Nature Walk #6: Waterside

 For my last nature stroll of the semester, I headed out to the Waterside area in Fort Worth, tucked behind REI. This area is a frequent stop for my partner and me—him, for the joy of browsing through REI's aisles, and me, for the Whole Foods vibes. We walked leisurely through the small park nestled between these two shops, an area designed with families in mind. There's ample space for kids to frolic and play, with nice music playing as well, which helped drown out the noise from the sometimes screaming children.

    In this area, there were many beautiful trees and potted flowers. It is a well-manicured place, so I’m not sure it qualifies as a true nature retreat. The trees lining the nearby apartment building caught my eye. But I do have to admit that the trees that lined the apartment building were interesting to look at since each tree was changing colors in different ways. In the play area, there were sprawling trees coming out of the deck. I wondered how old the trees were since they looked established but the construction around them looked new. It also made me question what was there before the Waterside development.

    Venturing further, we stumbled upon the Trinity River, a waterway that has gained newfound appreciation in recent years. I love how this river has become much more appreciated in recent years. I remember when people used to just speak about how it was ugly, but it seems people have grown a stronger appreciation for it with all the new developments around it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be around nature more often? As we approached the river, we passed by a peculiar tree, seemingly stripped of its bark and bleached. It was an interesting sight to see, and I can only hope that the tree is healthy.

    Walking up to the river, there was a pebble/gravel trail with a bench under a tree. This area was so peaceful, and I appreciated the aesthetic of the trail. I find that pavement trails can ruin some of the natural beauty of outdoor spaces, so the gravel looked more visually appealing. It was a beautiful day to be out near the water, and I felt grateful to be in Texas where our winters are so mild. Where else in the world can you get away with wearing a light jacket in December?

    As I reflect on my nature walks throughout this semester, I hope to continue to make this a routine in my life. It feels like an internal reset and I can give my brain every week, the peace that I need in my life.



















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