Journal 6: Volunteering at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

One of my favorite activities is volunteering. I love to help my community whenever possible, and going to the Fort Worth Nature Center was a great experience. Mixing my love for volunteering and nature work made me smile. Our first week of shredding the invasive species, Privet, was super rewarding. 

All the Park rangers were friendly and gave directions thoroughly, which made the entire experience swift. Driving to the area on an ATV was memorable for me because that was a new experience for me. I know we only drove for five minutes, but feeling the strong breeze on my face makes me understand why people love going on ATVs for fun and driving in dirty mud. Once we arrived, we all got gloves, protective glasses, and earplugs since the woodchipper is extremely loud. 

The work began, and we all rushed to get Privet in the shapes of twigs, branches, and logs. Some people were more suited for going out and picking up the plant and then passing the material onto someone who would then carry the material to the woodchipper. As we started to lightly form an assembly line of tasked jobs, we agreed to designate jobs and run a proper assembly line for week two. 

As I picked up Privet, I realized how invasive this species was. Not only is it the first sight of vegetation you see when arriving at the site, but it's massive and green. Spirals that stretch for what feels like yards, all tangled and dense like barbed wire. Thorns prick every piece of clothing and snag on the gloves. A nightmare. I thought about all the animals that could be injured due to the thorns and all the lost plant life since privit overcroweds an area and suffocates all vegetation. The animals cannot find food on the ground because Privet blocks nutrient access. Privet has ruined the spaces with its neverending spirals. Still, it could do even more damage, like disrupting biodiversity, if not managed. When struggling to pick up some of the damage, you can see why Privet is a problem in this area…

Therefore, Privet's demise is my gain as I tried to haul as much Privet and branches as I could to stuff and shove all the debris down into tiny wood pellets that amount to nothing. This action was oddly satisfying and stress relieving. I listened to the Park ranger's remarks about not getting enough help to tame this beast of a plant. I hope we can make a significant difference during this next month of volunteering. I felt unexpectedly relaxed and calm when removing Privet. With everyone having earplugs, we had a unique peace of mind while partaking in something important to the refugee.

While I was working, I did spot other signs of life. Living trees stretched feet into the air, providing a mass of sun protection. The tall trees almost give you a sense that we are in a jungle far from home. I noticed many bees that scared me, but I knew I was in long sleeves, jeans, and a hat, so they couldn't harm me. To my surprise, I spotted a lizard as he was almost invisible as he blended in the street pavement. As I reached for my phone in my back pocket to take a photo, a peer, obviously not paying attention, kicked the lizard away. I spent the final thirty minutes of class searching the road for this creature. I never got my picture. 

When looking back at my first week of volunteering, I was exposed to new ideas about nature with the pleasure of being present in nature. I was shocked as I read the mapped pamphlet of the Nature Refuge and was stunned to see how vast the land is. 3,600 acres of pure nature in Fort Worth is shocking. Although with the size, I was astonished to hear the variety of species living here. Alligators, bison, deer, and so many more all cohabit with one another. 

I hope that by the end of our volunteering journey, we can leave satisfied knowing we helped preserve a community and maintain the biodiversity that resides within the community. 

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Map

Area across from where we worked...

Area we cleaned up and removing most of the Privet

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Mary Oliver Poem 1: Doesn't Every Poet Write A Poem About Unrequited Love?

The first poem that caught my attention was, Doesn't Every Poet Write A Poem About Unrequited Love? Because the title itself made you think about other poets and other forms of literature that speak about love. I believe the impactful poems are written about love, and the unrequited love lingers on our minds the most. The topic of love forms a strong bond between Mary Oliver and her readers as we all can relate to seeing someone we love smile and the joy that this action brings us. I enjoyed reading and rereading this poem because Oliver describes a love story by describing a simple moment of bringing flowers into the house. The flowers carry the symbolic weight of love and tenderness; when the relationship is broken, the flowers lose that symbolic meaning while still looking beautiful. 

