fire and were able to see a few mountain laurels.

Adventurers included: Mike & Jes