Nature Walk #3- Chestnust Hill Reservatoir
On Thursday, after finishing two exams, I took a peaceful nature walk at around the Chestnut Hill Reservatoir, right next to campus. The weather was perfect-65 degrees with a slight breeze, sunny but not too warm. For about 30 minutes, I explored my surroundings, making iNaturalist observations. As we’re learning about the tree of life in Unit 2, it was exciting to see the diversity of plant life in the area. I spotted moss (Bryophyta) growing on a tree trunk, a fern (Polypodiopsida) just by the sides of the reservoir, and towering evergreen trees (Gymnosperms) lining the trail, and one Angiopserm. Observing these plants helped me connect what we’re studying in class, as I saw firsthand the various branches of the tree of life coexisting in this shared ecosystem. The experience was not only educational but also a refreshing break from the stress of exams.