Oliver touches on how nature can represent human feelings like love, sadness, and regret. One quote I valued from this poem was, "And the flowers, anyway, are happy just where they are," This quote proves Oliver's connection between love and nature because even though the romantic relationship is dismantled, the flowers are still radiant and pretty. Oliver's message displays how nature can be a force for overcoming hardships, as nature is always present to help us move on. 

Lastly, I would like to note Doesn't Every Poet Write A Poem About Unrequited Love? is similar to William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 53" because they both talk about an unrequited love that persists beyond time. The line from "Sonnet 53", "This living record of your memory," speaks to me because I think love can viewed in a forever living memory. If a relationship were not to work out, both people would always carry the memories of being with each other. Both the poem and sonnet discuss the importance of love and the impact love can have on people through the context of nature. 

Journal 5: Canoeing in Benbrook Lake

Canoeing yesterday brought me back to the many fun summer memories I experienced with friends. It was AMAZING! I loved it. I chose to go canoeing for the first time with the class as an opportunity to go outside of my comfort zone and try something new. And I’m so glad I did because I now know I love canoeing!

To start, the fun evening began with meeting at the rec center then driving to Benbrook Lake, which was a blast. I enjoyed talking to my classmates while hearing country music in the background. When we arrived, fifteen minutes late because we went to the wrong place, everyone was so excited to go out into the water. Stepping out of the van, I was taken aback by the mighty gust of wind that nearly blew my hat off my head.

I was apprehensive about the experience of my adventure on the water. The wind was a slight concern for me in the back of my head that, when looking back on the moment, I should have taken the wind into significant consideration. I grabbed one end as we were unloading the canoes from their resting place. My canoe buddy caught the other end, and we lugged our canoe down to the already-soaked beach of Benbrook Lake. 

I remember hastily asking my canoe buddy, who has experience canoeing, what I should do. Scared but curious, I jumped into the canoe, and we took off into the water with nothing but our paddles and lifejackets on. One major mistake was bringing my water bottle and bag that got destroyed during the adventure, but the damage symbolized my epic journey. 

Being in the middle of Benbrook Lake was a new kind of enjoyment. The ability to row, communicate with my buddy, and avoid tipping over has forever marked my perspective of nature. While on the water, I thought about Abbey's idea regarding Industrial Tourism. Abbey discussed how Industrial Tourism ultimately impacts the tourist more than anything because you are robbed of the experience. This resonated with me as I was on the water because when you are out in nature, experiencing nature, you get lost in the memories that you are making. And these memories are priceless. 

Benbrook Lake is a large, sandy, brownish body of water holding many fish, plants, and probably snakes. Thankfully, I didn’t spot any snakes during my trip. We even saw turtles and dead trees as our feet constantly got stuck in the wet sand. While I was standing with a few other peers, we watched a bee and a spider playing with one another. It was interesting to see how insects interact with one another.

Furthermore, watching the sunset was beautiful. The way the sun can add a complexion to the sky and alert all animals to wind down for nighttime is astonishing. We could see the sun setting over the treeline, and I was extremely pleased. Although the wind was draining your ability to row, being out on the lake implied a challenge for me and an appreciation for nature. 

Carrying the boats back from the water was a grueling but perceptive process. I was comfortable having the water knee-high as I worked with others to bring all the canoes back to the van. I didn’t care that I was sweaty, dirty, and wet at that moment. Once my canoe reached the van, I made an effort to help others carry theirs back because I knew everyone was tired and sore. After all the cameos, paddles, and lifejackets were placed away in their transportation spots, we said a farewell to Benbrook Lake and took last minute pictures. The journey back to TCU consisted of quiet conversations with the class half sleep. As I glanced out the window I smiled as I reflected on my truly amazing first time canoeing.

Therefore, I appreciated that I accomplished something that I wasn’t sure I would complete or even enjoy. I loved the collaborative environment that nature placed us in. I was able to grow closer to my class and dig deep within myself. Canoeing takes strength. Canoeing takes focus. Canoeing takes communication. Canoeing is a great hobby that challenges those who take it on to revive a determination and sense of adventure. 

