Hidden in the City
Pockets of nature in the urban landscape.
When life brought me to Alexandria, VA, I was excited about moving to a big city that boasts the honor of being named one of the coolest cities to live in. I was excited to move into our beautiful apartment, across the street from a quaint little park and a moment's walk from the “Kiss and Ride” metro station. I looked forward to window shopping on King Street, quick trips to D.C., and endless new eateries to discover.
Excitement for the new city experience pushed to the front of my mind, my thoughts bounced along from possible adventures to must happen excursions, but a little bit of worry was lingering in the background. Would I be able to unwind in such a busy place? Will all the parks be too packed with people to enjoy? Would I still hear birds in the morning, see fireflies on hot summer evenings, be able to enjoy a breeze through an open window? How far would I have to go to find real nature?
For the first few months, I happily traveled around the D.M.V. exploring State and National Parks, Roosevelt Island being one of my personal favorites. In these places, I felt like I was in nature, but the drive to get there reminded me that I was far from it. We hit most of the attractions on our to-see list pretty quickly, making sure to explore all the sparkling wonders before the shine wore off. We went to Gadsby’s Tavern, visited the Capitol Mall, enjoyed a night at National Harbor, and began to crave weekends-in more and more frequently. I started to feel settled as summer drew to an end, and I felt the questions my doubt had raised before shoving their way to the front of my mind.
The park across the street is beautiful and never too crowded, but there is little natural flora and even less fauna. It's a mostly open area with a playground and a volleyball court, a paved walking path circles around most of it. There was a family of foxes here at first inhabiting the shrubbery enclosing the whole park, but the development of yet another apartment complex right next -door drove them away quickly. The construction disturbed their previously quiet den, it cut out a large stretch of untended field and a small but thick patch of native forest. The park mostly lacks the feeling of real nature needed to make it feel like home, for me and the foxes.
I am lucky to have plenty of time to explore this city on my feet, working full time as a nanny and owning two active dogs, I usually walk multiple miles each day. The dogs and I explore around my apartment, and the baby and I explore the opposite side of Huntington Avenue. It's taken me a while, and at least a million steps, to notice that real nature is hidden in little pockets all over Alexandria.
On the outskirts of my quaint little park, there is a picnic area cornered in by a woody backdrop and an unmowed section of grass and wildflowers labeled as a native plant regeneration area. All the other grass in the park is shortly manicured and heavily trafficked. The regenerative site really acts as a small meadow haven for insects and birds, and the trees surrounding it are old and apparently left to grow as they please. Here, if you can see past the parking lot, you can see a dual-use piece of land that serves as a stormwater drainage site and another unmowed section that is labeled as a wildlife sanctuary.
You can see so much in such a small place if you give yourself the time to look. These small sanctuaries host a swath of native plants that grow so thickly you can't see the ground, even in the months when nothing new is growing. The land surrounding the parking lot is still peppered with holes from emerging cicadas long after their passing. Butterflies, lightning bugs, frogs, and other tiny creatures thrive there, oblivious to how small their universe is inside this urban environment. Common species of birds like Morning Doves, Crows, Starlings, and Robins thrive in these spaces, they seem to get along well sharing their home with human spectators. The squirrels are everywhere, and they frequent these natural landscapes like it’s their favorite cafe, popping in to grab a snack and going on their way.
These two wild areas are for the wildlife, no human goes inside their designated patches, but the picnic tables in between them feel like my sanctuary. Sitting under the shade of the oldest residents of this neighborhood, listening to the breeze and aviary songs floating by, I feel at home. Despite living a busy life in an even busier city, I can relax and truly breathe there. More than just oxygen in and CO2 out, but peace in and chaos out.
On the opposite side of Hungtington Ave, while pushing a toddler in a jogging stroller, I stumbled upon a quiet loop of gravel trail. The trail loop surrounds and is enclosed by a thick stand of trees, woven together by ivy and greenbrier. I’ve seen so much wildlife in this section of land that can’t span more than 3 acres, it’s incredible how much can be found in such small places. I spotted a rare Eastern Box-Turtle, an organism whose range is only about the size of a football field. I’ve seen and identified Cardinals, Blue-Jays, and even a Whitetail Deer to my “nature-cat” companion. Our “little loop” is the start of our daily outing, weather permitting, and always sets the tone for the rest of our day. I hope that I am instilling a love of nature, an appreciation of the planet, and the importance of quiet time in the mind of my young friend as we explore our community together.
