Courtesy photo. Children enjoy the enchanted Troll Bridge.

Published on: Wednesday, August 25, 2010

“Nature’s Enchantment,” Tyler Arboretum’s newest outdoor exhibition, truly captures the magic of make-believe and sparks kids’ imaginations in a celebration of original works, from the elegantly simple to the fantastically elaborate. Interwoven among eight of the most popular structures from the “2009 Totally Terrific Treehouses,” visitors will find unique interactive exhibits and displays created by artisans, builders and architects that celebrate the world of magical faeries, hobbits, gnomes, wizards, goblins and their many friends.

“Nature’s Enchantment” brings Tyler’s woodland alive for the enjoyment of children of all ages through Sunday, Oct. 31.

An architectural wonder, “Outlook Treehouse,” is cantilevered on a massive leaning white oak, taking advantage of the tree’s natural shape. To reach Outlook’s translucent Lucite platform, young visitors must climb the ladder that runs up the side of the trunk and enter through a small opening in the leaf platform. Once there, visitors are treated to a 360-degree view of the surrounding woodlands.

Courtesy photo. A family enjoys The Magic Playhouse at Tyler Arboretum's "Nature's Enchantment" exhibit, which brings Tyler's woodland alive for the enjoyment of children of all ages through Sunday, Oct. 31.

Visitors begin their journey in the Mystical Orientation Station, where they learn about enchanted folk who are visiting the arboretum for the seasonal celebration. These mystical creatures have long helped Mother Nature take care of the Earth— and they want us to help, too! As you traverse through our magical realm, over a nearly one-mile path, through tree-lined woodlands and meadows, you’ll discover a myriad of homes, castles, workshops, dwellings and bridges of enchanted folk.

It is easy to see that goblins are not very good builders when visitors spy the “Crooked Goblin Shack.” Everything Goblins do is crooked. They walk in crooked lines, talk a crooked language called “goblindeegoop,” and everything they make is crooked.

Through the trees, and a few steps along the path, is the magical “Wizard Workshop” with the mysterious Gazing Ball, where kids can learn and share many secrets!

The very popular “Imagination Station” tree house, transformed into “The Magic Playhouse” captures the hearts of all; enter through the tunnel of this natural theater into a tiered amphitheater and beautiful woodland place, where children and grown-ups enjoy enchanted play acting and make believe. Kids are invited to find the perfect costume and props and ‘stage’ imaginative performances, while grown-ups relax amid tall trees and shaded areas.

The enchanted “Troll Bridge” and underground home of our visiting troll, awaits! Keep your eyes open as you cross this elegant bridge, complete with a hidden troll dwelling. Children and adults are surprised with they suddenly hear the gravelly voice of the grumpy troll complaining about being woken from a nap!

Nature spirits assume many shapes! “Meadow Spirits” are playful 10-ft. tall grass creatures that celebrate the magic of sunny meadows where butterflies, birds and animals find food and shelter. Meadows are wondrous ecosystems, full of life. Our Meadow Spirits help grasses and flowering plants thrive and encourage visitors to protect these important natural areas.

Around the bend is “The Magical Path,” where myriad faeries, gnomes and hobbits peek and hide around every corner. A veritable haven of custom made miniature homes, cottages, villas, castles and even a mushroom faerie ring delight children who keep a sharp eye out for magical sightings. An ancient unexplained door that leads underground, and begs the question, “What Lies Beneath?” captures the attention of visitors, and invites all to write an inspirational story or poem that answer is the question.

Visitors are encouraged to help magical folk who are in need of suitable housing, by building a faerie house or gnome home in our new community, “Enchanted Hollow Village,” a natural “hobbitat.” The “Gnome Depot” is fully stocked with sticks, cones, bark, nuts and other natural materials for children and their grown-ups to construct special dwellings for displaced magical beings who are seeking shelter at the Arboretum.

Two popular kid-friendly Treehouses are “Bird Abode” and “Lookout.” Originally located in the Arboretum’s Meadow Maze, “Bird Abode” was moved last year to its current home on the Exhibit path. This treehouse is a well-liked attraction for children. Pint-sized visitors climb inside, and up into Bird Abode and peek outside the top, while their friends enjoy make-believe in the giant bird’s nest at the Abode’s base. Built last year by Tyler’s enthusiastic horticulture volunteers, Look Out was originally titled “Backyard Memories,” reflecting its nostalgic tree house motif. The wonderful spiral stair case leads to the look-out platform, a perfect vantage point to try to spy a flying faerie, scurrying gnome or broomstick-riding apprentice wizard!

Nature’s Enchantment is open rain or shine through Sunday, Oct. 31, and is free with regular admission. 

Contact: www.tylerarboretum.org. Location: Media, Pa.

For more information on Mid-Atlantic travel destinations, visit www.tripsandgetaways.com.