Final Presentation

Final Presentation 

Emily Dillon, Abby Sellers, Brianna Ross, Jack O’Neill 

        For our final project, we completed a video project in which we outlined our four key takeaways from the semester as a whole. To structure this project, we used a combination of voice overs, key quotes, and photographs that we believe visually depict the stories and experiences that we are sharing. We decided to make our project photograph oriented because nature photography has been a key theme for each of us throughout this semester, as it has been a component that has allowed us to better connect with nature. Additionally, photography has challenged us to capture different perspectives, such as choosing to focus on one tiny bee rather than an entire garden. We believe that our photography shows how our perspectives have changed this semester, so that in combination with other photographs depicting the quotes and authors we are referencing is the most powerful way for us to get our message across. 

         Our four key takeaways from this semester include: Re-evaluating our relationship with nature, gaining a better understanding of our role in environmental issues, understanding that there are different ways to view nature, and acknowledging that all of life is united and connected. These takeaways were identified through reflecting and synthesizing our semester experiences to identify the most significant lessons we learned that we will carry with us long past this course. Additionally, we also referenced the course outcomes when identifying these takeaways to ensure they were the most relevant learning experiences from the course. For example, we have gained a great understanding of current and historic environmental issues and movements, which we referenced in our video through our discussion on transcendentalism, conservation v. preservation, and Standing Bear v. Lewis. Additionally, throughout our takeaways we synthesized information from the variety of authors and genres that we learned about this semester, analyzing their similarities and differences to connect the common takeaways that we could learn from all of them. Lastly, we also referenced our personal outdoor experiences and observations and the roles they played in our learning, such as in discussing the bison roundup, walking, and canoe trip experiences. 

         Overall, we are confident that these four key takeaways encompass the most relevant learnings we had this semester, and show a thorough completion of the course outcomes. We all had an incredible experience connecting with our fellow classmates through our nature opportunities, and are excited to carry forward these learnings and new perspectives on nature going forward. Thank you for watching our video and for an amazing semester!

Please watch our video using this link: https://tcu.box.com/s/i4gkmhp9c6hc3k5hbempkpyrsr1ysglk

My Top 10 Photos

        This post consists of my photo journal for the semester, and is made up of my top 10 photographs that I have taken during my various nature experiences. Throughout this course, I have been able to reconnect with my passion for photography. I have always loved taking photos, and even can vividly remember asking for a professional camera one Christmas while in middle school. However, in recent years I have fallen out of that passion, largely because I find it inconvenient to carry around a large camera. However, this assignment reminded me of how easy photography can be these days, as I have nearly a professional grade camera at the tip of my fingers at all time via my iPhone. I have intentionally taken hundreds of pictures this semester, which I have now narrowed down to my top 10 photographs for this blog post. 

        Through this post, you will see my experiences with nature this semester through my camera lens, depicting the beautiful sunsets, flowers, and animals that I encountered along the way. These photos were intentionally selected after analyzing the hundreds taken, and I think each presents a beautiful story of what I encountered this semester in my various nature experiences. I hope you enjoy the experience of looking through these photos! 

Colorful Minnesota Sunset

Blossoming Buckwheat

Sunlight Peeking Through the Tree

Caterpillar Hidden in Privet

Bright Egyptian Starcluster

Sunset by Canoe

Changing Leaves

A Resting Scorpion

Bees Pollinating

A Peek at a Bison

A Lesson on Walking

         I have enjoyed our last few class periods of lead respondent discussions on different authors and topics related to our study of nature. In particular, the discussion on walking and David Thoreau was especially thought-provoking for me. This class discussion began with analyzing the similarities and differences between transcendentalism and romanticism, which was interesting to me because these are topics I have frequently heard about, but never fully understood. Through this comparison, I learned that both concepts come out of the 18th century, but the main difference is that romanticism highlights the importance of emotions and following how one is feeling, whereas transcendentalism draws from God and the beyond for knowledge. Thoreau was a key advocate of transcendentalism, often expressing its viewpoints through his various works. 

