Final Presentation Justification: Ana Benitez, Jenna Busby, Cole Parker, and Autumn Rae

Treks & Texts Justification 

  

    As the fall semester wraps up, our team chose to film our video in a documentary format to establish a holistic reflection of our time in Treks & Texts. Our video details the many places where we can indulge in nature in Fort Worth. Each area was specifically chosen to visit to reflect on our learnings from Treks & Texts carefully. We then concluded our travels by meeting at the Fort Worth Water Gardens, where we all unanimously love to experience nature. Throughout our video, we discuss many themes, connections, and takeaways from a truly fantastic course.  

  

    Throughout the course, we had the opportunity to reflect on our experiences in different natural environments. This was especially the case in our written blogs, where we learned how to write effectively about our connection with nature in various places. For example, our canoeing adventure on Benbrook Lake was indescribable. However, these opportunities helped us improve our writing and observational skills. Now, we will be ready to document our natural encounters in the future.   

  

    Additionally, we found significant resonance in the wisdom of authors like Abbey and Thoreau, whose profound writings we explored in class. They struck an emotional chord with their emphasis on materialism, simplicity, and resisting the fast-paced nature of our society. Mary Oliver's teachings served as an additional reminder of the value of taking it slow, spending time in nature, and discovering an appreciation for our everyday beauty. During our five weeks of volunteer work at the Nature Reserve this semester, we had a transformative pause from the never-ending demands of technology and the hustle and bustle of daily life. We disconnected from technology while we served and connected to the park's peacefulness, establishing connections with one another and the natural world.  

  

    Without a doubt, Mary Oliver helped us in a challenging time with the demands on our lives to find beauty and sacred peace in the mundane tasks of daily life. A few of us stated how they would text and walk to class; now, after the inspirational teachings from this course, we put our phones away and paid attention to the simplicity of nature around us, as they found beauty among the chaos. Therefore, this semester was a profound reminder to stop, savor, and appreciate the changing leaves, the gentle breeze, and the tranquility that unfolds when we take the time to connect with nature on a mindful, spiritual level. 

  

    Furthermore, our video touches on nature being a force of interconnectivity. Interconnectivity holds extreme importance when discussing the success of all life on Earth. Nature teaches us that humans play a significant role in the environment while depending on natural forces to help us survive. We must adapt and adjust to nature as time passes because nature is ever-changing regardless of our intentions. Therefore, Treks & Texts highlights our world's reality while engaging us in ideas where we are not the center of the universe. The idea of humans being minute to the grander schemes of life makes us take the time to appreciate life and the world around us from a new perspective.  

  

    Lastly, this semester's key takeaway was appreciating the "ordinary" in life. As discussed in several readings, especially with Thoreau and Abbey, there is something special about being outside, despite how "mundane" it may appear. Our various experiences, both through text and lived, have taught us to appreciate all around us a little more. To enjoy nature for how it is and how it will forever be.    

  

    In conclusion, Treks & Texts provided us with immeasurable insight into the world we live in with ever-lasting life lessons that we each will carry on. This course brought us new experiences and fun memories, all of which have shaped a new outlook on life in a transformative way. We hope our documentary fully demonstrates this newfound appreciation and understanding of nature through Dr. Williams's exceptional guidance! 

Thank you for everything!

Final Presentation Video: Ana Benitez, Jenna Busby, Cole Parker, and Autumn Rae

 

https://youtu.be/52T_lD-8dAc

Mary Oliver Poem 6: Why I Wake Early

A Sunrise Painted by Me!

The sunrise is a beautiful phenomenon that occurs every morning around the same time to wake the lands and start our days. Sometimes, you can feel the warmth touch your face as the sun pours through your bedroom. Sunrises in Texas, specifically, bring such fulfillment. It's the little things that mean the most to me…

Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver is my favorite poem as I instantly can resonate with her joy from watching the sunrise. I love how she paints the image of a beautiful sunrise, signifying a new opportunity. I love sunrises as seeing the sun in the morning always puts a smile on my face and insinuates a grateful mindset. Mary Oliver describes how the sun impacts humans and everything on the planet. She says the tulips receive the sunshine, and even the grumpiest people are still graced with the beautiful sun. 

