Nature Savvy

               I will forever look back fondly at my time volunteering at the Fort Worth Nature Center. Dr. Williams talked about how we could put that work on our resume – it is work that I am proud of! I have a new appreciation for people who work in roles dedicated to protecting nature while helping others enjoy it, as it is no easy task. There was one task I particularly loved, and that was putting up poles to serve as posts as part of the new viewing deck for the bison.             When I say the process was a workout, that is no exaggeration. First, we had to dig holes for where the giant poles would go. We kept digging and digging until finally it was the proper depth. We then had to carry bags of concrete. I had no idea a bag that small could weigh so much! We then had to get water to mix in with the concrete. Someone would then get the pole in the right placement –...

I recently went on a bike ride along the Trinity. I wanted to be intentional about paying attention to the nature surrounding me instead of merely pedaling by. I wanted to stop, kick down my kickstand, and admire the beauty in Fort Worth. You’ve read Thoreau’s Walking . I introduce to you: Biking .   I wish to speak a word for Nature, for marvelous perseverance in a world that fails to understand the beauty in the intricacies. To regard one’s intricacies and feelings as complex as the world and ecosystems that surround us. To not merely blow by the Nature beautifully presenting itself only to feel the slight breeze on our necks, but to understand the creation as we pass by. I aim to make a statement as extreme as Thoreau’s.   I have only a few friends who understand the art of biking …   Pedaling, not akin to exercise, but to move through the wilderness. Every bike ride is an expression of freedom, a way to take our own two feet a bit further.   Whe...

               As mentioned in a previous blog, I had the opportunity to spend fall break in Seattle with my honors business program. When choosing flights, my friend Haley and I decided to head back to Texas a bit later the last day so we could explore more of the Seattle area. Most of our time spent with our program was in the heart of Seattle amid the hustle and bustle. We pondered how we would spend our last day and decided it would be best spent among the beautiful nature Washington has to offer. We asked some friends living in Seattle where we should go, and the resounding answer was Discovery Park. Haley and I woke up early, grabbed some coffee, and headed on our way to what would be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.             Discovery Park is a gorgeous park hosting over 500 acres of flora and fauna. The edge of the park overlooks the Puget Soun...

Over fall break, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with my business honors program to Seattle. While we were there, we toured various corporate headquarters, one of which was Amazon. Arguably the coolest part of our tour was visiting the Amazon Spheres, three spherical conservatories that house over 40,000 plants and serve as a workspace for employees.           Amazon’s mission in building the Spheres was to connect people to nature in an urban environment and allow people to take advantage of the positive effects of nature, such as higher levels of creativity. The Spheres feature plants from over 30 countries that rotate between a nearby greenhouse. Amazon has a horticulture team dedicated to successfully supporting the biodiversity present in the Spheres.           As a business student, it is encouraging to see large corporations understand the importance of nature as part of daily life. The Spheres are a great way to imp...