The dwindling green spaces
Can we not plan for housing needs and road expansions while keeping trees alive?
One gorgeous Saturday morning I went biking in the park. A couple of hours later found a shady spot under a lush maple tree. Sitting in the shade I got engrossed in observing the leaves of the majestic maple swaying with the morning breeze. A bright red cardinal was sitting on its branch. I tried to carefully capture its effervescence created by the elegant early morning sunbeams splashing on its bright red structure.
I felt at peace in the shade and closed my eyes for a few minutes while I kept thinking about the maple. Suddenly heard the branches rapidly shaking, a tiny squirrel flew from the tree right in front of me and then speedily ran away. I think it might have been the Southern Flying Squirrel! Then a leaf came falling from the tree right next to where I was sitting and it fell upside down, on top of it I saw a tiny red creature with black dots on it. I always felt ladybugs were one of the artistic creations of nature, just like cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.
On my way back I was passing by a new housing community being erected on the patch of land that was once bursting with luxurious bountiful trees. While looking at that view, I saw a squirrel crossing the street, running in front of cars. As I hit the brakes, it stalled right in front of my bike, curling up its fearfully shivering little body, being drastically scared for its life. I stalled in that spot until that squirrel safely went on its way.
I reached home with countless thoughts. Then I fixed up brunch with my favorite cup of java. I love to enjoy various textures of coffee. I have this big coffee mug with a picture of mistletoe on it, long green leaves and red berries tied up with a beautiful red ribbon. Whenever I look at it, the picture reminds me of the fascinating coffee plant I saw at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC. As I was continuously thinking about trees and the ecosystem they supported, I decided to check the social media feed, for distraction. There I saw a video about creating a Bonsai Maple tree, which proved to be a tough reminder of the grandeur of the maple that had provided soothing shade.
Nature helps us survive; we need to care & protect it! We should take from nature only as much is essential. It’s not straightforward for some to do so, due to their work or other responsibilities, but they can at least try to implement few simple routines — like recycle or plant a tree. We need to be mindful of our environment while we are increasing the rate at which green spaces are getting destroyed for infrastructure and housing needs.
Even if every person on this planet decides to plant ONE tree every year, that’s still something…Every little drop in the ocean helps to create the gigantic ocean, since the ocean in itself is just a collection of tiny water droplets.
#Climate #Environment #Science #Future #Nature #Trees #Parks
