9/16/20, 4:12 to 5:47 p.m. Sunny, mid 60s temperature, light breeze

On an evening walk along Carvin Creek, I came across a small inlet that looked perfect for observing wildlife. Looking around, I knew I had found my sit spot. It was nestled right behind the practice soccer field with a perfect view of Tinker Mountain. I felt right at home, a familiar feeling for me at Hollins University. My sit spot includes a small area of rocky terrain, surrounded by a series of trees, bushes, and other undergrowth. The creek runs North to South and in this particular area is full of eddies and riffles. Many animals and plants call this place home and I’m excited to share this little corner of nature with them for the time being.

Upon first observation, this small area seemed somewhat barren. But, as I began to tune into the natural world, I became aware that this place was teeming with life. A spider weaved its nest a few feet away from my face on the tree near the creek. A Mourning Dove’s steady “hoo hoo hoo” calmed me, though, previously, I had always mistakenly attributed the sound to an owl. It reminded me of how we humans tend to think we know so much about our environment and the world around us and then, time and time again, Mother Nature proves us wrong. On some level, we are all akin to Harriet from There’s a Hair in My Dirt, and we could all learn something if we just sat and listened to what nature was really telling us. Another bird call pierced my eardrums, a loud “caw,” almost like a scream, but I couldn’t find the perpetrator.

Scanning the undergrowth, I noticed the beautiful foliage that had begun to fall due to our changing seasons. I can’t wait to watch the trees’ slow journey to Autumnal colors, my favorite time of the year. I discovered a peculiar leaf on the ground here too, a bright red leaf and the only one of its kind. As I look at the decomposing specimen, I wonder if the brown speckles are a natural part of nature or some disease that has begun to take its toll. As a glanced up, I was greeted by the steady waving of the canopy, urging me to stay just a little while longer. I was surprised by the deep, white vastness of the unclouded sky and just how lucky I was to be able to bare witness to this undeniable beauty.

The first hour or so that I spent at my sit spot was truly magical. I was able to take in all the wonder around me and see things as they really were. I think that every once in a while, everyone should enjoy the pleasure and escape of nature. Writing down all of my feelings was a remarkable experience as well, because not only did I feel more in touch with the world around me, but I felt like I got to know my own self better.

I chose to observe a small clover plant just about a foot from my picnic blanket. It seemed to have just emerged from the underground, bright and untouched, and I want to know how external forces will affect it. It had about ten clovers growing, so I will observe whether that number grows larger or smaller.

 

Next, I spotted some Ivy, Himalayan or English, I’m not entirely sure yet. I will take some notes and try to differentiate between the two as I further my observations. Also, I will document any growth that I can see.

On the same tree, I spotted a beautiful spiderweb, though the spider hid from sight as soon as I came near. I would like to watch how the changing environment then changes the habitat and web of this spider.