Nature Walk

Natur completelyy Urban Its a bizarre concept, in truth. The cerebration of large natural commonaltys smack dab in the centre of attention of large cities. But I guess no one rig them in that respect, but rather weve built up around them. Nature is delineate as the natural world as it exists with forth human beings or civilization. When battalion talk ab prohibited record the first thing that generally comes to creative thinker is picturesque landscapes fit for calendars and desktop tailgrounds. A Google image search of the forge nature returns over 3,290,000,000 results of too good to be true photos of waterfalls, moveyons, mountains, cover trees and lagoons.Each of these landscapes seems to be a snapshot of nigh distant natural knock out(p) that is somewhere far away from industrialization. Not one image hints at the idea of human interference. The message these pictures convey is that nature exists only entirely disconnected from human life and civilization. Simi larly, a common first sentiment response to the world wildlife is visions of large animals roaming jungles and deserts and forests, in deep unpopulated areas.Ill admit that I definitely perceived nature this way for a good amount of time. Recently, however, Ive adopted a new idea. obviously influenced by living in the Bronx and having to re-adjust to the concept of nature, I think Ive developed a greater appreciation of it. Van Cortlandt Park, spanning over 1,146-acres and be as the fourth largest park in New York City molds just next to me. In New York, it boasts one of the highest rates of rare implant species and is home to wildlife non seen many another(prenominal) other places in the city.On paper in comparison to many of our countries national parks and wildlife conservancies, it is an unimpressive blip in the guide book. But Ill argue that picture perfect landscapes in the middle of nowhere have less to prove than a late nature rich park competing with the urban sp ectacle of one of the biggest cities in the world. I think its the stark contrast that allows for a deeper appreciation of what nature is. I couldnt explain this in words until I walked from my apartment down to Van Cortlandt Park for the first time.When I walk out of the front door of my three story walk up-overpriced-student apartment- Im immediately greeted by the familiar scent of gar steme piling up on my curb and the sight of scaffolding for construction that never seems to be finished, if its even been started. Walking down 238th street the oxygenize is densely with the aromas of Chinese food and pizza and that weird stale beer tang that wafts out of Fenwicks bar in the daylight. Deranged looking squirrels are scrap over what looks to be the sorry end of a bacon egg and discontinue thrown on the ground.A standard lulling sound of affair, people and cumulationtle is all I pile really hear. Strangely, as I descend upon the center 238th stairs down to Broadway, what l ies ahead is an even more urban and lively scene. The stairs themselves are a treat as well. The pits that lay on either side of the railings are filled with a grab bag selection of beer bottles, soda cans, plastic bags and any other trash person couldnt throw in a garbage can. The stairs are also shadowed by two high rise apartment buildings packing in more people than I could probably imagine.As I get closer to Broadway the focus seems to be on the loud grumble and screeching of the subway overhead, with lots of people racing up the stairs to get on. Walking on Broadway towards the park is dark and shady from the subway. When I near 242nd street, I could throw a rock to 4 several(predicate) fast food places, a liquor store and a hardly a(prenominal) bars. Gypsy cab drivers are standing around the Dunkin Donuts acting as friendly loiterers but asking if I need a ride. I contemplate grabbing an iced coffee but then incur strange more or less bringing it into the park as I at tempt to experience nature.My caffein fix can wait I guess. Crossing the street to the park entrance is almost laughable. Dodging four lanes of traffic and a bus route, I find myself standing safely on the other side. subsequently shuffling around a crowd of people waiting for the bus, I enter the park and walk towards the conservancy. Would it be dramatic for me to say the air changed? Im willing to say that it did. I kid you not it was fresher. The sound of the subway was gone and the air felt the likes of something you were cheerful to breathe in. It smelled like good old fashion nature. I smell dirt and grass and its lacking any cheap food stench.The conservancy looks as old-world as the rest of the park makes you feel. The stones are weathered and the computer architecture is a far cry from high-rises and bodegas. Walking further into the trail I notice you can feel the life in the area. Without the outside noises I can feel every crunching footstep and ever rustle in the le aves. Im not one to notice birds, but for some reason I take note of a some fugitive in and out of the tree line. Looking at the different plants is interesting. Something I would normally just classify as leaves I notice there is a great variety. My mind wanders to survival.My school bag suddenly feels like a bag of supplies and I feel like Im in an episode of LOST. That makes me smile when I remember I can still probably throw a rock and hit Burger King. The trees are magnificent. Tall and dignified and old. The downstairsstory trees are strong and skillful. I fall dupe to technology when I find myself trying to lookup what kinds of trees they are on my phone. Understory tree species come up as Ironwood, American Hop Hornbeam, and bloom Dogwood. The taller trees yield results of Tulip Tree, Red Oak, duster Oak, Bitternut Hickory, Sweet Gum and White Pine.The pictures are so tiny on my phone I can barely use it as a guide. I make a mental note to look when I get home. I sit d own for a minute to try and get a full surroundings view. It feels really nice to be sitting here in this beauty. I feel like I havent seen this many trees in a long time. I dont really see much animal life besides a few squirrels and birds, but I know its there. I can feel movement in the space. Insects of a dozen different kinds are under a rock I turn over which is cool. Bugs dont scare me and I like knowing where to find them. Theyre so small and seem particularly hard to identify.I check my phone and project I should probably head out if I plan on making it to my next class on time. Im going to need to follow the same route back to campus. Over the traffic and up the stairs out of this haven Im in right now. Its sad to say this is the first time Ive done this, sat here and enjoyed the park. Ill need to come back for sure and spend more time. Replacing the movement of people and things out on Broadway with trees and wildlife down here is an amazing feeling. Im almost positive this place would not seem so beautiful if the urban landscape of the rest of the Bronx wasnt right outside the gates.