        In this class discussion, we also analyzed several key quotes from Thoreau. In one quote, Thoreau states "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads." We did not heavily discuss this quote in class, but as I reflected on it after class, I found it to be powerful as it seems to be open to a few interpretations. On one hand, I think that this quote speaks to Thoreau's view on nature, as he sees the ground beneath him as heaven in that it is God's creation. In my experience, people often look up at the sky to admire God's creation and see it as heavenly, but I think this quote opens up the idea that heaven is the entire Earth that we live on, and the nature God created needs to be appreciated as such. However, on the other hand, I think this quote can be interpreted through the eyes of transcendentalism and their discussion of good vs. evil. Transcendentalists believe that humans are inherently good but can be corrupted by society and its institutions, and as a result man falls somewhere between good and evil. I think Thoreau could also be touching this notion through his quote, in saying this inherent in between of good vs. evil opens up the idea that heaven is both above and below, rather than the traditional thought of heaven being above and hell being below. I am not sure exactly how Thoreau intended this quote to be interpreted, but I think the multifaceted aspect of it and other Thoreau quotes is what makes his writings so impactful, even in the decades beyond his life.

        Thoreau also frequently wrote about walking, providing a unique perspective on how one should properly walk to appreciate nature. Particularly, in one quote Thoreau poses the question, "what would become of us, if we walked only in a garden or a mall?" Through this quote, Thoreau is emphasizing the importance of looking for areas of true nature, rather than manmade areas including gardens. This surprised me, as I see gardens as still beautiful ways to appreciate nature, yet here Thoreau is stating it is still not true nature and instead we should look for areas that naturally grow and are untouched by humans. I would be interested to see what Thoreau's view would be on gardens in the present times world, as I think that today gardens are often being built to replace the nature that was long ago destroyed through human building. For example, when I was studying abroad this summer we visited Rotterdam in the Netherlands, which is a very modern looking city with little greenery. Because of this lack of nature, one concept environmentalists had was to build gardens on the flat roofs that characterize this city (see picture 1 of a garden we visited). These gardens allow for plants and vegetables to grow, and also give children living in the city the opportunity to interact with nature when they otherwise would not be able to. I think this is an example of a garden Thoreau may approve of today, and I think there may be other situations in which Thoreau may change his viewpoint on man-made aspects of nature given that they are bringing back nature into many areas.

Picture 1: Rooftop garden in Rotterdam, Netherlands

        At the end of the class period, we also were given the opportunity to "walk like Thoreau." Essentially, we were given the following task: to walk with no distractions and look for both areas of nature that Thoreau would approve and disapprove of given what we had just learned. Picture 2 depicts one area that I found fascinating, in which the TCU landscaping has hidden piping in a large bush area. Inherently, I think Thoreau would dislike this due to the human development components. However, I personally think this is a really cool aspect, and I think it shows how TCU truly does try to maintain a beautiful and nature filled campus, even to the point of using that nature to cover some not so pretty, man-made aspects. Picture 3, on the other hand, depicts bees pollinating flowers, which is an activity I think Thoreau would greatly approve of. However, I do think it is an interesting note to point out that this is a man-made garden that the bees are pollinating in, so I did find myself questioning if Thoreau would have an issue with that. Nonetheless, I thought this activity was interesting in that it prompted me to think and walk like Thoreau, and since then I have found myself continuing to do so on my walks.

Picture 2: Pipes hidden by nature

Picture 3: Bees pollinating in man-made garden

Thank you for reading!

Emily

Our Final Day Volunteering

         Today was our final day volunteering at the Fort Worth Nature Center, and I also think it was our best day since it was filled with fun and connecting. We split into two groups, with some students working on inserting poles for the fence, and the other group working on clearing brush located alongside the path. I personally decided to help clear brush, as I felt more confident doing that since I was a little intimidated after she describing the fence being physically strenuous. Despite that initial thought, our job ended up being quite physically demanding as well since we were carrying heavy tree stumps and branches. We first emptied out the trash in the trailer and brought it to a nearby dumpster so that we had an empty trailer to begin with. Then, we began picking up the cut down trees and branches alongside the path. We worked for about an hour or so on this task until the path was completely cleared of all the major brush. By the end of our task, the trailer we were pilling the shrub in was completely filled and overflowing, which was satisfying to see as it clearly showed how much progress we made during that short time period.

