In just one week, the tip of every leaf in the valley has taken on its signature autumn color. Fall is upon us! From the cooling grass to the pumpkin spice lattes, it is impossible to escape.
To celebrate the change of season, I would like to take you on a tour through the Arboretum, one of campus’ natural delights!
For starters, the Arboretum is a treat all year round. Although this section will focus on the fall exhibits, the summer season was hardly winding down when we arrived on campus! This makes for a lovely taste of all four seasons, as the exhibits begin to change almost immediately upon our return to school in the fall. I would especially recommend checking out the bee exhibit— I mean, look at this beauty!
(Image Credit: Author)
In addition to these natural exhibits, it also houses a children’s section, full of colorful statues and interactives. There are acoustic metal instruments designed to be extremely satisfying to play, even by the musically unenlightened (vis a vis: my friends and I). In one crevice of the space, there is an entire plaster replica of a cave, complete with stalactites and juvenile climbing areas. The space is not only kid-friendly, but generally tactile and fun to be in!
The rest of the arboretum takes the world by storm, especially in fall. They have a blend of native pollinators and interesting species, cleverly woven into the spectacle of the parks. Abutting the koi pond is a field of yellow and brown, which somehow sparks the magic in native plains species. Part of that magic? Hitting the arboretum at the right time. We hardly encountered any other folks on our walk, because we came closer to the sunset on a rainy day.
(Image Credit: Author)
Where others see the lost opportunity of stargazing and clear sunsets, I see the birth of a new chance to sit in a grey rock above a smooth, grey pond, and to bask in the cool comfort of the rain.
(Image Credit: Author)
Speaking of rainy days– you may want to seek shelter in the log cabin! If you didn’t check the weather beforehand, that is– I hear that most folks do not have this problem. Well, I have never been accused of being like most folks, but if most folks wouldn’t climb up into the rafters to see the valley with the birds, then I think most folks and I will have to go our separate ways.
(Image Credit: Author)
I would like to end this entry by suggesting that you get involved with the activities and community-based events that come from the arboretum. It is a wonderful center on campus, especially for folks like me who are missing the green touch of home! They have gourds, they have hay, and they even have a current pumpkin carving contest that anyone can get involved in. It’s coming up!
As we sink into this semester, don’t forget to look around you every once in a while and enjoy the show. I promise, you won’t regret it.
(Image Credit: Author)