30-Minute Nature Fix (Mill Pond Park - 18 SEP 2017)

Going outside is good for you.  Studies show that even as little as 30 minutes of outdoor activity a week has been proven to have health benefits such as reducing stress and lowering the risk of heart disease.  During the school year, I spend my days teaching kids about science and nature.  Unfortunately, out of necessity, most of this teaching takes place in the classroom.  My job teaching about nature means that I have less time to enjoy nature.  (This is what is known as a paradox: a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.)

I try to find time every day to get out and enjoy nature.  Sometimes this means spending time in the garden watching the bees feeding on nectar.  Yesterday I was able to stop at Mill Pond Park after giving a presentation to the local garden club.  I only had 30 minutes.  How much can you see in 30 minutes?

Quite a bit, if you are inclined to look!

Mill Pond Park - my path is highlighted in red

Painted Turtles taking advantage of the late summer sun to bask.

Reeds growing in the remnants of the old mill pond.

Swamp Milkweed seeds are ripe and ready to fly away.

So are the seeds of cattails!

White Water Lily leaves are changing color as they use up their chlorophyll.

Wood Nettle - llok close and you can see the needle-like hairs that give the plant its sting.

The fluffy seedheads of Virgin's Bower cause the plant to also be known as also known as Old Man's Beard.

This Virgin's Bower is not quite as far along as the previous photo.

A few Spotted Joe-pye Weed flowers are still in bloom.

Most Goldenrod species are in full bloom, attracting pollinators like this wasp.

Purple Loosestrife is an invasive species, but pollinators love it.

 

Sun shining through White Oak leaves.

This patch of Common Goldenrod was attracting the attention of dozens of wasps and Locust Borer beetles.

That's it.  My walk through the park is over.  Not bad for 30 minutes!