Picture 1: Pathway cleared of all brush

        Then, we went to join the other group in inserting the poles for the fence in the new bison enclosure. I enjoyed observing this process, as I found it to be a great demonstration of teamwork. The pole insertion required teams of 4-5, who all had to be coordinated to ensure that the pole went in level and in the correct spot. Even when a mistake did occur, such as a pole having to be replaced, the staff was understanding and the team adapted by continuing to work together to remove and re-place the pole. 

       I was also excited today to learn that the grand opening for the new bison viewing deck will be next Thursday with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. It is surprising to me how fast this process is moving along, as the pathway had not been started the last time I was volunteering, but is expected to be completely finished by next week. I was amazed by the framing process that had already been done, and I can see the vision in how amazing this experience will be for future nature center guests. I, for one, plan to return to the nature center so that I can see this completed project, and also admire our classes hard work in the surrounding area these last 6 weeks.

Picture 2: Framing for bison viewing deck

        As we concluded all of our assigned tasks for the afternoon, we were told the staff had one final challenge for us, which was to remove some poles within the enclosure. I was slightly behind the group walking over, which was actually a lucky coincidence as I got to see the hilarious and movie-like scene of all my classmates trying to loosen the poles (see picture 3). I did ask the staff about why no one had invented a tool to more quickly remove these poles, to which she responded such tool did exist, they just did not have it with them at the moment. I found this funny, as this activity that is small to them ended up being so much fun for us and a favorite activity out of all our time volunteering at the nature center.

Picture 3: Class Challenge

        Overall, I really enjoyed this last day! I feel like it was filled with fun times and laughter, while also successfully completing all of the work we were tasked with for that day. As we walked back to our cars, I took a picture (picture 4) of the view we see on our pathway. I appreciated this view every day we volunteered, as I think it reminds me of the tree-filled Minnesota that I grew up in, so I am happy I finally snapped a picture of it. I am excited to get back into the classroom for the rest of the semester, but I will also miss our weekly trips to the nature center!

Picture 4: The walk to the cars

Thank you for reading,

Emily

Here Come the Bison!

         Today we had the incredible opportunity to participate in the bison round-up at the Fort Worth Nature Center. I have been looking forward to this ever since first hearing about it, and the experience surpassed any expectations I had.  Participating in a bison round-up is something I likely never would have done if it were not for this opportunity, and likely will never have a chance to do again, so this truly was a once in a lifetime experience for me.

        When we arrived to the nature center, we were greeted by the staff and informed that the vet was running about an hour behind. The staff member talked about how at first the vet was going to be early, then late, as well as how the vet's clinic was currently very understaffed so it was difficult to coordinate a day with him in the first place. This discussion was surprising to me, as I am used to the business world in which the time you give is the time you are expected, no matter the circumstances. This made me realize, though, that the business industry can afford to be that way due to the ample resources it has, whereas nonprofit organizations like the nature center do not have as much control and have to be much more flexible and accommodating with their partners. I also was impressed at how many volunteers they had to assist with the bison roundup. I expected the round-up to be completely run by staff with us simply observing behind a fence, so I was shocked that there were both other volunteers and that we would all be playing an active role in the round-up. I found it amazing to see how this event brings together a community of people who are all passionate about nature and animals.

        As we were waiting, I had the opportunity to talk with several of the staff members and volunteers. As I was talking with one of the staff members, he asked me about logistics for the nature center hiring unpaid interns, with specific interest in getting a marketing intern since he says they currently do not have anyone on the team with those skills. This discussion was surprising to me because, while he was teaching me about nature and the round-up, I was actually able to teach him things about the business and internship world. I think this conversation is a great example of the benefits a course like this can have, in which it brings together people of all different backgrounds and experiences to learn and grow from one another. Additionally, in this time I also had the opportunity to talk with a frequent volunteer for the nature center, during which he even brought over a scorpion he had found under a log (see picture 1). I personally was slightly terrified to see it, but it also was cool to see this species that I had heard so much about in person. 

