Experiencing Nature with Your Senses

Welcome! We invite you to tune in (Chigitozida) to what you see, hear, feel, smell, and even taste, as you follow this trail and learn about the waters, ecosystems, and inhabitants of this land, past and present.
Chigitozida means “allow ourselves to be present” in Abenaki and in this case refers to experiencing the world through your senses. There is no specific word for senses in Abenaki because the way you experience things through different body parts is incorporated into words throughout the language.
Thank you for joining us!
Curious About Names?
By design, these panels don’t focus on identifying species. To learn more about the plants and animals you encounter along the trail, use the resources linked on each sign or borrow a field guide from us.
Accessibility
The main loop trail is 0.6 miles long and fairly flat, with a mixture of grass and crushed gravel surfaces, and three benches along the way. There are two sloping sections between panels 6 and 8. The short side trails are narrower, rougher, and steeper than the main trail. Pebble Beach (at # 5) is accessed by a set of rustic stone steps.
This trail is designed to help focus your senses - if any of the prompts don’t line up with your abilities, consider using senses you’re more comfortable with.
Translations and audio recordings are available using the QR codes.
The Traditional Stewards of This Land
NBNC resides upon the traditional and unceded home of the Western Abenaki People. We strive to respect and honor their legacy and to support the current Indigenous residents of Vermont. Each panel features paintings by Abenaki artist Amy Hook-Therrien and Abenaki words in purple, provided by Jesse and Joseph Bruchac, citizens and language keepers of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation. Please explore the resources at the QR codes to learn more about Abenaki language and culture.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to: our Abenaki partners, Amy, Jesse, and Joseph; designer Linda Mirabile of RavenMark Studio; the Vermont Arts Council; and NBNC’s many supporters. Wliwni (thank you)! To join the NBNC community, please click here.

713 Elm Street
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
(802) 229-6206
Hours: Center Open Monday-Friday 9-4
Trails Open 24/7