Nature Journal #4 - Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge

On Tuesday afternoon, our class began our volunteer work with the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. Over the course of five weeks, we will be clearing away overgrown invasive plants like privet. On Tuesday afternoon – after a hectic morning of classes and the looming reality of an Intermediate Macroeconomics exam later in the week – I enjoyed the calmness and conversation of the drive to get there, the trees curving up and over the road in a green canopy, giving us some shade from the sun. When we arrived at the Nature and Refuge Center’s maintenance area for an introduction and safety training before heading out, we gathered to look at the collections of bones and shells and feathers and taxidermied creatures. We tried to guess what had been what. We headed to the work site, cramming ourselves into the bed of the truck. Once we arrived, we pulled on gloves and brightly colored vests, put on protective glasses, and put in earplugs; the woodchipper roared to life and we got to work. 

We made our way through the trees, picking up privet and branches and logs that had been cut down by a group before us and bringing them over to the woodchipper. On my first trip to the woodchipper, a privet thorn caught on my vest as I was throwing it in, and I had to quickly spin around to free myself. Once I was free, my heart was pounding and, after that, I tried to be much more careful and deliberate with the privet thorns and my trips to the woodchipper. However, a little while later – because I was wearing my Hokas instead of hard-soled shoes – I was walking along and a privet thorn pierced through my shoe. It felt like a nail going into my foot, and I thought that it had broken the skin. Upon closer inspection, thankfully, the thorn had only left a deep impression and bruise in my foot. Next week, I’ll certainly be wearing my boots; I learned my lesson the hard way.

Throughout the afternoon, we encountered fire ants and big red wasps. As we worked, I kept my eye out for snakes – looking out for them and listening for them as best as I could. I was glad that we didn’t have any encounters with the snakes. I wonder if we’ll run into one or two by the end of our time volunteering at the reserve. We worked together as an assembly line to cut down, clear, and move debris; we appreciated water and shade and rest, and a breeze to cool us off. I wonder what adventures and discoveries next week will bring.