Fostering a Blog

Right away, this trail felt different. It was covered in wildflowers, mostly purple, stretching out as far as I could see. I brought my phone to film some content for social media, and it ended up being the perfect place for it. The trail had a calm energy that made it easy to enjoy while still getting something done. This one stood out because it didn’t feel like I was doing it for class. It felt like something I would have chosen to do anyway. The flowers, the open space, and the breeze made it feel more personal than most other spots we’ve been to. I liked being able to tie in something I enjoy doing outside of school with the time we spent out there. This trail showed how being outside can be more than just a break. It can be something you want to share and keep coming back to.  

  This hike felt a little different than the others. I was walking the trail with Dr. Williams, and instead of focusing only on the environment, we ended up talking about basketball, the Masters, and whatever else came up during the walk. The conversation made the trail feel less like a class assignment and more like a regular day spent outside. Even though we weren’t stopping to point out every plant or animal, I still found myself noticing the little things. The sunlight coming through the trees, a squirrel darting across the path, the sound of wind moving through the leaves. It made me realize that appreciating nature doesn’t always mean being quiet or overly focused. Sometimes just being out there and taking it in, even in the middle of a conversation, is enough. This hike reminded me that nature can be part of normal moments and doesn’t always need to feel like an event.

  As soon as the weather started to warm up, I got back into golfing in the mornings. It’s something I used to do more often, but this spring made me want to start again. Getting out on the course early is always better. It’s quiet, the weather is nice, and it feels like a good reset before the rest of the day. This has become a way for me to spend more time outside without it feeling like I have to plan around it. It ties into the stuff we’ve been talking about in class because it shows how nature doesn’t always have to be a hike or a trail. Golf has become part of how I stay connected to the outdoors without thinking too hard about it.

  Walking through Highland Park, I noticed how much the river running through the middle adds to the space. The trees around it, the way the sidewalks curve with it, and how it cuts right through a developed area all reminded me of what we talk about in class with urban wilderness. You don’t have to be out in the woods to feel like you’re in nature. This was a good example of that. It’s built into the neighborhood, but the trees and water make it feel more open and calm. I probably wouldn’t have thought about it much if it weren’t for this class, but now I notice these things more. It showed me how nature can still be part of everyday places.