Behind our little loop is a stormwater treatment center that empties into Pike Branch, an offshoot of Cameron Run, that eventually leads to the Potomac. Here we watch the water flow, welcome migrating Canadian Geese, and giggle at goofy guls wading in the shallow water. I’m amazed every time we visit that so much real nature can be found within walking distance of my new home here in the city. It also makes me realize how much has been lost to allow this city to develop. Sometimes, I find joy in seeing the natural poking through the anthropogenic, but sometimes I grieve for what was once here. This city is a beautiful place, but surely this land was beautiful before the city too.
I can hear birds in the morning if I allow myself to listen, the breeze flows through my windows when I open them. Despite my doubt, I found places to unwind here, beautiful places that I never imagined would bring me such joy to discover. Other people have found these spaces too, but I’ve learned from the animals that the sanctuaries you find are never too crowded to enjoy. What is real nature is a matter of perspective, from my point of view it's here. There is a place for everyone in nature and nature all over the city, you needn't go far to find it.
About the Creator
Emma Wilson
Welcome to my creative outlet! I've always been a journaler, an overthinker, and quite recently I've become an environmental communicator. This is my space to release some emotions, share fond memories, and indudlge my creative thoughts.
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The Power of Water
After a relatively brief yet painfully long hiatus, I was able to get back to hiking and exploring the DMV area. The weather was ideal for a challenging hike, mostly cloudy and about 70 degrees, but the hike I chose wasn’t going to be all that challenging. My boyfriend finally agreed to come with me, after what felt like months of asking every weekend since I sold my car. I wanted him to come with me for quality time together but I mostly needed a ride. With such moderate weather on my side, I chose a hike that was less than two miles and climbed less than 150 feet in elevation to be sure I didn't sour the experience for him. We drove 40 minutes to Prince William National Forest and took the scenic drive around the park to find the nearest lot to the trail and get a lay of the land.
By Emma Wilson2 years ago in Earth
The history of humanity began billions of years ago as tiny atoms.
The tale of our history commenced many years ago. Approximately 3 billion years in the past, we existed as minuscule atoms in the vast petri dish of the world. The first hominids, including humans, emerged around 6 million years ago. Homo erectus was the initial species to venture out of Africa and settle in other regions of the globe, approximately 1.9 million years ago. Neanderthals made their appearance around 400,000 years ago and thrived in the cold climates of Europe and Western Asia. Homo sapiens ascended to global supremacy through the establishment of civilization. Our narrative unfolds in the fertile lands of Mesopotamia in 4000 BCE, where the city of Uric devised a method to cultivate cereal grains. This marked the inception of Agriculture, enabling us to cultivate our sustenance. Various civilizations throughout history enforced stringent laws and upheld unequal social structures. Babylon under Hammurabi implemented strict laws and categorized individuals into different castes based on their societal status. The Hittite Empire, under the leadership of Labarnis, unified city-states under a single authority and flourished. Mycenaean Greece comprised independent city-states with hierarchical political and economic systems. Egyptian society was organized in a social pyramid with the Pharaoh at the pinnacle. The social hierarchy consisted of various tiers, with peasants and slaves at the lowest level, responsible for manual labor such as agriculture and construction of the pyramids. Artisans, above them, crafted the art and sculptures sought after by the affluent. Merchants traversed the Nile, engaging in trade of commodities like gold, papyrus, and linen. Scribes were proficient in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, maintaining records of food supplies, tax records, and the daily affairs of the Pharaoh. Soldiers safeguarded the Egyptian Empire and launched preemptive strikes against adversaries. Bureaucrats carried out crucial governmental duties, while priests tended to temples and ensured the deities were properly revered. Nobles supervised specific regions of the empire and preserved order. The Pharaoh served as the supreme ruler, acting as a mediator between the gods and the world of humans. Upon the Pharaoh's death, they would be laid to rest in a pyramid, continuing their reign over the empire for eternity. In 1258 BCE, Ramses and Harusali signed the initial peace