As a child, Denise Lavallee had difficulty in the classroom. She didn’t earn her undergraduate degree until she was nearly 50. As an adult, she discovered she has a learning disability. “My favorite expression used to be, ‘I don’t understand,’” Lavallee said. These experiences pro mpted Lavallee to create the Milestone Nature Center, a series of trails and stations in Barre Town equipped with materials that stimulate the five senses for neurodivergent people who have challenges learning in typical ways or environments.  The project has been a labor of love for Lavallee. She bought the wooded 30-acre property in 2018 and intended to build a bed and breakfast there. But Lavallee went in a different direction after learning about the mile-long Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park in western New York. In 2023, Lavallee created a nonprofit and began construction of a quarter-mile series of wheelchair-accessible trails intended for neurodivergent people. It’s still a work in progress.  Lavallee said she emptied her savings and retirement funds to make it a reality; it’s free for anyone to explore, though she accepts donations. There’s a taste station where people can try maple or hickory syrup and honey; a touch station with various animal parts and pelts; a station for looking at insects and critters under a magnifying glass; a place to smell different essential oils; and a “chime time station,” where Lavallee puts wind chimes, African drums, a rain stick and something known as a Panda Drum that makes different sounds. In addition, Lavallee created a meditation station, a balance station, a dog station with supplies for pups, a spot for arts and crafts and to build fairy or bug houses, and a place called “Hide Away,” featuring suspended cocoon swings. She celebrated the grand opening on May 22. So far, some 30 people have come to explore. She’s hoping to partner with schools and other organizations to increase participation. Lavallee said visitors should look for a flag at the property: If it’s up, she’s open. For more information, visit 540 Upper Prospect Street in Barre Town, call 802-461-8185 or email [email protected]. The original print version of this article was headlined “Open Exploration” The post New Barre Trail Network Created for Neurodivergent Explorers appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less