In the woods of the South Mountain Reservation in Essex County, New Jersey, there's a special surprise hidden among the trees: a fairy forest created by a mom for her son with autism. Don’t tell the kids, but the whimsical cottages dotting the landscape weren't actually crafted by mythical beings but by a group of volunteers who were inspired by the vision of Therese Ojibway. Her idea behind the Fairy Trail was to provide a safe and imaginative space for children, especially those with special needs, to explore nature.
Julie Gould and Beth Kelly, caretakers of the trail, along with other volunteers, continue to build and maintain the tiny wooden homes for the fairies. Despite Ojibway and her son moving away from the area a few years ago, their legacy lives on through the Fairy Trail, which has become a beloved attraction in the area. The cottages, built of natural elements meant to blend seamlessly into the forest, offer visitors a magical experience as they search for the nearly 100 hidden homes.
While the fairies themselves may remain elusive, they still inspire joy and wonder in visitors to the area. Children love to explore the trail, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mythical creatures, but even if they don't, their time spent in nature is well worth it. The Fairy Trail fosters imagination, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world, providing a magical experience for all who visit.
Source: CBS NEWS
Photo: Tom_Young67 / E+ / Getty Images