treaty, fostering a period of friendship between Egypt and Hattie. The Hittites imparted their knowledge of metalwork to the Egyptians, while the Egyptians shared their expertise in agriculture. Both civilizations thrived as a result of this peaceful agreement. The treaty remained intact until approximately 1200 BCE, when the Hittite Empire succumbed to relentless attacks from the sea people. Around the same time, the Olmec civilization, regarded as the ancestral civilization of Native Americans, emerged in present-day Mexico. Limited information is available about the Olmecs due to their hieroglyphic writing. The 17 colossal stone heads serve as significant remnants of the Olmec civilization, believed to encapsulate an individual's emotions, experiences, and soul. Despite their unknown identities, these stone heads have become enduring symbols of the Olmec civilization. In China, notable advancements occurred starting from 256 BCE. The Zhou dynasty introduced feudalism and a social hierarchy. The social pyramid encompassed peasants, soldiers, lords, and the king. Peasants cultivated crops, soldiers safeguarded the land, lords owned the land, and the king received the crops, accumulating wealth. The feudal system was crucial for sustaining the empire, and Eastern philosophy emphasized values such as respect, loyalty, and responsibility. In 753 BC, Romulus killed Remus, establishing the city of Rome. The brothers had disputed over the name of the settlement, with Romulus ultimately emerging victorious. Sparta, known for its harsh lifestyle and militaristic society, subjected its soldiers to rigorous training, encompassing physical conditioning and weapons proficiency, amidst challenging living conditions. Spartan society comprised three primary groups: the ruling class of aristocrats who held political power, free non-citizens who served in the military, and the helots, who were enslaved laborers. Life in Sparta was characterized by its severity, brutality, and military focus. The Human Experience is flawed, encompassing mortality and the pursuit of wisdom and spiritual awakening. Siddhartha renounced his opulent lifestyle to seek enlightenment beneath a fig tree, ultimately becoming the Buddha. Darius aimed to conquer Greece but was thwarted by Greek hoplites at the Battle of Marathon. The Persian invasion of Greece, along with the battles of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis, are significant historical events. The Athenians successfully defended against the Persians at Marathon, while the Spartans valiantly fought at Thermopylae before being defeated. The Greeks secured a crucial victory at Salamis, altering the course of the conflict. The Peloponnesian War led to the decline of Athens and Sparta, diminishing their power. Legalism advocated for a system of rewards and punishments to uphold social order, based on the belief that people are inherently self-serving. Leaders in Legalism wielded complete authority over the military, economy, and society. The Zapotec civilization in Mexico prospered due to innovative farming techniques and an early writing system. Alexander the Great, hailing from Macedonia, was educated by Aristotle, renowned for his contributions to logic and biology. The ebb and flow of ancient empires, such as the Seleucids and Antigonids, paved the way for the ascent of Rome. The Seleucids and Antigonids, once formidable empires, waned in power and influence, while Rome emerged victorious in the Punic Wars against Carthage. The Carthaginian Empire met its ultimate defeat at the hands of Rome, resulting in its downfall. Rome expanded its empire by conquering various regions such as Athens, Jerusalem, Galilee, and Gauls. The Parthians attempted to prevent contact between China and Rome. General Lucius Cornelius Sola besieged and looted Athens, establishing Rome as a dominant power. The Romans successfully captured Jerusalem, Galilee, and even the village of Nazareth. Julius Caesar was appointed as the governor of Gaul and successfully conquered the Celtic tribes. The Gauls, under the leadership of Vercingetorix, tried to resist the Romans but were ultimately defeated by Caesar's forces in the Siege of Alicia. Caesar constructed fortifications, including a circumvallation wall and a second wall in a ditch, around Alicia. Both sides suffered heavy casualties during the arduous siege. Despite a second Gaelic army led by Versus Generics attempting to relieve the siege, they were defeated by the Romans. Versus Generics was compelled to surrender, effectively ending the Gauls' resistance to Roman rule. Caesar extended Roman control over the Gallic Empire and even granted citizenship. However, the Roman Senate demanded that Caesar resign his command and disband his army. Caesar faced a choice between obeying the Senate or initiating a civil war. Eventually, Octavian emerged as the undisputed ruler of Rome