Favorite EL Places: Baker and Sanford Woodlots

Editor's note: We are starting a new series at ELi called "Favorite EL Places." Submit yours! (And supply a photo, or ask us to arrange one to go with your submission.)

My name is Champ, and I live in the Bailey neighborhood. I want to tell you about me two favorite places in East Lansing: the woodlots on campus. Baker woodlot is along the Red Cedar River, near MacDonald and Holmes halls. Sanford woodlot is between Farm Lane and Bogue Street, just south of Service Drive (near the Clinical Center).

There are many things I love about these woods, but the best is that it's LEASH OFF! They are fenced, so my friend Smitty doesn't have to worry about me running into a road (sometimes when I'm in hot pursuit of a squirrel, I forget to look....). And speaking of squirrels, it's terrier heaven. They are everywhere! There are also other critters to chase like chipmunks, birds, etc. One day, I treed a woodchuck! And once in a while, I chase deer. Oh joy! But I get a little nervous about those hawks. I'm a little guy, and they always look hungry. I'm not afraid (did I mention I'm a terrier? we don't do afraid), but still.

Another thing I love about being in these woods is the other people and dogs. I get to greet everybody! All the dogs are friendly, and the people are, too. I think it's hard for a person to be walking in these woods with a dog and not be in a good mood. Some people come to the woods without their dogs. They just run or walk and look at or study the trees. I try not to feel sorry for them being dogless. They seem to be having a good time anyhow.

I also love the different seasons in the woods. Spring gets a little wet, and I don't like being wet, but a little mud never hurt anyone. Everything starting to grow again is very pretty, and if you time it right, you can catch the trillium blooming. Summer is great--the days are long and warm and the squirrels are everywhere. I like the fall and the sound of the leaves under my running feet and the pretty colors in the trees. And in the winter, enough people come to the woods so the path is walkable, and it's fun running in the snow. It doesn't take much snow to be over my head!

You should try it some time! Bring your dog for a walk in the woods. If you don't have a dog, come anyhow. I'll walk with you for a while. Especially if you bring a dog treat or two.....