For as long as I can remember, I've loved spending time out in nature! However, as I've grown older, I've noticed a significant decrease in the amount of time I choose to spend in nature. We as teenagers, living in this society, are able to spend our time in so many different ways. With having all of this new modern technology offered to us, as well as the media screaming to get our attention, we may sometimes find it challenging to unplug ourselves and spend some one-on-one time with nature. I’ll be one of the first to admit that I’ve fallen into an unhealthy addiction to technology. However, I’ve been longing to gain the connection back that I used to feel I had with the outdoors. Since participating in phenology, I’d say I’m on my way to doing so.
At the beginning of this school year, Mrs. Lord introduced me and my Environmental Science class to phenology. I had never heard of it before and wouldn’t have ever imagined it would soon hold so much meaning to me. Each student in the class was able to choose a phenology spot down along the creek in Pioneer Park. After choosing a spot, we were able to open up to our area and become more aware of the surroundings within the spot we each chose. Ever since then, we’ve returned to our phenology spots about once every week and have recorded observations made from spending time there. As we sit and observe, we try to listen for different sounds that we hear and watch for different eye catching sights. We write about any changes we see or anything interesting we come across. This gives us a chance to really feel nature and look at it with open, attentive eyes.
My phenology spot is right next to the creek, where I sit under a small and odd looking tree. I find this spot to be very unique and hope to post a picture of it soon, but currently am having difficulties doing so. On a more personal level, I usually find that the time I spend at my phenology spot is very peaceful and inspiring. As I sit and watch the gentle flow of the creek, I find that my thoughts slow down and my body becomes less tense. It becomes much easier to let go of any troubles that were hanging above me, back at the high school, and nature becomes my greater focus. I’m yet to come across anything unfamiliar at my phenology sight. I would consider all of what I’ve heard and seen to be normal for the area, but have found excitement in the small changes I’ve observed. During the first semester of phenology I was able to watch the changes in nature due to the change in season. I was able to observe the grass turn from green to brown, watch the leaves fall from the trees and feel the air turn bitter cold. As we start our next semester of phenology, I look forward to making new observations and learning more about my phenology spot.
"Last Child in the Woods," has left its mark on you, Mandy! I am so glad you read that book -- from what you have detailed in this particular post I can tell the message resonated with, and had an impact on you!
ReplyDeleteEven though the majority of observations you made during first semester were "expected," there is value in this practice...I am glad you chose to write about that.