What would a class about
nature be without a trip outdoors? Our class trekked to the Fort Worth Nature Center
and Refuge. As soon as we got there, we were told our task: chop down the
privet. If you’re like me and have never heard of privet, I’ll give you some background.
Privet – specifically Chinese privet – is an invasive species popular in the
south. As it grows, it leaves little room for the other plants to stand a
chance. That’s where we enter. Prepared with our pants, long sleeves, and bug
spray, we were on a mission to take down this invasive .
When we got to where we were going to begin our task,
there was privet everywhere. Every pivot brought more privet. We chopped and chopped,
determined to make a change. By the end, we had huge piles of privet. I was
proud of what we accomplished. It was fun, especially doing it alongside my
peers.
Nature gives me so much. I love to admire it. It was nice
to give something in return. I was reminded of Emily Dickinson’s “Some keep the
Sabbath Going to Church,” a poem about how she finds her peace and rest in
nature. Similarly, bringing class outdoors taught me so much. It was freeing and
a good change of scenery. While I truly love the conversations in the classroom,
it was such a joy building the community outdoors and applying what we have
learned to make even the smallest slice of Fort Worth a better place. Some
might keep class in the classroom, but I enjoy moving it to nature. What better
place to think and be!
I’m looking forward to spending more time at the Fort
Worth Nature Center and Refuge. It sounds like we might tackle some new
projects next time, so I cannot wait to see what is in store. Giving back to nature
is the best feeling, so I challenge you to find a way to give back.
Until my next adventure,
Sav
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