I found the emotional impact within this small poem because I can genuinely connect to the feeling of happiness from the sun. Oliver states that the sun "…just happens to be where you are in the universe," detailing that the sun always shines wherever you may be. The sweet emotions I feel from the sun impact my outlook on life. Every day is an opportunity to be happy and kind to others. The sun is what protects us from forever darkness. The sun represents hope and taking the initiative to follow your dreams every single day. 

Oliver mentions that the sun is the "best preacher there ever was," which means that the sun represents so much more than just being an entity of nature. This idea of the sun being a preacher conveys that nature empathizes not only with our physical world but also with our mental health and well-being. I always feel energized, motivated, and blessed when I open my curtains each morning to view a fantastic sight.

In addition, there's a spiritual component as Oliver compares the sun to a "preacher...with warm touching hands of light". The sun can be viewed as a spiritual essence that can soothe current stressors or encourage us to be the best version of ourselves. Much like a religion, the daily routine of the sun rising opens our minds to believing in a higher power. The sun can be a sort of vessel for connecting with God. God is with you through the everlasting sun. Nature being a source of spirituality and connection to something beyond our physical world is a common theme through Treks and Texts. Thinking about nature critically enlightens you to appreciate nature's beauty and be thankful for the sun that shines as the sun urges us to live a life of righteousness. 

Without a doubt, I think of this poem during every sunrise with the notion that we are all blessed with such a welcoming and warm sight every morning. This poem highlights the importance of showing kindness to others and the wonderful world we live in. We need to cherish nature and be tender with our actions daily. Mary Oliver's message to her audience is to view the sun as a symbol of spiritual power that influences us to start each day with compassion and gratitude. 

My Ten Best Photos: Fall 2023

Journal 10: Loren Eiseley & Mary Oliver Reflection

Mary Oliver

 Loren Eiseley 

              

After reading The Judgement of the Birds in preparation for Tuesday's discussion, I noticed various connections to the Mary Oliver poem "Entering the Kingdom" that I had to reflect upon for my final blog. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Eiseley's work. His insights on the interconnectedness between humans and nature are noteworthy as he depicts the crow's perspective of humans. Quotes like "I saw the judgment upon life, and that it was not passed by men" display how human perspective and opinion should not be the only consideration on this planet. Other organisms, like crows, deserve a say in the functioning of nature. 

Eiseley leaves with the fact of spreading awareness of how humans have negatively impacted the world and a warning to establish a balance between us and nature, or else we might regret it in the future. This dark tone written within the text uses crows to send this message to the audience. I believe crows are used because we naturally associate crows with death and sorrow. Both describe crows as birds that "Avoid humanity," as Oliver expresses, "They know me for what I am." because crows have a particular dislike for people. Crows are seen as distant creatures that are linked with their own species. Although crows differ significantly from humans, their collectiveness and resentfulness against other species mirrors human behavior. 

Moving on, Eiseley uses crows to set a dark theme and tone. Mary Oliver emulates the use of crows in her short poem "Entering the Kingdom." In this piece, she expresses the point of view of a crow staring down at herself. "Possibly dangerous," she states about how crows look on humans. Crows are envisioned to be the judges of human behavior in both texts. Each author has a pessimistic standpoint on human activities impacting the performance and essence of nature. Oliver believes that people should "...learn something by being nothing," and Eiseley signifies that people "...tend to take it [nature] for granted." Their views on humans determining the fate of nature ring loudly as the authors believe that human activity will ultimately cause the end of everything.  

Furthermore, I enjoyed how each describes the crows in abundance that tend to settle high in the trees to establish distance from people. Both works recognize large groups of crows equating to a "kingdom," which I found interesting because we associate many of one entity with having lots of power. In both readings, the crows have more influence than the humans. I think the term "kingdom" is used to resemble a religious sanctuary. Kingdoms often refer to a palace or a place of religious significance, which could imply that Oliver and Eiseley perceived nature as a spiritual form. Eiseley states that nature is "a commonplace of all religious thought," which means that spending time in nature can allow you to experience religious renewal.  

