02/27 FW Nature Center: Day 2





After a two-week break, we returned to the Fort Worth Nature Center yesterday for a packed day of habitat restoration. I was amazed by the dent we were able to make on the work in just two hours. Some of my impressions from yesterday include: 1) the blue branch cutters were the most effective tool, 2) privet is a pesky plant, 3) habitat restoration is hard work, and 4) Swedish Fish are my favorite nature snack!

I want to expand on #2 and #3. I was surprised by how much privet there was on the mesa and how it wasn't more affected by the controlled burn. Out of curiosity, I began to do my own research on the plant. I found that privet can adapt to both moist and dry conditions, making it grow easily in any environment. Additionally, privet is considered a fast-growing plant and has the potential to achieve 4-5 feet of growth in a single growing season. I can see how the FW Nature Center needs volunteers like us to constantly be willing to help fight such a difficult, invasive plant. 

To expand on my third point, habitat restoration is not an easy task. After reflecting on it, I found a greater appreciation for the opportunity to do hard work for the betterment of an important organization in our community. I took a lot of diligence—best defined as careful and persistent work. I grew up classically trained in ballet, so in a way, the diligence of habitat restoration reminded me of the days of meticulous work using a strong work ethic. Overall, it was a productive day and a fulfilling afternoon in the urban wilderness!

Comments

  1. williams.dan76March 5, 2025 at 2:03 PM

    Thanks, Kate, I appreciate your comments and even more your willingness to help. Privet is everywhere. Ironically, on one side of my house there is a row of privet. At some point either the builder or landscaper decides it would be good against the house, so every year I have to go out with my electric clippers and do battle. Amazing. At least the Nature Center is not infested with Kudzu, which has overtaken large areas of the South. You can bet there will be more Swedish Fish in your future.

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