Nature Walk #5: UNT Campus

    Over Thanksgiving break, I was able to walk around UNT's campus and observe the nature in Denton. On this particular day, it was cold and windy, which is not my favorite kind of weather. Thankfully, I was dressed in appropriate clothing for the day, in layers and insulated shoes. Just the week prior we had our class activity to walk around campus, so I thought it was fun to contrast the two schools.

    UNT is a younger university than TCU, being founded in 1890. However, it has been in north Texas longer, since TCU was only moved to Fort Worth in 1910. This explains the older feel of the university. Every building had a slightly different style and was visibly more worn than what you see on TCU’s campus. The science buildings exuded a sense of history and embodied a traditional university atmosphere. In contrast, the business building had recently undergone renovation. This observation resonated with themes discussed in our environmentalist writers class, highlighting the societal tendency for financial resources to gravitate towards opportunities, potentially leaving other disciplines overlooked. 

    Other than the architecture of the campus, I took a moment to observe the number of trees (or lack thereof). TCU is known for its trees, even being named an outstanding tree campus. There is even a website that lists all the types of trees on campus, which I think is neat (https://magazine.tcu.edu/spring-2021/tree-walk-campus/). I took pictures where I saw the most trees on their campus, but still, there were very few. I would describe it as a concrete jungle, it just didn’t feel like there was much nature there. However, I did only explore a portion of their main campus, so maybe there are more trees elsewhere. I also looked online about UNT’s trees, and it turns out they have a policy concerning tree preservation. The policy states “Trees provide numerous tangible and intangible benefits to the University of North Texas. Therefore, the University resolves to protect, nurture, and renew this valuable resource following the tenants outlined in this policy.” I think it's fascinating that a university of this size recognizes the positive impacts that nature has on its community. As I walk around TCU now, I will have more gratitude for the abundant nature that surrounds us. Not all colleges are lucky enough to have a tree-walking tour!









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