Lastly, as writers, Mary Oliver and Loren Eiseley also have many likes. Not only does their writing about crows and human impact align, but both writers strived to convert their everyday observations into purpose. Mary Oliver was known for sharing her mundane nature experiences with the world. To compare, Eiseley was the same way as he believed that nature could be anywhere, even in New York. He spotted birds right outside of the window sill of his home and took appreciation for a spider making her web along a lamp post. Both authors display the beauty of nature in the simplest terms. This theme of finding beauty in nature anywhere from anything sends a thought-provoking idea to the audience. Both want the audience to be kind to nature and relish the beauty of the little things that nature has to offer.

  
To conclude my reflection on the two authors and my time in Treks & Texts, I learned to truly, deeply understand nature and appreciate everything for its worth. We as people need to consider the planet a separate entity and take care of nature as much as nature takes care of us. We all have a role on this Earth and a mission to be empathic and interconnected to live in great harmony.  

"The wilderness in the hope of learning of great events, or plans in store for him, that will resuscitate his waning taste for life" ~ Loren Eiseley, The Judgement of Birds 

Journal 9: Samson Park: Nature Observation

My family and I took a trip to Sansom Park, where we walked along the trails and let nature encompass us in a stress-free zone. Taking these nature walks with my parents has been a true joy as I have been able to explore nature with them and discuss my learnings from Treks and Texts. While on this walk, we discussed the importance of nature and how tranquil setting yourself in nature can be. 

I remember this trip well as we spotted a few deer hiding behind a large tree. I smiled as seeing wildlife along this trail had been foreign to me until now. The deer was particularly skittish, and once the deer noticed my camera zooming in, the deer dashed away quickly. The sight of one deer encouraged me to look for its friends. I was happy to learn that this deer was not alone and, in fact, had two other deer accompanying him. Watching from a far distance now, I tried to snap photos, but some other hikers startled them away. 

Seeing these deer within 15 feet astonished me because I had never been that close to a deer before. Usually, I spot them when in the car as they try to cross the road. However, being nearby made me think about our discussion about conservation and appreciating the wilderness. In that moment of locking eyes with the deer, I understood the timidness since a human was so close. I loved watching the deer stagger away into the depths of nature as a retreat or safe space, similar to how my family and I venture into nature in hopes of a retreat to relaxation. It's all about balance.

This scene of the deer and I reminded me of our discussion over Leopold's Land Ethic. The Land Ethic was described as a policy that humans should treat the land with respect as the land is of equal importance to any other organism. The Land Ethic led me to encapsulate the deer and its quietness instead of trying to provoke or instill fear in the deer. I didn't mind being feet away from the deer. I understand the mutual respect for nature and humanity. 

Along with the deer, I spotted many dried bushels and grasses. The grasses were low on the ground but were in abundance. When overlooking the trail's edge, Lake Worth was glittering as the sunlight beamed into the water. What took my breath away was the plentiful trees that seemed to span for miles. The greens of the trees merged into a massive span of land and captivated me as I spotted true beauty. Trees express a sense of resilience and hope as they live for centuries and play a significant role in the ecosystem. In a place like Texas, where the weather is primarily hot and drought is a common concern, you would think these green trees would be nonexistent. The trees symbolize adaptability as they must have a mechanism to retain water to keep their leaves looking prime. 

Connecting my experience to Aldo Leopold, I believe that Sansom Park is an example of the "Thinking like a mountain" idea because the ecosystem that exists in the park has been native to this area for lifespans. Although urbanization does exist throughout the perimeter of Sansom Park, the wildlife present can exist and co-exist with the development of artificial systems. The trees that resonated throughout Sansom Park are the "mountain" in this area because the trees have been there for centuries. Therefore, my gratitude towards the trees, deer, and other species in this biotic community is endless because these ecosystems thrived through persistence and adaptability, which is a heavy task that should be noticed by humans. 

Overall, my time walking through Samson Park was rewarding and thought-provoking because I have developed a deep and empathic understanding of the areas that make genuine efforts to preserve natural habitats. As Stegner professed, we need to take action to conserve and protect nature at all costs because, without it, we would be lost as a species. I remember his comment comparing the land to a beehive and the people as bees. If the beehive were to be disrupted, then the bees would be impacted as well. This is true with nature, as humans will be negatively affected if we don't care for our planet. People must come together as a community to spread the word on conservation and reflect on their actions to make changes that will benefit the good of all life. 

Thanks for reading my post! Have a great day!

