i think my favorite walking trail in the twin cities is the five mile trail that runs along the east shore of vadnais lake.  there is mature open hardwood forest on one side and sparkling lake on the other–making either sun or shade an option on any given day depending on the side of the trail you walk on.  dogs are not allowed, which is one of the reasons 1) it is so abundant with wildlife, and 2) i don’t visit it often.

this single wild mint stem was found along the trail.

vadnais lake trail, saint paul, minnesota