Once again I feel compelled to sing the praises of our daily newspaper. Last week, in addition to covering the day’s pressing news stories, the Gazette featured a quieter but no less important item in the B section: retired Hitchcock Center naturalist Ted Watt’s spirited recollection of taking a group of schoolkids on a snowy hike in search of animal tracks [”Learning a Sense of Wonder,” March 19].

In running Watt’s piece, which vividly recalled the students’ investigation of the mysterious snow tunnels they encountered, the paper’s editors gently and wisely nudged willing readers toward another kind of story, this one down a forested path that yielded interesting clues, numerous questions, and the satisfaction of finding answers through active inquiry.

It was a small gesture on the part of our paper to remind us of our profound and timeless connection to the real and present natural world — and each other. Nice work, Gazette — and Mr. Watt. Thank you!

Rachel Markowitz

Northampton