Hike 1 & Saturday Paddle

 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 at first, but it turned out to be easier than I expected. Balancing wasn’t hard at all. As for paddling, it didn’t feel too tough… though I’m pretty sure my partner in the back was doing most of the heavy lifting!

Over these past few weeks—cutting back invasive privet, catching and recording gators, spotting bison and prairie dogs, hiking, and kayaking—I’ve come to appreciate what a hidden gem the Fort Worth Nature Center truly is. I hope the YouTube videos and short clips we’re putting together help spread the word so more people can come out and experience everything the reserve has to offer.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Before the Flood reflection

Image
                             On Thursday, we watched the movie Before the Flood , produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. It was a thorough and eye-opening exploration of climate change and its impact on our planet. In the film, DiCaprio embarks on a global journey, visiting locations where the effects of climate change are highly visible, from melting ice caps in the Arctic to deforestation in Indonesia caused by the palm oil industry's expansion. He interviews scientists, world leaders, and activists, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to combat global warming before it is too late. One part of the documentary that I found the most striking was how it exposes the political and corporate obstacles that prevent meaningful change, like scientists being paid to say climate change is a hoax and name-dropping the Koch family. I was surprised by the film's boldness in calling out the big corporations and oi...
Read more

Final Reflection Justification

Image
Final Reflection This semester, we learned about environmental issues, movements, and writers and got familiar with the Fort Worth Nature Center. One particular excerpt that stuck out to us was Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac . We learned the hidden meaning of thinking like a mountain is prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term gains and comfort. We also gained a hands-on understanding of habitat restoration by helping the FWNCR team cut back privet, later to be burned and mulched.  We learned more about environmental issues from the documentary Before the Flood . In the film, Leonardo DiCaprio visits locations where the effects of climate change are evident, from melting ice caps in the Arctic to deforestation in Indonesia. The film connected climate change to human activities, showing how industries that rely on fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable consumption accelerate the planet’s destruction. It also offered potential solutions like calling for ind...
Read more

Oak Motte Trail

Image
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...
Read more