A distant woodpecker’s beak rattles against the bark of a towering tree. The morning haze begins to disappear in the rays of the sun and the calls of birds can be heard like the woodwinds in a symphony.

At Eden Mill Nature Center, nature wraps itself around Harford County’s Deer Creek River, and anyone can enjoy outdoor activities suited for the warm weather.

Eden Mill is located in Pylesville, Maryland, and one of its unique programs is its canoe trips.

On Thursday evenings, a calm canoe trip perfectly paints the warm oranges and reds of the sunset onto the river and is a peaceful end to any day.

On Saturdays, getting up early and embarking on a morning trip offers canoers spectacular sights of nature starting off its day.

The trips are comprised of roughly 10 canoers total, which is not so small that you feel foolish when you begin paddling perpendicular to the river’s current. There are also trained canoers there to teach you how to properly canoe and keep you safe.

The greatest parts of the trip were the striking sights. Deer jumped along the fields in the distance, the sun began to peek through the leaves, and the river was so calm that you could see straight through to the bottom.

Eden Mill works to inspire passion in people to preserve the environment and to help people understand their connection to the natural world.

Eden Mill also offers tours of its historic grist mill, creek snorkeling, guided hikes, campfires, movie nights, fishing, and other community activities.

Billy Jump is a Copy Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.