Mary Oliver Poem 5: Entering The Kingdom

The poem Entering The Kingdom was appealing to me because of the title of the poem. A kingdom is something of value, respect, and treasure. Mary Oliver treats nature as her kingdom. I initially thought this poem would be about interacting with a dangerous animal, like a lion or bear. Still, the idea of a kingdom of crows sparked some interest because I have seen hundreds swarm together in movies and real life. Crows typically represent sadness or disappointing emotions, and I thought this poem captured these ideas well…but with a twist.

Crows have the reputation of a scary bird as they are all black and look almost menacing. Therefore, I liked how Mary Oliver swapped the perspectives and displayed the crow’s fear of her. She writes the crows thinking, “Possibly dangerous”. I think she is trying to convey to her audience that other animals, like birds, have an analytical ability and fear us. The tense tone in the poem contradicted many of her other poems. Humans are painted in a hostile and alarming sense. We are what nature is scared of. This notion makes sense as humans have ultimately negatively impacted the environment with fossil fuels, extreme waste, and overpopulation, to name a few. 

My favorite quote from this poem is, “To learn something by doing nothing.” I empathize with this quote because nature can sometimes entail doing nothing to gain knowledge. I think about my experiences in nature and how sometimes I would sit on a bench, look at the environment around me, and learn so much. I believe using nature as a source of education can benefit us in understanding our world and our surroundings. The author wants us, as a collective, to do nothing with nature so we can learn as a society. Oliver continues to express that the crows “…know me for I am…No eater of leaves.” I think this quote is to show that the crows do fear humans because of the damage we have done. The crows view us as outsiders of nature, an entity that doesn’t belong…

Overall, the poem displays a perspective that humans are so far removed from nature that we never are entirely a part of the “kingdom” that nature is…

Mary Oliver Poem 4: Backyard

The poem Backyard by Mary Oliver struck me because the poem personally reminded me of compost gardening when I was in middle school. Our school aimed to build a small compost garden outside one of the classroom windows. We spent so much time and effort to bring compost items like bananas, bundles of grass, and other fruit waste after school. After we placed our items in the soil, we manually turned the soil, generating heat and bacteria to mix the soil's nutrients. After days and weeks of no growth, we spotted little buds of flowers that finally began to grow. The school's first compost garden was successful, and I was proud to be a part of the community effort.

Mary Oliver brought that special memory back for me as she described a section in her backyard having "dead stuff… without direction management supervision". Her dislike for the mess turns out to be a sanctuary for the birds, as the birds love to pick blackberries from this pile of dirt. Mary Oliver alludes to composting as an area in her backyard that was described as ugly but turned into something beautiful and loved by other animals. Backyard is to the point with the reader's intention to reflect on a time when they contributed to creating something meaningful. I think of this poem through activities like thrifting, upcycling, and composting because these activities benefit nature and our sense of creativity and individuality. 

There's a grand takeaway from this poem regarding the mission to find the beauty in everything life gives us. When contributing to my school's compost garden, I was skeptical of the whole process and ashamed of how terrible the garden smelt. However, after a few weeks, the compost turned into an impressive garden with vegetation and plants symbolizing determination. I love that Oliver challenges us to appreciate the little things and find a positive outlook on nature and life. 

Journal 8: Carswell Joint Reserve Base: Nature Walk

 

My parents and I had lunch along the Trinity River while visiting Carswell Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth. Since my father has retired from the Navy, we often shop in the commissary and see the exchange for some tax-free deals. However, we have just walked along the Trinity River to enjoy the outside nature. :)

We decided to eat lunch at the little hut and benches displayed in the photo to talk and relax for an hour during our day. The wooden hut with sights of peeling signifies that this area along the water is dated with lots of history. Nature has a way of initiating a feeling of preservance. While sitting there, I gazed into the water and spotted some birds and turtles. I couldn't spot any fish because the water seemed dirty with dirt, impacting the view of what could be spotted in the water.  

I enjoyed watching the waves of the river. The breeze made these waves flow from one end of the river to the other. The sunlight's reflection made the water glitter. I was at peace while watching the waves as they signaled me to be present at the moment and wash my worries away. Watching waves, whether in a lake, river, or ocean, grants meditation for my mind. The sounds of the water present a calming feeling like nothing else. With midterms and projects due quickly, I valued this time with my parents as time stood still.  

