iNaturalist Nature Walk - Module 4
Today I ventured into Central Park, for my first iNaturalist nature walk. Although it is not the complete wilderness, the park provides an outdoorsy feeling amidst the ginormous skyscrapers of New York City. As I strolled through the park (which was my first time ever there!), I was fascinated by the diverse array of organisms that call this urban place home. The air was alive with the melodies of chirping birds, squirrels darted among the trees, and I even spotted a red-tailed hawk but could not get an observation as it flew away quickly. Despite the ongoing issues with air quality due to the fires in Canada, the weather was still beautiful as it was sunny and 70 degrees this morning. One particular aspect of Central Park that caught my attention was the variety of mushrooms flourishing in the damp undergrowth. I discovered an assortment of mushrooms, each with its unique shape, color, and texture. Some stood tall like miniature towers, while others laid low to the ground. I took each step carefully, mindful not to disturb this delicate fungal ecosystem, while simultaneously enjoying the, what seemed like, never-ending variety of life within the park. There were even trees and bushes that are located in different areas across the globe, which was very surprising to me that they could thrive in Central park or a forest in another country! Overall, Central Park is a sanctuary nestled within the concrete jungle that serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of the organisms that call it home. The diverse range of species, the pleasant weather, and the variety of mushrooms allowed me to enjoy my first iNaturalist walk and I was able to learn and witness much of this week’s theme, fungi in the form of mushrooms!
