Woods Journal Entry #1:
9/18/22 My first-time walking through the Wright State University campus woods were with my Woods, Ecology, and Place English class. I was thrilled to be taking a class where I would be walking through the woods and then writing about it. As the hike progressed, I noticed not everyone in the class was as thrilled as I was. Some people kept up with Professor Jennings and listened attentively to her commentary, while others fell behind and struggled with walking through the trails. It was an interesting experience. I was more intrigued by the reactions of my classmates than by the woods. I held a classmate's hand as she crossed the log bridge and explained to the people behind me that trails often have spiderwebs across them so having a stick out in front is necessary. It has been so long since I experienced the woods through new eyes. I walk in the woods almost every day with my dog. The trails of WSU felt like a second home, even though I had never explored them before. The second time I went into the WSU woods I was alone. I had an entirely different experience. After the hour-long walk, I sat down and wrote this little observation story. I hope it properly conveys how I personally experience the woods and encompasses my observations of the WSU woods during my walk. The Wright State woods are rare not only in the fact that they contain both new growth and old growth- but also in their ability to transport a visitor from bustling campus life to quiet serene nature. You only need to venture a few meters into the woods at WSU and you feel like you have teleported to another world entirely. The shocking greens, yellows, and browns of the Ohio woods are refreshing and almost overwhelming in their vibrance. The noise from the traffic, people, and machinery quickly fades as you follow the paths deeper into the undergrowth. Soon you hear the various bird calls. You’re probably not the only student who has wandered the campus woods and wondered if there is a class or club for learning the bird calls. The woods seem alive with movement as you become more careful about your steps. The fewer branches you break or stones you stumble on, the more welcome you become in the woods. Suddenly the forest is no longer the quiet serene place you felt when you entered the undergrowth. Everything is alive and moving. Small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks dart out in front of you on the path. They appear and disappear so quickly you almost find yourself wondering if that really happened or was it a trick of the eye. The canopy above is alive with movement as well. Though not as visible, you hear the branches break or creak under the weight of small animals. The birds glide from tree-to-tree foraging, looking for mates, and protecting their territory. Even just stopping to take a picture you notice the flies buzzing around you and the little bugs on the leaves and ground. It makes you wonder how you could be foolish enough to believe this was a quiet serene place. As you near the end of the trail you begin to hear traffic, someone shouting in the distance, and the grass is being mowed in the parking lots. You no longer hear the trees creaking in the canopy, you see no more small animals scurrying about, and even the birds seem hushed. You break through the undergrowth and the sounds of the WSU campus hit you full force. A car alarm goes off a few hundred meters away. A group of students talk and laugh loudly as they exit the building. A Maintenace worker flies by you on a riding mower, giving you a stern look for standing in his way. The scenes before you are overstimulating and a harsh contrast to the woods. You momentarily entertain the idea of turning around and going back in, but your legs are tired, you can already feel your bug bites, and you have class soon. But after your walk, you somehow feel better and more equipped to handle the stresses of life. You understand now, why so many before you have romanticized the great wilderness. You feel recharged and new. You smile and think, “yes, the woods are a quiet serene place”. |
Woods journal entry #2:
10/13/22
Today’s woods walk was guided by Dr. Volker Bahn from the biology department. He brought us to the passive erosion dam and explained how it helps with flooding because part of the area was once wetlands. He pointed out many invasive species to the group. One such invasive species was the Japanese Stilt Grass. It had completely overtaken the area we were walking through. The grass had long, soft leathery leaves. It clearly looked out of place in the opening. It was contained to that area because it cannot survive with the limited sunlight in the surrounding forest floor because of the many trees. I thought it was interesting that this invasive species made its way out to this open area in the middle of the woods where it could not survive. It seemed like a good example of how much of a problem invasive species can be. Even in an area it cannot extend its invasion, the species still finds its way there.
Dr. Bahn also told us about a man named Bucky Logwell (not his real name). He comes to the WSU woods and lines the walking trails with the broken-down logs and branches in order to make the trails more obvious, and thus more frequented. I think this is a great act of community service and a very helpful thing to do. I noticed on my first walk through the woods that most of the trails seemed to be lined with logs, and I just assumed the biology students or staff that are out there so frequently did it to help. It was quite surprising to learn that a random guy not associated with the university was doing it just for fun. It made me smile and believe good people do still exist. I hope I can one day be as cool and helpful as Bucky.
Now that it is fully fall the woods seem like a different world. Vibrant colors and falling leaves everywhere. I love the fall and am so glad I can walk through these woods during school. The crunching of the leaves has just started, and it will only get better from here. I hope I can get out into the woods a few more times before all the leaves fall. The campus woods have so many different colors from the different trees. It's truly a magical place.