To conclude, throughout my time on the lake, we almost tipped and were beached many times due to the rudeness of the wind. Still, I enjoyed my experience in many ways because I learned about myself, nature, and even my classmates. This experience makes me even more grateful to be a part of a class that interacts with nature because I don’t know if I would have gone canoeing if I weren’t for Treks & Texts. I am extremely grateful that nature provides exposure and a chance to learn what you are capable of. 

Same time next week? Thanks for reading my post!

Journal 4: Burke Burnett Park

On Friday morning, I went to walk around downtown Fort Worth with a friend, and we stumbled upon Burke Burnett Park. Neither of us knew that the park existed in the middle of downtown, so it was interesting to walk through it and immerse ourselves in the area's nature. 

Burnett Park is filled with shady trees and concrete walkways intersecting in the middle. There are few flowers and no pretty bodies of water. Though it did rain just before arriving to the park which set the tones of gloomy and reflective. The park was simple, which plays into the types of people who gravitate to the park. Therefore, the primary purpose of this park is to encourage people to walk slower and enjoy the stroll down the long diagonal lanes. 

The flora of the park consisted of trees and grasses. The minimal variety of flora is due to the busy nature of downtown Fort Worth. The park is dedicated to typical business workers walking on lunch breaks to grab food and fresh air. When my friend and I walked into the park, we felt a sense of calmness in the middle of downtown. I enjoy that nature can serve as an oasis from the real world. I remember Edward Abbey naming and standing by the idea that a desert, somewhere hot, dry, and unpleasant, can be viewed as paradise. The same concept can be rendered here, as people wouldn't think much of Burnett Park at first glance. Still, once you experience the park, you realize how significant and pleasant the park can be during your break.

The benches in the park consist of rocks that are smooth enough to sit on. The seats being shaped and curated like rocks gives you an extra sense of feeling like you are in nature. My friend and I sat there for some time to observe our surroundings in the park. Although this park doesn't resemble a typical one, I appreciate that the City of Fort Worth needed to incorporate a nature attraction into its busy downtown area. This is relevant to my life because everyone needs to make space in their busy day to dive into nature. This little park downtown allows people access to the heaven of nature for some time in their day. This park served as a place where I could reflect on the past week and align my weekend plans in one sitting.

However, I will say that if Abbey were to see the park I don't know if he would appreciate its placement in the middle of a crowded, hyper filled city. In his essay "Polemic: Industrial Tourism & The National Parks" I think he would despise the Developers who created Burke Burnett. Abbey talks about how Developers don't uphold The Park Service as Developers value accessibility in the notion that parks can be accessed easily by people and their modes of transportation, like automobiles, in exchange for economic gain and security while experiencing nature. For me, an average person with little to no experience in pure nature, I feel like I get that sense of outdoor recreation. While Abbey, a park ranger and highly experienced in the outdoors, would disapprove of the park and instead insist that Burnett Burke Park plays a role in the industrialization of nature areas. 

To sum it all up, the park separates you from the hustle and bustle of downtown while you sit and observe. You can block out all the noise and take in the scenery. Although Abbey wouldn't have enjoyed the park like I did, I think he would approbate all those who experience the park for gratification of nature. All the trees were a beautiful green and provided so much shade that you felt protected and secure. Taking in the fresh air and being present in the moment made me realize how valuable doing nothing can be in certain instances. In this case, I felt like being stationary and enjoying the moment with my friend opened my eyes to being grateful for where I am. 

Thank you for reading my blog post! Have a great day!

Journal 3: Edward Abbey Reflection

Learning about Edward Abbey during the first week of discussion facilitation was insightful as I realized I now love nature reading. The style of Abbey's writing really kept you thinking, hoping, and motivated to understand the human experience in nature. I was touched by his sentiment about animals and his moral to encourage everyone to be leaders on their own. 

Abbey's writing style was an aspect of the readings I was surprised by. I was intrigued from beginning to end as his relationship with nature expanded after every essay he wrote. I often thought about what I would do in his situation in the desert. For example, in "The Serpents of Paradise," when the rattlesnake was under his home. Abbey was contemplating how to resolve the issue without harming the snake. I credit him for using nature's natural interactions to lure the snake. I liked how he found another snake to evoke fear in the rattlesnake to solve his problem. It is courageous to befriend a snake because snakes are an animal that many people fear. I know I could never capture a snake to fear a more dangerous snake without being fearful myself. Still, I enjoyed reading an objective viewpoint on the societal fear of snakes. 

