Nature Walk

Naturally Urban Its a bizarre concept, really. The idea of large natural parks smack put on in the middle of large cities. But I guess no iodin put them there, but rather weve built up virtually them. Nature is defined as the natural world as it exists without homophile beings or civilization. When mint talk about spirit the branch matter that generally comes to mind is personasque landscapes fit for calendars and desktop buttgrounds. A Google go for search of the word disposition returns everywhere 3,290,000,000 results of too good to be true photos of waterfalls, canyons, mountains, palm trees and lagoons.Each of these landscapes seems to be a snapshot of some removed(p) natural beauty that is somewhere far away from industrialization. Not virtuoso image hints at the idea of human interference. The message these pictures convey is that nature exists only completely disconnected from human life and civilization. Similarly, a crude first thought response to the world wildlife is visions of large animals roaming jungles and deserts and forests, in deep unpopulated beas.Ill admit that I definitely perceived nature this way for a good amount of time. Recently, how incessantly, 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. train Cortlandt Park, spanning over 1,146-acres and ranking as the fourth largest park in b locomote York City sits right next to me. In New York, it boasts one of the spiritedest order of rare plant species and is home to wildlife not seen many another(prenominal) 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 examine than a deeply nature rich park competing with the urban spectacle 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 row until I liberty chited 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 drool 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 bridle-path the air is thick with the aromas of Chinese food and pizza and that weird mothy beer smell that wafts out of Fenwicks bar in the daylight. Deranged sounding squirrels are fighting over what looks to be the sorry end of a bacon egg and cheese thrown on the ground.A standard lulling sound of relations, people and bustle is all I can really hear. Strangely, as I descend upon the steep 238th stairs down to Broadway, what lies ahead is an even more urban and bustling scene. The stairs themselves are a treat as well. The pits that lay on either side of the railings are filled with a grab radix selection of beer bottles, soda cans, plastic bags and any other trash someone couldnt throw in a drool can. The stairs are also shadowed by two high rise apartment buildings packing in more people than I could probably imagine.As I constrict closer to Broadway the focus seems to be on the loud rumble and screeching of the subway overhead, with lots of people racing up the stairs to go bad on. Walking on Broadway towards the park is biased and shady from the subway. When I near 242nd street, I could throw a thrill to 4 assorted fast food places, a liquor shop class and a few bars. Gypsy cab drivers are standing almost the Dunkin Donuts acting as friendly loiterers but asking if I aim a ride. I contemplate grabbing an iced coffee but then thumb strange about bringing it into the park as I hear to experience nature.My caffeine fix can wait I guess . overlap the street to the park entrance is almost laughable. Dodging four lanes of traffic and a bus route, I take a chance myself standing safely on the other side. After shuffling around a crowd of people waiting for the bus, I enter the park and walk towards the conservancy. Would it be hammy 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 mat the likes of something you were happy to breathe in. It smelled like good old formulate nature. I smell dirt and grass and its lacking any brassy food stench.The conservancy looks as old-world as the rest of the park makes you feel. The stones are weathered and the architecture is a far cry from high-rises and bodegas. Walking win into the trail I placard you can feel the life in the area. Without the outdoors noises I can feel every crunching footstep and ever rustle in the leaves. Im not one to notice birds, but for some reason I take note of a few flying 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 hark back I can still probably throw a throw off and hit Burger King. The trees are magnificent. Tall and dignified and old. The understory trees are strong and full. I fall victim to technology when I find myself trying to hunt what kinds of trees they are on my send for. Understory tree species come up as Ironwood, American Hop Hornbeam, and Flowering Dogwood. The taller trees yield results of Tulip Tree, Red Oak, White Oak, Bitternut Hickory, bracing 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 down for a minute to try and get a full surroundings view. It feels really nice to be academic session here in this beauty. I feel like I havent seen this many trees in a long time. I get dressedt really see much animal life besides a few squirrels and birds, but I know its there. I can feel consummation 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 guard my phone and realize I should probably head out if I plan on making it to my next class on time. Im going to privation 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 beauti ful if the urban landscape of the rest of the Bronx wasnt right outside the gates.