10/13/22
Today’s woods walk was guided by Dr. Volker Bahn from the biology department. He brought us to the passive erosion dam and explained how it helps with flooding because part of the area was once wetlands. He pointed out many invasive species to the group. One such invasive species was the Japanese Stilt Grass. It had completely overtaken the area we were walking through. The grass had long, soft leathery leaves. It clearly looked out of place in the opening. It was contained to that area because it cannot survive with the limited sunlight in the surrounding forest floor because of the many trees. I thought it was interesting that this invasive species made its way out to this open area in the middle of the woods where it could not survive. It seemed like a good example of how much of a problem invasive species can be. Even in an area it cannot extend its invasion, the species still finds its way there.
Dr. Bahn also told us about a man named Bucky Logwell (not his real name). He comes to the WSU woods and lines the walking trails with the broken-down logs and branches in order to make the trails more obvious, and thus more frequented. I think this is a great act of community service and a very helpful thing to do. I noticed on my first walk through the woods that most of the trails seemed to be lined with logs, and I just assumed the biology students or staff that are out there so frequently did it to help. It was quite surprising to learn that a random guy not associated with the university was doing it just for fun. It made me smile and believe good people do still exist. I hope I can one day be as cool and helpful as Bucky.
Now that it is fully fall the woods seem like a different world. Vibrant colors and falling leaves everywhere. I love the fall and am so glad I can walk through these woods during school. The crunching of the leaves has just started, and it will only get better from here. I hope I can get out into the woods a few more times before all the leaves fall. The campus woods have so many different colors from the different trees. It's truly a magical place.
Woods Journal #3:
11/1/22
Today’s walk in the woods was with Dr. Marie Anne Thompson. She encouraged us to begin the walk by walking through the woods in silence, and to be present in the moment. We listened to the crunch of the leaves, the movements of the creatures in the woods, the distant sound of traffic, and the rhythm of our own breathing. It was a change from our usual class walks through the woods. Usually, we chat as we walk and point out things we see along the way.
Dr. Thompson led us to a cross-section in the trails and encouraged us to sit down and get comfortable. I chose a log to sit on and was not wearing a jacket that day to enjoy the cool fall breeze. Dr. Thompson led us through a guided meditation as we sat in the middle of the woods. Her voice was soothing and calm. She suggested closing our eyes and planting our feet level on the ground. I could not relax enough to comfortably close my eyes but planting my feet on the ground was the first connection I felt. There was an energy coursing between my feet and the ground. I wanted to remain in the moment, so I rubbed dead leaves between my fingers and ran my fingertips along the mossy truck. This was both calming and provoked focused tactile sensations.
Leaves were falling slowly from the trees and drifting down onto us. It took some time, but I finally felt present enough to close my eyes and allow my breathing to be my only focus. I lost my sense of time and place as my heartbeat slowed and my mind drifted. I was brought back to the woods by the cool breeze stinging the hairs on my arms and sending shivers down my spine. The cool breeze is one of the most amazing parts of the fall and I enjoyed the refreshing reminder I am alive and fully feeling life.
Everyone in the group took turns making observations about their meditation experience and once again I was reminded how interesting everyone is in the group. Many observations were relatable, but several people pointed out things that I had not noticed or experienced. It was interesting to see how each person experienced the same situation. I am grateful and glad we got to do this guided meditation walk with Dr. Thompson. It cleared my head and made me feel really connected to the woods.
11/1/22
Today’s walk in the woods was with Dr. Marie Anne Thompson. She encouraged us to begin the walk by walking through the woods in silence, and to be present in the moment. We listened to the crunch of the leaves, the movements of the creatures in the woods, the distant sound of traffic, and the rhythm of our own breathing. It was a change from our usual class walks through the woods. Usually, we chat as we walk and point out things we see along the way.
Dr. Thompson led us to a cross-section in the trails and encouraged us to sit down and get comfortable. I chose a log to sit on and was not wearing a jacket that day to enjoy the cool fall breeze. Dr. Thompson led us through a guided meditation as we sat in the middle of the woods. Her voice was soothing and calm. She suggested closing our eyes and planting our feet level on the ground. I could not relax enough to comfortably close my eyes but planting my feet on the ground was the first connection I felt. There was an energy coursing between my feet and the ground. I wanted to remain in the moment, so I rubbed dead leaves between my fingers and ran my fingertips along the mossy truck. This was both calming and provoked focused tactile sensations.
Leaves were falling slowly from the trees and drifting down onto us. It took some time, but I finally felt present enough to close my eyes and allow my breathing to be my only focus. I lost my sense of time and place as my heartbeat slowed and my mind drifted. I was brought back to the woods by the cool breeze stinging the hairs on my arms and sending shivers down my spine. The cool breeze is one of the most amazing parts of the fall and I enjoyed the refreshing reminder I am alive and fully feeling life.
Everyone in the group took turns making observations about their meditation experience and once again I was reminded how interesting everyone is in the group. Many observations were relatable, but several people pointed out things that I had not noticed or experienced. It was interesting to see how each person experienced the same situation. I am grateful and glad we got to do this guided meditation walk with Dr. Thompson. It cleared my head and made me feel really connected to the woods.