Explore your backyard: Connect with nature across Jefferson County

In November of 2024, Jefferson County Greenways staff gathered with a dads’ group from United Ability to share about our plans to redevelop East Side Park into a universally accessible nature space. We were there to gather feedback from these parents, whose children’s level of disability ranged from mild — meaning their child had a strong degree of independence — to severe, where the child needs life-long care and whose disability impacts every aspect of their ability to participate in the world.

Winter can be tough for wildlife — even in our “milder” climate conditions, we still experience stretches of very cold weather and occasional severe storms. During this dormant season, it can be especially difficult for wildlife to find food and shelter to help them survive these challenging conditions.