Week Two at the Fort Worth Nature Center

Week Two at the Fort Worth Nature Center

Week two at the Nature Center was more enjoyable, simply because there was less mud. We were tasked with clearing brush from the bison viewing deck. When I first saw all the tools we would be using, I was intimidated, because of my lack of outdoor work experience. The area we were asked to clear was so overgrown, I couldn’t imagine what it was supposed to look like. I was hesitant to start, because I had no idea where to begin cutting. I’m unfamiliar with plant names, so when they started to discuss plant types, I was worried I may cut the wrong plant.

So, when they asked for someone to sweep the deck and clear it of the leaves and branches to expose the holes, I was apt to volunteer. The broom was small, old, and stiff, making it a challenge to clear large amounts of leaves at one time. Therefore, it took me a while to clear the entire space, but once I finished, it looked like a completely different space. I began to imagine what they wanted it to look like. As other students cut more limbs, I could see the fence that separated the viewing space from the bison.

When I finished sweeping, I began hauling off the cut limbs and leaves to the trailer. Everyone was constantly moving. People were cutting limbs faster than we could load everything into the trailer.

Our volunteer time flew by, because everyone was working together. The day was warmer than expected, so there was a period of time when I had to take a seat, because I didn’t feel well—I assume it was from dehydration. Thankfully, I was able to fill my water bottle and we got a rest break, which made me feel better. Moving forward, I’ll need to be better prepared for the weather and bring more water, so I don’t overheat.

Week two was so rewarding, because we got to see how much everyone had accomplished by the end of the class. We took a picture when we finished for the day to show how much we had cleared. I’m enjoying our time at the nature center, because I'm able to connect with my classmates, professor, and nature center staff in a way that is not possible in the classroom. I find myself looking forward to our class visit each week, because I’m able to learn and interact with the outdoors in a way that no other class offers.