First Nature Walk!
For my first nature walk, I decided to go to the Pine Tree Reserve that is located right next to the Rec center and overlooks the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Even though the space isn't big, there is a lot of biodiversity within it. As I wandered through the path, I found different types of small flowers, trees, plants, squirrels, birds, and even lichen on the rocks. I walked the loop several times, noticing different species as I went, as they were scattered throughout the reserve. It was a nice, cool fall afternoon with the sun shining and a light breeze. Within the reserve, it is fairly easy to tell the difference between the landscaped parts and what is natural to the area (the landscaped plants line the walkway and the wild plants/species cover most of the ground). I will say, I was a little hesitant to have to go on a natural walk for 30 minutes since I've been so stressed with schoolwork lately. However, after the walk I did feel more relaxed as I not only got to observe and interact with nature, but did it with one of my friends. This brought me back to the idea of ecosystem services and the aesthetic/cultural benefits humans get through biodiversity. Typically, when I think of ecosystem services I think of the regulating or provisioning services like food sources, building materials, pollination, clean water, etc. However, this walk reminded me that biodiversity reminds humans of the natural beauty that surrounds them and the peace/inspiration that it can bring us.
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