Picture 1: Scorpion

       Once some anticipation had been built up, the vet finally arrived and we were able to get started with the round-up! My assigned role was to manage one of the gates on the 'shoot' that the bison went through right before getting to the vet's location (see picture 2 for the area I was working). 

Picture 2: The area I was working the gates

        It was incredible to watch the whole process it entailed in order to get bison to the vet, as I had  never previously considered how truly difficult such a seemingly easy task would be. First, one of the staff members would gradually bring the bison in small groups of about five to the gated area. Then, one at a time they would gradually be pushed through a series of gates, until eventually they got to the "tub" and were sent through the final shoot up to the vet. Throughout this entire process, all of the volunteers had to be coordinated through constant communication to ensure they were ready for each next step, as if not there could be some major consequences. When I was not actively having to work my gate, I was able to squat down and look through the fences to see the bison at the various spots along the route (see picture 3). Additionally, I got to watch the bison be freed after the vet, which was really enjoyable because you could see their relief as they got to run back into nature (see picture 4). However, it was difficult to be in my location because I was able to hear and see how upset the animals would get once they were trapped at the vet, as they clearly did not enjoy being trapped or getting their shots and other necessary treatments. However, I had to remind myself that all of this was for their benefit to ensure that they could continue living healthy and high-quality lives.

Picture 3: Watching the bison through the fence

Picture 4: The bison runs home to nature

        Overall, this day was an amazing and unique experience that I likely never would have gotten to do if it were not for taking this course. It definitely was a day that pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways, such as seeing the scorpion, but it also allowed me to learn so much about bison and the nature center in general. I am excited to return to the nature center this Wednesday for our final day of volunteering!

Thank you for reading!

Emily

A Minnesota Fall Break

        For TCU's fall break at the beginning of October, I decided to travel home to Minnesota. I had some other travel options, but ultimately I wanted to travel home primarily to see my family, but also because I knew it would be at the peak of the fall season in Minnesota. Fall is actually my favorite season, as I love the crisp weather and changing leaves, so I was excited to be home and experience a true fall (rather than the 90 degree weather we were experiencing in Texas).

        I took a 7:05am flight home on Thursday morning, which got me in to Minnesota at 9:30am with the whole day free for activities. As I stepped outside, I immediately took in a deep breath of the cool 60 degree temperature. This is the best type of weather, as it is where you may be a little chilly and bundled up in the morning, but then as the day goes on it warms up to the point where it is great weather you can comfortably be outside in. My mom picked me up from the airport and then we embarked on our 20-30 minute drive home. Throughout the drive, all I could do was look outside the window at the beautiful leaves surrounding the road. Minnesota is a greenery filled state, with countless trees and nature surrounding our highways and roads. But, at this time, these roads were filled with the colors of green, yellow, orange, and red, and it encapsulated me to the point where I could not help but stare and take in all of the colors (see picture 1). This admiration was a trend for me throughout the weekend. In every car drive, I found myself repeatedly pointing out how beautiful the trees were to whoever was in the car with me. I tried to take advantage of this beautiful fall by being outside as much as I could, engaging in activities such as going to the apple orchard, shooting at trap and skeet, and sitting outside by a warm fire.

Picture 1: Fall leaves surrounding the road

        As I neared the end of my weekend at home, I decided to go on a long walk so that I could really experience and appreciate the nature I had been admiring. This walk was actually done in the same neighborhood that I completed my first journal entry on back in August, and it was amazing to see how similar but different the area looked with the changing of seasons. Please see some of my favorite photos from my walk below:

