"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~John Muir
On more than one occasion, my beloved Dad has shared this insightful quote by John Muir, the eloquent Scottish born American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States. And every time I walk with nature this quote comes to remembrance due to its emphasis on the profound connection between humanity and nature.
Today, I experienced this first hand while driving back roads to avoid heavy highway traffic. Much to my delight, I drove past this lovely nature space called Patuxent Ponds Park located in Odenton, Maryland. The reflection of trees in the pond water beckoned me to come and spend some time with nature. I quickly made a mental note to stop on my way back. Upon arrival, while stepping out of my car, my first thought was, Wow! this place is an absolute gem!
Since I didn't have my journal with me, I made sure to take in as much as I could by capturing each new discovery through my camera lens. The pond was alive with Canada Geese, the croak of frogs, and the silence of green Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) and Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) dragonflies in the swift flight of noontime activity darting here and there as I patiently waited for one to stop long enough to capture a photograph.
There were numerous logs resting in the pond that offered the perfect spot for sunning turtles. However, they heard me before I saw them and the sound of their quick escape into the pond alerted me to the lone little turtle left on the log, undisturbed by my presence. If given the opportunity to hold this shelled creature, it would have fit snugly in the palm of my hand and my best guess is that it was an Eastern Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta picta) which is an abundant aquatic species of turtle in Maryland.
Maryland's vibrant state flower, the Black-eyed Susan, was the second to greet me following the Canada Geese who mistook me for a visitor bearing edibles, when soon after approaching, they realized that I lacked supply. However, their eagerness let me know that someone in the area must be faithfully providing a little extra nutrition than what the natural habitat produces.
There were six well-built benches situated around the pond. Three were placed for basking in the noon time sun, and three were set under the pleasant shade of trees. Canada geese (Branta canadensis) passed the time of day gliding alongside serene floating lily pads. As I continued walking on the trail, a Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) peered at me from a branch surrounded by verdant shrubbery. Along the pond's edge, there were several ideal spots for fishing the large-mouth bass, bluegill, and crappie that inhabit this thriving aquatic ecosystem.
In closing this post, I'd like to share another quote of John Muir's.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike." ~ The Yosemite
Exploring the World Day-by-Day; Capturing Nature's Wondrous Display! ~Jen
Despite the differences that exist between political, cultural, religious, or national values, we all share the common need for a healthy, clean, sustainable global environment.