By LYNN AGNEW

Carpenter Lake Preserve is delightful find for almost anyone who needs a moment of quiet reflection in a busy day. Located behind Gordon Elementary School, this serene little section of wetland is easily accessible to young and old, as the trail was constructed about 10 years ago to meet ADA standards. It is a quick stroll to the lakeside, probably less than a mile round-trip from the parking lot.

The trail is wide and gentle as it descends through a wooded area. Because of its proximity to Gordon Elementary School, this preserve is available for teachers to use with their students. The woods hold the evidence of children’s stick constructions, and volunteers have worked with school classes on signage which is also visible along the trail. The gravel trail leads to a viewing platform which was originally built by volunteers from Stillwaters Environmental Center.

For those who want a view of the water, a sturdy boardwalk with railings continues on over the meadow and bog surrounding Carpenter Lake to a second large and comfortable viewing platform. This is a good place to take some photos, do some painting and drawing, or just be still and enjoy this secluded little part of Kingston.

On our late-winter morning walk, we were alone to enjoy the sight of a cormorant perched high in one of the trees that wander into the bog surrounding Carpenter Lake. Trees include hemlock, pine, fir, Sitka spruce, and western red cedar. I suspect as spring comes, bird and insect life will increase. My walking partner pointed out cattails, spiraea, Labrador tea, and remembered that she had seen sundew, a native carnivorous plant, growing near the boardwalk. Though we weren’t able to spot the sundew, I’m anxious to come back and take another look for it later in the spring.

A few words of caution… The trail, though wide and gentle, is in need of some simple maintenance. It is somewhat overgrown and the boardwalk may be slippery in wet weather. Also, please note that because this is a county “preserve” rather than a “park,” in order to protect the flora and fauna, dogs, bikes and any kind of motorized vehicles are not permitted.

The Carpenter Lake Trail is accessed from the Gordon Elementary School parking lot. Find the school on the west side of the Barber Cut Off Road. Follow the brown signs to the parking spots labeled “Trail Access,” then walk along the service road behind the school to the entrance of the preserve. For more information about Kingston trails, visit http://kingston98346.org

The Kingston Parks, Trails & Open Space Committee meets the first Monday of the month downstairs in the Kingston Community Center at 7 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, call Evan Stoll, 297-4489 or stollel@centurytel.net