Furthermore, while walking, I spotted many dragonflies. There was one, black and blue, that I really thought was following me. I also noticed many dragonflies at the Fort Worth Nature Center, so I can infer that dragonflies are widespread in Fort Worth. I was sad to see the absence of other animals as the water seemed almost empty. Many trees were so tall that they symbolized how old JRB Carswell is. I love seeing tall trees because they remind me of how some forms of life can live decades longer than we humans can. The trees were super green and healthy. Grasses align in the river's waterfront with ants, beetles, and crickets. This area is urbanized, with a base suitable for humans. Hence, the presence of natural animals and plant life is minimal.  

This experience of eating lunch and walking along the Trinity River at JRB reminded me of the last sections of Edward Abbey. The Selections from the Journals had one segment published on March 7, 1977 – Aztec Peak Fire Lookout, Arizona had a quote that presently resonated with me. The quote, "Absolutely absorbed in his fears- heart trouble." With context, this quote describes how a man passes away from a stroke, which Abbey perceives as a "miserable way to end your life –in fear." College exams, future plans, and life balance are a few stressors many of us college students face that can sometimes trigger unresolved fear. Knowing that Abbey lived a free-spirited and open life, I take his idea of disregarding fear into account.  

Abbey's natural experiences influenced his notion of fear and why people should never live in fear. Since Abbey has had many life-threatening situations, he views fear uniquely. I appreciate his thinking regarding the theme of fear because I like understanding how to manage fear and uncertainty. Without fear, we can't grow as individuals. Fear is a form of opportunity that challenges us to overcome any situation. Abbey also views fear in this way because nature is his oasis for survival and overpowering fear. We have read about his dangerous journeys, and he always seems receptive to fear and developing ways to bypass the feeling. I admire his ability to absorb and reflect on fear as a motivator, but something people should outgrow. 

During my time outside this week, I thought about defeating doubts. Throughout this semester, spending time in nature has allowed me to be more introspective and connect my life experiences with naturalists like Abbey and Mary Oliver.

To summarize, this observation of nature within the bounds of the JRB Carswell Air Force base is limited. However, the present nature serves the valuable purpose of allowing people to think deeper about their lives and connect with the great outdoors. This trip was more meaningful as my participation in Trek & Texts exposed me to Abbey and Oliver's exciting thoughts and ideas to truly understand nature deeper and overcome our deepest fears. 

Journal 7: Trinity Duck Pond

When exploring the Trinity Duck Pond, I had a blast relaxing and watching the ducks easily swim around the pond. I went with a few friends last week, and we discussed how majestic and extraordinary ducks are. As we arrived on a hot and sunny day, many ducks swayed along the water and quacked endlessly.

The pond is shaped in an oval manner with a huge fountain that raises water high in the air and sprinkles water across the pond when the wind blows. People can walk around the pond as there is a parking lot on one side, and if you cross the bridge over the water, you can spot a playground area for children and pets. 

Some of the ducks sit outside of the water, resting their legs. We even spotted a giant mother duck protecting her eggs outside the pond. I was able to snap a photo without disturbing her. She was beautiful with streaks of brown and white with a thick black beak. I found it interesting that her beak was curved instead of flat, which makes me think she might not be a Mallard. After researching, I think she is a Blue Morph Snow Goose because of her black feathers on top and white underbelly. She looked as fluffy as a cloud. My research also suggested that these geese travel to the South during the fall and winter, therefore adding to my hypothesis of the bird's identity. 
 
Other birds that coexisted with the Snow Goose were Mallards, Canadian Geese, and the Common Merganser. Turtles were also present in the water but extremely rare compared to all the geese. I was delighted walking along this duck pond because I enjoyed seeing various birds in one area. This is the first time I have seen this many ducks in one location in Texas. I lived on the East Coast a few years ago, where duck ponds like this were present in every neighborhood. While exiting the bridge to get to the opposite side of the pond, squirrels scurried up the tall trees. The trees surrounding the duck pond were tall and old, providing so much shade for my friends and me. I realized how this duck pond area functions as a complete ecosystem in every direction you look. 