in 27 BCE. He defeated Caesar's assassins at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE. Tensions arose between Octavian and Anthony as they both sought control over the Roman Empire. Octavian emerged as the clear victor in the naval battle of Actium, while Anthony fled to Egypt and took his own life alongside Cleopatra. Octavian was then appointed as Augustus and became the first Roman Emperor. In the Andes region, various civilizations showcased impressive monumental structures and advanced fertilization techniques. The Mochi civilization, for instance, constructed monumental pyramids like the Waka Del Sol and Waka De La Luna, utilizing bird droppings as fertilizer. The Nazca civilization crafted vast geoglyphs, known as Nazca Lines, on the surface of the Nazca desert. Monty Alban became the capital of the Zap Attack, featuring urban planning, a grid pattern layout, and specialized districts. In Galilee, the Romans faced rebellion and responded by constructing a new city called Alia capitalina. Simon Barr Kokba led a rebellion against Roman rule in Galilee, resulting in the city of Alia capitalina being built over the ruins of Jerusalem. Barcopa was regarded as the Messiah by the Jews. Hadrian dispatched a force to conquer and subdue the Jewish people, leading to devastating consequences and numerous casualties in Judea. Diocletian divided the region into four and appointed separate Emperors within the Tetra Key. The Emperors were categorized into two types: Augustus and Caesar. In 305, power shifted when both Diocletian and Maximian retired. Constantine the Great was appointed as an Augustus and a Caesar to succeed his father. Maxentius believed he should have been appointed Caesar instead of Valerius Severus. Both Constantine and Maxentius vied for control over Rome. Maxentius commissioned the construction of the Milvian Bridge to solidify his grip on power. As the armies approached each other, Constantine had a vision of a cross in the sky with the words 'in this sign conquer.' Constantine's triumph in battle led to the issuance of the Edict of Milan, which established religious tolerance for Christians. Constantine witnessed a vision of victory under the Christian cross and had it painted on his soldiers' shields. He defeated Maxentius and pushed his forces back towards the Tiber River. Constantine met with Licinia in Milan to confirm political and dynastic arrangements. The Edict of Milan granted power to Eastern Rome and extended religious tolerance for Christians. However, the peaceful coexistence between Constantine and Licinia was short-lived. Constantine declared himself the sole leader of Rome and renamed the Eastern Roman capital as Constantinople. He presided over the First Council of Nicaea, where the Nicene Creed was established. The defeat of Attila the Hun in the Battle of the Catalonian Plains resulted in the collaboration between the Visigoths and the Romans against the Huns. Attila the Hun wreaked havoc on Roman territories until he established his Kingdom in what is now modern-day Spain. Attila's ruthless tactics earned him the infamous title of 'the scourge of God'. Numerous peace treaties were negotiated with Constantinople, with Attila receiving a significant annual tribute. The invasion of the Gauls by the Huns led to the alliance of the Visigoths and the Romans. According to legend, Attila's premonition of defeat came true in the Battle of the Catalonian Plains. Despite continuing to ravage Italy, Attila withdrew after allegedly encountering the apparitions of Saints Paul and Peter. The Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 A.D. due to weakened defenses caused by malaria and a shortage of troops. The Eastern Roman Empire dispatched a general to suppress a revolt, but he turned against the Roman government and became the king of Italy. Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina marked the expansion of the Muslim Community. Muhammad faced resistance in Mecca and managed to gather a small following. Eventually, Muhammad and his followers were compelled to emigrate to Medina. Muhammad played a pivotal role in ending the Civil Wars and establishing a prosperous Muslim Community in Medina. The Quraish and their allies launched an attack on Medina, but Muhammad successfully defended the city by digging a trench. The Quraish forces were defeated due to adverse weather conditions, which marked a significant victory for the Muslims. The Muslim Army then marched into Mecca and captured the city with minimal casualties. Muhammad granted amnesty to his former enemies and converted a majority of the Meccan population to Islam. After Muhammad's demise, caliphs continued to lead and expand the Muslim Community. The Arab forces conquered various provinces of the Byzantine Empire, including Syria, Egypt, North Africa, and Spain, thereby expanding their Empire from Lisbon to China. In 