Nature Trails
We live on a huge planet with seemingly infinite resources that we use freely. So freely, that a distant observer might think that we have a spare planet to go to; once we are done with earth.
Somewhere in our hearts we sense that we are on a fast track to doom . Our brains, of course know it much more clearly. Yet, even as entire species go extinct , it fails to touch us in a way that matters. There is no love, no bond. It is all 'news' or 'television' or 'exotic ideas'. Our hearts remain unaffected and life goes on.
On the other hand, we say we love nature . The leaves rustling in the wind, the smell of a forest, an eagle soaring in the sky .... Clichéd symbols all of them, but very pleasing even then.
Wide Aware Nature Trails take you beyond the clichés and help you connect with the nature you wish you could feel more involved with. It may begin with our ears perking up at the thought of the soft cotton from the Red Silk Cotton tree , which makes super soft and fluffy pillows or when we hear that the thorns when ground to a paste are an ancient pimple cure. It is no longer just a tree on the way, but we can identify it again if we see it, because that thorny bark , the big red flowers even the shape of the trunk itself are now the features of a tree we know quite a bit about.
 |
 |
Man and nature
Whether we actively think of it or not, we are a part of nature and the ecosystem. Yet our lives are so away from awareness of it, that we have no idea of what species co-habit this planet with us. We are clueless about our own impact, and our potential impact on this fragile balance. It is important to take time out once in a while to simply stand and stare.
We go down on our knees, uncaring of our clothes to try and see the funnel web spider that scuttled deep into its funnel-like web at our approach. We see for ourselves what ant-lions look like even if it means we get dirt into our nails trying to dig them out. We see for ourselves the difference between moths and butterflies . We realize why, in spite of reforestation , our ecology still suffers from the loss of indigenous trees .
Our guides on these trails are zoologists, botanists, ornithologists and even snake handlers . They have extensive qualifications backed with knowledge and enthusiasm. They often work with the government or lead institutions to protect our unspeaking companions on this planet. This is no mere 'informative' experience; it is a deepening affinity that enriches our life.
Their enthusiasm is infectious, we realize, as we consider planting certain plants that serve as food plants (for butterfly larvae) and nectar plants (for the butterflies ) in our compounds to create a butterfly garden and consider the extremely difficult to cultivate orchids to be a worthy ornament to it and try to work out ways to make it possible. Their patience and continuing support can actually help us do it. We suddenly find that we care very deeply if something happens to harm our newfound world.
This one is for all those who claim and want to love nature , but don't find it exciting, or don't know where to begin!
Gear
Nature trails require no particular gear to begin with beyond sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, cap, water bottle and interest. Full sleeved and full legged clothing translate into comfort, as do sunglasses.
The care here is in the things to avoid. Avoid bright clothes, perfume, flimsy footwear and anything that makes a noise that you can leave behind. This might mean that a radio for entertainment is not an option to begin with, but the more seriously you begin tracking animals, you'll find yourself packing stuff in cloth rather than plastic to avoid the sound. Whatever works.
As you develop an interest, a notebook and pen and field glasses might find their way into permanent membership of your rucksack.
I usually rely on Amazon to find interesting stuff
It gets easy to find loads of books, gear and stuff. If you think there might be something of interest..... this is what I've been looking into. I kinda enjoy bird watching.
Books:
I found a whole range of all sorts of field glasses. Tempting stuff I want it all, but I guess I'll have to settle for my current trusty pair until I get rich:
