My sisters and I are participating in the Trail Challenge together for the first time this year, and it has turned into a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with one another while exploring the outdoors. Although I have lived in southeast Michigan my entire life, the challenge has introduced me to several Metroparks that I had never visited. It has been exciting to discover how much natural beauty exists so close to home. Each park has its own character, with scenery ranging from shaded woodlands and quiet wetlands to open meadows, lakes, rivers, and winding trails. The differences in habitat—and the variety of birds, animals, and plant life found in each area—have been amazing to experience. We have enjoyed the experience so much that we are already discussing which parks we would like to revisit and making plans to complete the Trail Challenge together again next year. -Nanette