Overall, Abbey's points test his audiences' minds because he tends to have a direct and opinionated perspective. Another excellent discussion attribute arose when viewing "The Dead Man at Grandview Point," which challenged me to think of human life and understand the importance of making every day count. I found his two truths to be revolutionary, as people as a whole tend to believe one reality over the other. The first truth is practical and straightforward because the fact entails the idea that people die, which is just a part of our life cycle. When people die, it just means there is more room for those alive.

In contrast, most people, including me, believe in the second truth. The second truth expresses that humans are unique and that the world we have built for ourselves through knowledge like religion, science, government, etc., has made human life significant and memorable. I stand by this truth because we are, as we know it right now, the only species to be innovative and collaborative to make our species sustainable through technology and social civilizations.

Reflecting on Tuesday's discussion about Edward Abbey, I learned much about nature and life. I remembered the video of Abbey stating that he didn't want to be remembered for his writing as he didn't write for everyone because he wrote for himself. But he understood that if his reportings provoked and made people ponder, he was doing something good for the world. My favorite writing of Edward Abbey so far had to be "The Dead Man at Grandview Point" because this story made me deeply evaluate and reflect after I read the story. I enjoyed his urge for the necessity of solitude. From a college student perspective, people today eqaute solitude as loneliness when, in reality, solitude can serve many benefits in and outside of nature. 

My exposure to nature writing has generated a love for a new reading genre that I never knew existed before. Reading through Abbey's experiences made me look into my own life. Nature plays a significant role in our lives without us even being aware. Abbey's readings taught me the value of nature, a deep comprehension of life and death, and furthered my ideas about the human impact on our planet. A connection to nature brings a better connection to yourself.

Thank you for viewing my thoughts on Edward Abbey! Have a great day!

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Journal 2: Fairmount Community Garden

I visited the Fairmount Community Garden yesterday, where we spotted some vegetation and compost. This garden is unique as the residents of Fairmount all take part in the care and prosperity of the park. Residents can rent plots for a gardening season and grow the recommended vegetables that can be picked when ready. The garden community sparks inclusivity efforts as every community member can contribute. Even people who are not members have open access to view the garden's progress. Gardening is a part of nature as gardening is art, the ability to place flora in beautiful arrangements, and science as the understanding of plant cultivation takes experimentation and trial and error with the natural world. 

My friends and I watered each plot and row of plants to do our part. I noticed the many items being grown, like squash, beans, and cucumber. I even saw parsley and basil growing. When we were watering the garden, I realized how nature can be a collaborative effort with all aspects of life. Us watering the garden is a form of aid to the plants, and watching bees transport pollen from one flower to another is another display of assistance. In return, plants provide food, oxygen, medicine, and much more. As parts of nature, we have a significant role to play no matter our place in the ecosystem.

I love that gardening is like a way of speaking to nature, being gentle with the gifts of resources nature provides. Gardening involves interacting with nature to bring peace and understanding, as you can see the roots and interconnections beneath the soil. You build almost a bond between you and nature because gardening is like a promise. A promise to take care of nature, to take care of life. I never fully understood my grandmother's love for gardening until this day. Now, I see why she believes gardening is a rewarding experience. 

Walking and looking into the different aspects of the garden, from the composting section to the individual plots to the bug house and beyond, I felt a sense of break from the mundane world. I remember our class discussion over "The Myth of Antaeus" and the poem describing one becoming strong when touching nature. I agree with this notion because when you interact, learn, and connect with nature, you bond with something more significant than yourself. A quote I remembered from the poem was, "...an individual, once oppressed and overwhelmed by society, seeks solace in nature," (Heaney, 1966). This piece resonated with me because sometimes life can seem overpowering. Therefore, taking time to decompress, empty your thoughts, and be present outside makes things seem more manageable.

