The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Taking a little over two-mile stroll around Bennington Lake in Walla Walla is a relaxing way to spend a Tuesday morning. Spotting different birds with the changing of the seasons and walking with experienced "birders" is educational no matter your age. The walk along the lake takes place every Tuesday starting at 8 am and is available to all who enjoy the outdoors.

Bird-watchers bring their binoculars and walk alongside the very knowledgeable Mike Denny. Denny knows the birds by sound and sight and he can also mimic the sounds of numerous birds. Walking the mostly hard packed dirt trail you get picture perfect views of the lake, mountains and surrounding farmland. Denny also can tell you names of plants, if they are native or invasive and he clears trails of overhanging limbs as he walks and enlightens the group of bird-watchers.

Let the outdoors be your classroom on Tuesday mornings. This is an outing that doesn't disappoint and every Tuesday can be a new experience as far as what birds, plants and other animals that you will see. Be sure to arrive a few minutes before 8 am to gather and meet the group as at 8 am sharp the learning begins. The trail is shared by walkers, joggers, bicyclists and horse people. Bennington Lake is also a great place to kayak and fish.