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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| Picture 4: The walk to the cars |
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