Teresa King

 

It was such a bummer that we did not get to go to the zoo as a class, but me and Bea were able to go this morning. We got there around 10:30am when they opened, got a free parking spot right up front on the grass. It was a fresh, but sunny morning and the animals were also feeling very lively today. I got some funny pictures, lots of them were play fighting together as well. I was also surprised by how many baby animals there were.  Then it was nap time for some others...    It was a great day for the zoo, and a much needed break from studying before finals next week. Thank you Dr. Williams for arranging this for us! 

  #1 My very first blog picture is still my favorite. It was the first time all year I went outdoors simply to enjoy being outdoors, not just to get from one place to another. I was able to pause, get some fresh air, and appreciate the moment. It made me realize how much I've been missing. I want to make time for moments like that more often.  #2 Feeding the prairie dogs comes in second. This little guy turned around to get his picture taken.   #3 This bench on Greer Island is my favorite spot at the FWNC. It seems like the perfect place to slow down, take in the view, and enjoy a quiet moment alone. Whether you're reflecting or just trying to disconnect from the busyness of life.  #4 This photo was taken on our first hike on the Canyon Ridge trail. I remember being impressed by how well maintained the trails were. The stepping stones made the climb very doable and fun.  #5 This photo was taken during our weekend paddling excursion, just after the sun came out. ...

For our final trip to the Nature Center, my group decided to explore the trail on Greer Island. Before we left the service center, we were warned about the legendary Goat Man — a big, white, ape-like creature supposedly spotted on the island in the 1960s. The story goes that he would jump out of trees onto the hoods of unsuspecting teenagers’ cars. Luckily, we didn’t encounter any monsters on our hike — or even any other hikers. It was a quiet, peaceful day. At the start of the trail, we crossed a man-made land bridge, which was really pleasant. There was a nice breeze, and the sun wasn’t too harsh. We spotted a blue heron and got to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Worth. Once we made it to the island, we took a quick detour off the trail to explore the levee, where we saw the intersection of the Trinity River and Lake Worth. The entire trail was mostly shaded, which made for a comfortable walk. We passed a small gazebo and several benches scattered along the lakeside. They seemed like p...

April 10th at the Nature Center, my group took on the Oak Motte Trail. At just two miles long, it's a short and easy hike—ideal for beginners. With plenty of benches scattered along the path and virtually no elevation, it’s especially well-suited for older visitors or those who may have difficulty walking longer distances.      We had perfect weather for the hike, and the wildflowers were in full bloom. At the beginning of the trail we saw where the prairie dogs had been relocated. They had a little tent for shade and were playing together. Along the way, we spotted a bunny scurrying through the brush and butterflies dancing around us. The trail winds past prairie lands, which looked especially serene and beautiful this time of year. We also noticed a few sections where controlled burns had been conducted to manage invasive privet. Thankfully, the privet didn’t seem too overwhelming in this area. Near the start of the trail, we saw a patch that had been both...

  Our first hike on Canyon Ridge Trail was definitely one to remember. The elevation was intense, but the effort was completely worth it for the sweeping views at the top. We couldn’t have asked for better weather—clear skies, a light breeze, and just the right amount of sun. Along the way, we passed some really interesting landmarks, each adding to the character of the trail. The 1.5 hours we spent out there felt grounding. It was a much-needed break to disconnect from the noise of daily life and just breathe in the fresh air, surrounded by nature.    Saturday’s paddle was also such a blast. The morning started off with a cool breeze, which made the experience even more refreshing—though it did get a bit windy at times. As we made our way along the water, we spotted a few gators stealthily watching us with just their eyes above the surface, plenty of ducks, and a couple of groups out fishing. I was a little nervous about getting into the kayak a...