Ducks That Can Read

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         Craving some time away from my computer screen, I asked a friend if she wanted to go on a walk around Trinity Park. We found a nice place to start our journey and explored the area. I have walked along the river numerous times, but the need for shade kept us on the trails underneath trees, and I realized there was so much more to Trinity Park than I knew.

            Walking further into the park, I was disheartened by the polluted pond. A small pond near the busy Fort Worth roads was where many ducks, geese, and turtles chose to gather. However, they did not choose to gather in the pond, but rather around it. A sign that said “No Swimming No Fishing” was surrounded by ducks, almost as though they could read it and it was a warning to them. I couldn’t blame them for sitting on the sidelines – I would not want to swim or eat fish out of the pond either.


            Observing the ducks on the side of the pond, I could not help but think about Edward Abbey’s Polemic. These plants and animals persist while being surrounded by some of the busiest roads in the
city. Abbey argues that wilderness is necessary, yet we are disrupting it. Development of the park to allow people to drive through it hurts the wildlife that is there. Trinity Park is one of the few places where people in central Fort Worth go to enjoy nature, but the peaceful nature is overtaken by the pollution of cars and disruption of people looking for the perfect photo spot. As Abbey mentions, policies indicate that “parks are for people-in-automobiles."

           Trinity Park is somewhere I have made many memories, but looking at it through the eyes of Edward Abbey made me realize that this beautiful park should be a place where ducks desire to swim. People need to be aware of how their actions disrupt the natural environment. Trinity Park is part of my home, but it is the home of many creatures that are counting on us to not destroy it. Be mindful of the nature around you. Challenge yourself to look at nature through the eyes of Abbey.

 

Until my next adventure,

 

Sav

           

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