Picture 2: Ombre of leaves

Picture 3: Red and yellow leaves

Picture 4: Close-up of leaves on tree

Picture 5: Close-up of leaves on ground

Picture 6: Leaves spiraling around pole

        Throughout the walk, I found myself admiring all of the beautiful colors and leaves, as they essentially created an ombre effect of red, orange, yellow, and green in a way that was amazing and simply had to be appreciated. While I was on this walk, I also found myself reflecting on what is next for me when I graduate from TCU this spring. I personally am torn between whether I want to live in Texas or Minnesota after graduation. There are obviously many factors at play such as family, friends, and jobs, but I also find the weather playing a major role as well in this decision. I believe that weather impacts my mood, and I love that Texas remains warm and sunny throughout the winter rather than the dark and gloomy Minnesota winters. However, when I visit Minnesota in the summer and fall, I am reminded of how much I love and miss the seasons, and it makes me want to move back there after graduation. This trip really gave me a newfound appreciation for Minnesota, as I saw the nature surrounding me in a way I had never seen it before through my greater appreciation and understanding of nature from this course. Regardless of my decision, I find it amazing how deep and introspective of thoughts nature was able to bring up in me, and I really think it shows the power that nature can have. It reminded me of the Emily Dickenson poem and discussion we had earlier this semester about nature being a reflective and even religious experience for many, and I really do believe that is what I experienced while on this walk.

        Overall, I had an incredible nature experience being home for fall in Minnesota. This experience gave me a newfound appreciation and perspective on the nature I grew up with for 18 years, and I think it is a great demonstration of the growth that has taken place in me throughout this semester.

Thank you for reading!

Emily

Cutting down the Privet

        This past week in class, we began our five week stint of volunteering at the Fort Worth Nature Center. This opportunity to get out of the classroom and volunteer in the Fort Worth community was actually the primary reason that I chose to take this course, so I was excited to get started. The drive to the nature center was about thirty minutes, and as we were driving I realized that I had absolutely no idea where I was, as I had never driven far in that direction. Similar to the paddling trip, this realization and the fact that I had never been to the nature center before disappointed me, as it is such a beautiful natural area so close to campus that I should have been taking advantage of for the past three years. As we were driving, I was researching more into the center since I knew little about it, and the first sentence in their about me section really stood out to me: "The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R) is a natural area comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands allowing you to step back in time and experience what the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex was like in the early 20th century." This quote made me excited to see all the types of nature this area has to offer, and I also found it particular interesting that they compared it to what you would have seen in DFW prior to all the development and industrialization.

    

Picture 1: Before photo of the privet forest

    Once we arrived to the center, we learned that we would be tasked with using sheers to cut down privet, an invasive species that was taking over an area that the center would soon be using for animals' homes. Right when we arrived at the area, I was shocked by the sheer amount of privet, as it basically looked like a privet forest (see picture 1). The plant was pretty though, and it did not look like a weed or problem plant like I expected after hearing the employees describe privet. While we were cutting down the privet, I could not help but reflect on how counterintuitive it seemed to be doing so. I understand the privet was an invasive species and being cut down to clear the space for other uses, but from a nature perspective, it seemed wrong and destructive to be cutting down such a healthy plant. For example, after cutting down one chunk, I noticed a caterpillar on the branch (see picture 3), and I found myself feeling bad knowing that I had just removed that animals home. I realized that cutting down the privet does not only affect the plant, but also affects the greater ecosystem of the space, and it made me wonder about the reach of the impact this small but mighty plant has on the area.

Picture 2: Close-up of Privet

Picture 3: Caterpillar found on the privet

        As I was having this internal debate over cutting down the privet, I also found myself thinking about the lead respondent discussion about Edward Abbey that we had the previous week in class. I wonder what Abbey would think about cutting down the privet. On one hand, it is an invasive species, but on the other it is growing naturally in the area and who are we to decide to cut down such a healthy plant for our own purposes. I think Abbey would have been on the second side, and believed that the privet should be left alone to grow as it pleases. More generally, while being at the nature center, I also was reflecting on our debate of preservation vs. accessibility, as well as Abbey's three steps for National Parks. Although this center is not a national park, I think these discussions still reign relevant for it. I do not feel like I have seen enough of it to fully know the amount of cars vs. people walking, roads, and jobs of the workers, but I do plan to pay close attention to that in these next four weeks so that I can see how the center compares to some of the national parks we discussed. 

        Overall, I really enjoyed our first week of volunteering, and am excited to continue exploring and helping at the nature center. This weekend is fall break, and I will be going home to Minnesota where fall is in full swing, so my goal is to spend as much time outside as possible to really enjoy how beautiful nature is at this time of year. Thank you for reading!

- Emily