Reaping Nature’s Rewards, Reflections of a Summer Naturalist

April 30, 2007

Crouching over a small plant, I encourage the family of five to rub the leaves of the black-tipped senecio. “How does it feel?” I ask. “Soft, leathery, a little hairy, maybe?” They agree.

Surviving at over 11,000 feet is no simple task. The short growing season and harsh conditions force plants and animals to adopt special characteristics to conserve energy. They deposit money into their piggy banks to ensure their futures in an environment where every penny counts. By growing “fur” plants create their own microclimates. The leathery exterior helps them retain moisture and stay warm —allowing them to combat Aspen Mountain’s drying winds and extreme weather patterns. They save energy by adapting to the unsympathetic, high altitude environment. With their ingenuity, plants and animals deposit money into nature’s piggy bank for both the present and the future.

Over the summer I have learned a great deal: how to identify the flowers and wildlife, how to simplify abstract ideas, how to read groups of people. Not only have I gained a wealth of life skills, but I have also grown as a person. Prior to the beginning of my summer as an ACES naturalist I was determined to zoom to my destination whether it be the top of Mount Elbert while hiking or City Market shopping for groceries. This summer, with the help of new friends, I have learned to slow down, pause, breathe in the natural world. Gradually I am learning that the experience of the journey can be just as important as the final destination. While I still revel in zipping up and down mountains, I am beginning to learn that a slower, more attentive approach reveals nature’s complexities—allowing me to reap even greater rewards.

ACES’ naturalist program begins July 16th offering free naturalist guided hikes at the Maroon Bells, on top of Aspen Mountain, at Snowmass, and up the Castle Creek Valley at the Ghost Town of Ashcroft.

Written by debbie · Filed Under Arts

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