 
The nature of the Trinity Duck Pond is the asset that makes this area beautiful. I valued being in the vicinity of an oasis for the ducks. I loved walking around and seeing the geese travel as a unit in the water. Geese are social creatures, like humans, in that they move and connect with others quickly to feel comfortable in the face of humans. This acceptance of seeing ourselves in other animals reminds me of one of the Mary Oliver poems I read, Can You Imagine? I think back to how Oliver has this sense of comparing human activities and actions to other species of animals. Using her tactic now, I can see how geese have various personalities, likes and dislikes, and feelings. Monitoring the geese is almost a reflection of the human experience.  

Duck ponds and the animals that inhabit them play an essential role in our community. Having a duck pond to go to is vital as we can view how other animals live, interact, and appreciate the world we all live in. I never knew how special it is to have a community duck pond until visiting because many of us don't take the time to appreciate the things that were naturally given to us. Duck ponds serve as a place to understand our nature on a deeper level and provide a space for humans to reflect and grow.  

I want to come back to the Trinity Duck Pond and participate in a community clean-up event, as one section of the pond was dirty and filled with trash from humans. Joining a trash pick or even creating an event myself would benefit the community around the pond. I have seen many cans, paper, and other trash that can harm the animals and pollute the water and air. Anything to help preserve the natural nature and animals should be a community effort.  

In conclusion, I had a fantastic time with my friends as we spent hours watching, documenting, and discussing the importance of ducks/ geese and their impact on our community. I love participating in my nature exploration to evaluate what I have seen, heard and understood after this walk through the Trinity Duck Pond. I learned the importance of spending time in nature by reflecting upon yourself.  

Mary Oliver Poem 3: Can You Imagine?

The poem asks the question Can You Imagine? This is usually connotated with a negative feeling, but I like that when Oliver asks this question, she derives from an idea of happiness and patience. The poem explores what it would be like to be in the shoes of a tree. Just standing in nature through all seasons with only birds for entertainment and the wind to carry anything new to the area. I love how Oliver uses her poetry to link nature with the human experience. Her method of using questions is her way of communicating with us, her viewers. Oliver challenges the reader to think with a big-picture mindset. She says, “Surely you can’t imagine they just stand there loving every minute of it.” I find it interesting that she expands on solitude and enjoying small moments.

Just by reading Oliver’s poem, you can tell she has a deep relationship with nature, specifically everyday, mundane nature. Her perspective of typical nature scenes is captivating to make them relatable to her audience because we all have thought these questions or have wondered what it would be like to be in another form. In my opinion, Oliver’s description of a tree being in patience and happiness does seem like a dream as humans are constantly on the move, enduring their everyday lives. 

 
Overall, this poem lives in the feelings and thoughts of a tree, and I laughed when reading it because I may have imagined what it would be like to be a tree. Mary Oliver has a distinct way of personifying the nature around her and noting her experiences. These tactics make her writing understandable, reflective, and enjoyable.  

Mary Oliver Poem 2: Some Questions You Might Ask

I found the poem Some Questions You Might Ask astonishing because Oliver's questions are thought-provoking and sentimental towards all life. The poem starts with the main topic of understanding the soul. Then, the piece delves into more meaningful and reflective questions that challenge our place as humans on Earth. Her questions are based upon deciphering what beings have the capacity of a soul compared to others. Intuitively, she digs further into what a soul looks, feels, and sounds like. For example, I connected with one specific: "Who has it? Who doesn't?". I often think about this question because humans seem to be the only species with souls. After all, our dominance over the world and our various personalities show that we have souls. However, I think about other animals, like my dog Cede. She is a Labradoodle who is shy but loves to play. She's extremely loving. I compare her to other dogs, which makes me question whether dogs have souls like humans? I enjoy that Oliver's writing comments on the beauty of nature and our natural understanding of Earth as humans. Her questions challenged me to ponder her ideas about what a soul is and possessing one.  

Another aspect I appreciated from this poem was her tone towards all life beyond human lives. She reminded me of the Standing Bear reading and how Native American culture views all animals, including plants, with equality in nature. Equality and soul possession within all species of life symbolize nature because we are all connected, and each serves a significant role in maintaining life for everyone. All aspects of life impact the world in which we live, as all life depends on each other.  

After reading Mary Oliver's poem, I was delighted to have delved deeper into nature literature. My perspective has broadened since Treks & Text began. I am grateful to experience and understand life through a new and improved lens.  

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

Thanks for checking out my blog post! 

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!