Nature makes you feel intentional, which I experienced at the Fairmount Community Garden. As I expose myself to more opportunities involving being in nature, I realize the love I have for nature is increasing. 

After this fun day with my friends, I enjoyed visiting the garden and admiring the community's effort to keep this garden thriving. If you ever want to see the garden yourself or even rent a plot to grow your own vegetables, the link below will take you to the Fairmount Community Garden website.

Click here!

Fairmount Community Garden Photos

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Journal 1: Nature is Art, and Art is Nature

Although this blog isn't a physical nature walk, understanding art's interpretation of nature is an essential aspect of nature being implemented in modern forms of entertainment. A few friends and I traveled to The Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth's Cultural District. While my friends and I were noting the variety of beautiful pieces of artwork, I was gravitated by the many nature pieces that expressed nature's simple and complex ideologies. 

 

After this week's discussions about Lewis and Clark expeditions and Standing Bear readings, I realized how nature can be preceptive, and everyone can view nature in a different light. I enjoyed the conversations about the transition from the beauty of nature to the intensity of the wilderness as human civilization progressed. This idea is biblical and portrayed in The Modern Art Museum with some of its most significant nature pieces. Below is an image I found striking.

Wilderness

The Ark by Melissa Miller

My friends and I stood in front of this photo for around ten minutes, piercing into the complexity and immense detail that was carefully placed. Perplexed by analyzing the animal relationships and food chains displayed in this work of art, I was transported by the idea of having to survive amongst these animals. I love how the image expresses a majestic nature, as these animals seem to be in harmony with one another. Darkness in the skies could be interpreted as human activity creating smoke from burning fossil fuels. Therefore, all these animals are in confinement, as urbanization minimizes the space for animals to live freely. These animals must live in peace because they have nowhere else to go. The absence of humans in this artwork shows how society separates ourselves from nature, even though we are as equally a part of nature as every other animal. The themes I gathered from this masterpiece were chaos, empathy, and reliance. When I left this piece, I felt the need to think in the shoes of those animals…

 Dominance

In contrast, the following few photos are ones I found in a different area of the museum, and these images show the dominance of nature that we humans place on the environment. These photos show the human impact on nature as we established agriculture and domestication of animals. These pictures have a more calming and passive tone, which plays into the notion that we, as humans, view our control over certain aspects of nature as pure. Simplicity and understanding allow us as humans to connect with these images more than the images of the other animals we have little experience interacting with since most of us haven't lived in the wilderness. Lewis's notes about his experience highlight his gratitude for control over the new territory by stating the abundance of food resources. This misconception plays into modern-day consumerism, believing we have enough of everything to last forever. The agriculture pieces touch on this view of unlimited resources and the progressive movement of agricultural practices. I hope that in the future, we can reduce the stigma of the dangerous wilderness and its negative connotation on specific animals and instead appreciate nature for what it's worth.

 

Pure Nature

Lastly, the final section I would like to share would be the images with no animals or humans but just of Mother Earth. These pictures were noteworthy because, as a viewer, you glimpse into untouched land in genuine admiration. These images are the most peaceful because they show the planet we are all gifted with. I love the view of the rocky shrubs and the mountains in the background, as there's a sense of adventure and want to visit this area to see what's beyond the image. This image makes me apprehensive about Big Bend because I want to take breathtaking photos like this one. Next, the notion of dark sea and clouds art, which was right across from the previous, contradicts the emotion provoked during the last photos. This image made me feel more relaxed and comfortable as the endless sea looks comforting in that nature is never-ending. As someone who enjoys the water, I could see myself in this infinite body of water soothingly. I found the untouched images of nature brought about these tranquil feelings when looking deep into these images.

Passover by Dennis Blagg

These were just a few of the most intriguing artworks to me. Below is a short video of other photos I took while at The Modern Art Museum. 

 

Overall, I was moved, inspired, and appreciative of all the different perspectives of nature. These artworks made me think about our discussions in class and the importance of loving nature through many different forms of acknowledgment. 
                                      

Nature is Art, and Art is Nature.

I hope this blog post encourages you to go out and explore nature in your own amazing way! Thanks for reading and have a great day!