Journal #8-Finishing Up at the FWNC

About two weeks ago, we finished our time at the Fort Worth Nature Center. I learned so much while volunteering at the Nature Center. Some were practical lessons, like how to handle shears and identify privet. Others were more reflective, like how better to appreciate nature, both by myself and with others. All these lessons were valuable, for myself and my classmates, and made the experience highly rewarding.

                                          

Our work on the trail! 

My time at the Nature Center helped me learn a great deal about the native environment of Texas. I learned what plants are good for the space and which are intruders. I would characterize Fort Worth as bountiful prairie, with a variety of tree and plant species. My favorite plant I saw at the Nature Center was the White Oak tree. I love the grand nature of the tree, with its broad leaves.

I also saw an entire new side of Fort Worth at the NC, one that is overflowing with nature and outdoor space. It was such a nice break from the hustle and bustle of city life. I wish more people knew about the Nature Center, especially the students at TCU. It a great de-stresser from the crazy college environment.

Our last day at the Nature Center was spent on another group’s trail. We shoveled pea gravel onto the trail, to keep the dirt in place through the elements. This is an example of how complex and necessary trail maintenance is. My biggest takeaway from the NC was how important it is to preserve our outdoor spaces and what a difficult job that truly is.

After trail maintenance, our entire class went on a hike through the Nature Center. This was my favorite time at the Nature Center. It was really great to see more of the center, especially as a whole class.

We walked through the trails, hearing about the different plants and spaces in the center. One of the most interesting things we learned about was the prairie dog “plague”, a disease that killed off the prairie dog population at the NC. We also learned about the value of contained fires for the plains, as they allowed native plants to grow back stronger than before.

We circled back to the start of our trail, climbing into our cars to return to TCU. On the drive out, my friends and I saw the herd of buffalo. This was the first time I was able to see the famous buffalo of the NC. It was a fitting end to my time at the NC.

I really enjoyed going to the NC. It was great to discover such a beautiful slice of nature so close to TCU. I also saw a different side of volunteering, where shoveling dirt once a week could really make a big difference. I was glad to play a small role in the preservation of this beautiful city and all it has to offer!

The Prairie Dog Trail at the FWNC

Journal #7-Finals Excursion to the Botanic Gardens

During this busy finals season, with the craziness of life surrounding me, I sought out some quiet time in nature. Nature has always been a very sacred place to me. It always allows me to slow down from my busy schedule and reflect on what is really important to me.

When I moved to Texas three years ago, I was sad to lose the beauty of the nature all around me. I had spent my whole life in Colorado, minutes away from the Rocky Mountains. I assumed that Fort Worth did not have this same type of natural environment. However, when I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. While the outdoor space in Fort Worth is very different from that in Colorado, it is beautiful in its own way.

My favorite nature place in Fort Worth is the Botanic Gardens. Located minutes from the TCU campus, the Botanic Gardens is a beautifully kept space in the heart of the city. My favorite part of the gardens is the fact that most of the plants are native to the area. I love that the city has made an effort to preserve its natural integrity.

A beautiful spot in FW!

On this chilly December afternoon, I ventured to the Botanic Gardens with my friend and fellow classmate, Ben Hopper. This past week has been the coldest in Fort Worth in quite some time. Most likely due to the weather, the Botanic Gardens was virtually empty. This made for a wonderful reflection space.

We went on a walk all over the gardens, exploring every space available. We began with a walk through the forest, on an elevated bridge. We saw a variety of tall trees and squirrels preparing for the winter. We didn’t see any birds in the forest, as they had probably flown farther south.

I was able to get close to snap a picture! 

After the forest, we saw a waterfall and more gardens. My favorite part of the entire walk was the rose garden. While most of the plants were bare for the winter, they were still several buds fighting the cold weather. I snapped the picture below of a beautiful and vibrant pink rose.

My favorite rose bud in the garden

After the rose garden, we saw the koi ponds, though the fish and turtles had been moved inside for the winter. While at the pond, we saw a blue heron on the shore. I first thought the bird was a statue. While I was looking out, I suddenly saw it blink its eye and stretch its neck. It then made direct eye contact with me. I was startled that the bird was real, but also excited to see another animal in the gardens. I even got a picture of the majestic bird.

A blue-grey heron in the gardens

We then headed back to the car, with numb hands and tingling ears. It was such a nice break from the hectic nature of finals. I love that nature has the ability to relax and realign our lives. Our course, Texts & Treks, has taught me to really appreciate nature, even when I’m crazy busy. This is a skill I will use for years to come.

Journal #6-ACL

About a month ago, I traveled to Austin, Texas for the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, a three-day long event. While not your traditional nature experience, the event took place entirely outside and gave me a new appreciation for the outdoors.

Zilker Park (photo courtesy of Pinterest)

ACL is held at Zilker Park, Austin’s most famous outdoor space. Zilker is located in the heart of the city, on the edge of Town Lake. It is surprising to see such a large natural space in the middle of an extremely urban environment. The park consists mostly of an expansive grassy field., with a few scattered trees and rocky slopes. On any average day, the park is bursting with life. People and dogs run free at Zilker, as it is the only place in Austin where leash laws do not apply. The people in Austin love taking advantage of the outdoors, from kayaking on Lady Bird Lake to sun-bathing in the middle of Zilker. This spirit is what makes ACL such a success in Austin. Three days basking in the sun and listening to great music? It almost perfectly embodies the culture of the city, the live music capital of the world.

This was my second time at ACL, having also attended in 2015. From this first experience, I mostly remembered the heat, the music, and the amazing atmosphere. This year certainly lived up to the past. On the first day, my friends and I walked in the gates and were greeted by thousands of people and the sounds of so many great songs. From that first moment, I was so excited to experience the festival all over again.

For the next three days, I spent 12 hours a day outside. From noon to midnight, I experience all the ups and downs of the weather, from the blazing sun to the chill of the evening. I stood, sat, and jumped on the grass. I lived and breathed the outdoors.  

ACL is always one of my favorite experiences of the year. It makes me appreciate the outdoors and those who maintain our parks. Without their tireless effort, we would not have the ability to go to festivals like ACL and experience such community events. I believe government funds for our parks are extremely important and need to be protected.

My friends and I on the last day of ACL!