636, Arab forces invaded Damascus and Jerusalem, leading to the downfall of the Sassanid Empire. Following years of conflict, they triumphed over the Byzantine Empire, seizing Alexandria in 642 A.D., which dealt a severe blow to the Byzantines economically. By 716, the Arab forces had expanded their dominion over a significant portion of North Africa, Carthage, and Spain, establishing a vast Empire. After securing their control over the Iberian Peninsula, the Arabs initiated incursions into present-day France in 732 A.D. Their ambitious campaign to extend their territory northwards was thwarted by Charles Martel and the Franks in the Battle of Tours. Subsequently, Charlemagne was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III, heralding the inception of a new Roman Empire under his rule. The groundwork for a formidable empire was being laid. Over the course of the 9th century, Arab forces gradually seized control of Crete, Sicily, and Sardinia. The conquest of Crete was finalized in 827, while a substantial Arab fleet swiftly captured Sicily before moving on to Sardinia in the same year. In 843, the Treaty of Verdun divided the Holy Roman Empire into three kingdoms, with Charles the Bald receiving the West Frankish kingdom, Lewis the German obtaining the East Frankish kingdom, and Lothaire being granted the Middle Kingdom. Alfred the Great ascended to power in Wessex in 871, constructing fortifications known as Burrs to defend against Viking incursions in England. The tribes in Russia sought the assistance of the Varangians, also known as Vikings, to establish order and governance in the region. The Crusaders wrested control of the Holy Land from Muslim authority. In the 11th century, Arab caliph al-Hakim ordered the destruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, shocking Christians in Europe, prompting Pope Sergius IV to call for a holy war. The Seljuk Turks, a Central Asian Turkic group, overtook the Muslim empire, capturing Medina and Mecca. Pope Urban II rallied for a Crusade to free the Holy Land from Muslim control, attracting numerous European nobles and knights to join the cause. The Christians were in a state of unity, while the Muslims were divided, resulting in the Crusaders successfully taking control of Jerusalem. In 1187, Saladin, the Muslim Commander, launched a holy war to reclaim Jerusalem from the Christians. The battle between Saladin's forces and the Crusaders ended in a triumph for Saladin, dealing a significant blow to the Christian forces. Despite subsequent attempts by Emperor Frederick, King Richard, and King Philip to recapture Jerusalem through another Crusade, they were unsuccessful. Gus was born to a mother who was kidnapped by his father and forced into marriage. Genghis Khan managed to unite various tribes and implemented progressive reforms. Under his leadership, Genghis Khan united a million people and formed alliances with other clans. He introduced reforms such as prohibiting the sale and abduction of women. Genghis Khan also promoted religious freedom, although he displayed brutality in warfare similar to his adversaries. He conquered the Shisha Kingdom and the Jin Dynasty in China, including the burning of the capital Zhongdu (now Beijing). In response to the demands of the Barons, King John agreed to negotiate and established the Magna Carta. This document outlined rights such as the right to a fair trial, due process of law, and protection against arbitrary arrests and imprisonment. The Muslim rule, the death of King Louis IX, and the English Parliament also played significant roles during this period. Mansa Musa, a Muslim ruler, amassed immense wealth and made Timbuktu the center of Muslim knowledge. The Aztec Legend recounts the tale of the establishment of an empire in the Americas. The Aztecs constructed impressive temples and practiced agriculture on floating gardens. The Great Temple was dedicated to the gods Wheat Sila, Poached, and Talaylock. The city of Tenochtitlan boasted a complex network of canals and causeways. Additionally, the Aztecs cultivated crops on chinampas in Lake Texcoco. Meanwhile, England and France were engaged in a war at that time. During the Hundred Years War, Europe was also grappling with the devastating Bubonic plague, which claimed the lives of millions. The fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 allowed the Ottoman Empire, under the rule of Sultan Mehmed II, to seize the opportunity for expansion. With a formidable force of 80,000 soldiers, including elite janissary troops and powerful artillery, the Ottomans laid siege to Constantinople. After a relentless two-month bombardment, they successfully breached the city walls and captured Constantinople, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of Ottoman dominance. Concurrently, Ivan the Great led Russia to independence by driving out the Mongols in 1480. Meanwhile, in 