Nature Center Day 2

Day 2

The second class at the Nature Center was even more rewarding than the first. This time, we were tasked with clearing an entire deck that used to be where people could watch the bison. The deck was covered in long limbs, dead trees, vines that were growing up the fence, and leaves that had fallen all over the deck floor. At first glance, I thought it would be impossible. I had never used clippers before to cut limbs on the trees, and I didn’t want to be a burden to the entire class. I decided that the only way I was going to be able to do it was to let go of my fears and just go for it. 

The intern had asked three of us for help for a smaller task before we all began working on the deck, so I went with her to start. When I found out we were going to be cutting down two trees with a saw, I was nervous. Was I strong enough to do this? I had never even attempted to cut down a tree before, so I didn’t even know what to expect. One of the ladies handed me the saw and said to start sawing as close to the bottom of the tree as possible. 

To my surprise, since the tree was dead, it was easier than expected to saw deep enough that the tree would eventually just fall over on its own. At first, it was quite funny to see how many breaks I was taking because my arms were tired. I had never considered myself as “weak”, but having my arms hurt three days later was a sign that I should take up more rigorous workouts. 

After we finished cutting down both trees, we went back and started to help the rest of the class with clearing the brush and hauling the sticks back to the truck to be thrown away. We clipped down vines, tree branches that were in the way, and swept the floor deck off in order to see the cracks in the wood. After finding the holes, it would be much easier to replace the floor deck so little children don’t fall through when they want to watch the bison. It was hard work bending over and picking up the limbs and throwing them into the truck, but it was nothing compared to the tiny woman who was weed eating her way through the woods. I strive to be like her one day. 

We took a five-minute water break near the end and had the chance to look at what we had already cleared. The giant tree on the right was not blocking our view anymore of the fence, and the fence looked as if it were brand new. The floorboards were cleared completely of leaves and sticks, and was nearly ready to be opened up again. I felt a sense of pride when looking around at my fellow classmates knowing that we took away a couple hours of work from the Nature Center ladies. 

It’s an incredible feeling to be able to look at something and say that we did that. Two hours can make a big difference when you have people who are willing to help out and use all those hands for good.