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, making landfall in the Bahamas. The 1500s witnessed a flourishing of European culture, with the remarkable contributions of da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli. In the Americas, Cortez and Pizarro achieved conquests of their own, toppling the Aztec and Incan Empires respectively. The arrival of Europeans also brought devastating diseases to the native populations, leading to their decline over time. Under the leadership of Suleiman, the Ottoman Empire reached its zenith, expanding its territories from Southeastern Europe to Arabia, and from the Mediterranean to Persia. Suleiman's conquests included the capture of numerous cities in Europe, the Middle East, and Persia, solidifying Ottoman dominance in the Mediterranean as a naval power. Henry VIII established the Church of England and separated from the Catholic Church. Despite Catherine of Aragon still being alive, Henry desired to marry Anne Boylan. In order to wed Anne, Henry broke away from the Catholic Church and established the Church of England. In 1534, Henry declared himself as the head of the Church of England. The act of Supremacy proclaimed the king, rather than the pope, as the Supreme head of the Church of England. This resulted in a division between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. In 1644, the Manchu Army invaded China, bringing an end to the Ming Dynasty. The Manchu forces swiftly conquered Beijing and installed a puppet emperor, marking the continuation of the cycle of dynasties in China. On July 4th, 1776, American Patriots signed a document that declared equality and unalienable rights. This document asserted that all men are created equal and possess certain rights. Meanwhile, Adam Smith published The Wealth of Nations, advocating for laissez-faire economics. Mozart composed the Hafner serenade, which showcased elegant melodies. During the American Revolution, the British found themselves trapped at Yorktown and eventually surrendered. The combined forces of the Americans and the French successfully defeated the British in a pivotal naval battle. Maximilian Robespierre emerged as a prominent figure in the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Robespierre championed the rights of ordinary people and opposed the power of the aristocracy. Under the guidance of his leadership, the Committee of Public Safety initiated a period of severe oppression famously known as the Reign of Terror. As time passed, the populace grew weary of the violence and instability, causing Robespierre's influence to diminish. Consequently, he was apprehended, imprisoned, and ultimately executed in 1794, signifying the conclusion of the reign of terror. Following the revolution, France transitioned to a directory government led by a five-member executive Council. The purpose of the directory was to maintain a balance between the interests of various factions. However, the directory proved to be unsuccessful, leading to the eventual overthrow of the government by Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon's ascent and downfall, Bolivar's liberation campaigns, and the concept of Communism emerged. Napoleon triumphantly conquered a significant portion of Europe but faced defeat in Russia, ultimately being compelled to abdicate. Bolivar successfully led uprisings and secured the independence of numerous Latin American countries. Meanwhile, Marx and Engels authored The Communist Manifesto, introducing the ideology of Communism. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered the onset of World War One. This assassination, carried out by a Serbian nationalist, sparked a diplomatic crisis. Subsequently, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, setting off a complex network of alliances and treaties. Germany and France followed suit, drawing other nations into the conflict. After enduring four years of brutal warfare, an Armistice was finally signed in November 1918, effectively bringing an end to the war. World War II commenced with Adolf Hitler's invasion of Poland and concluded with Germany's surrender in 1945. The surrender of Hiroshima, Japan marked the end of the war. This pivotal moment served as a turning point in global history.
By Isaac Ekow Anyidoho4 days ago in Earth
Climate and environment
The Earth, our shared home, cradles us in its vast arms, offering sustenance, beauty, and life. Yet, as we tread its surface, there is an unmistakable sense of urgency—a deepening awareness that our actions are altering the delicate balance of this magnificent planet. The climate crisis, an invisible specter, looms large over our world, casting shadows that stretch from the bustling cities to the tranquil forests, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans.
By Jareh shinah 7 days ago in Earth
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