I moved to Frisco, TX about a month before I started college. Because of this, I knew that finding a natural area to visit would require some research. This natural area, the Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt, which hopes to preserve the habitats and natural plant and animal species is in a crucial spot between two busy roads, and two large residential areas.
I was very interested to see such a bold take on conservation, public education, involvement, and sustainability in such a highly populated area. Although this spot is vastly different from Lone Rock Point, I was able to learn a lot and discover some very fascinating wildlife, much different from that in Vermont.
These are the tree species that I captured while walking through the greenbelt, many of which, I had never seen before, but I was able to identify the Red Oak leaf in the bottom right! I also took the time to draw out some sketches and label each of the leaves pictured above from what I was able to identify with iNaturalist.
What’s Different About This Place?
It was very refreshing to be back in a place that had many green leaves, and animals that were still roaming about. Other than the Red Oak, which isn’t even present at Lone Rock Point, I didn’t recognize any of the tree or animal species. I don’t find this alarming because Texas and Vermont are vastly different places, with vastly different wildlife, but nevertheless, they are both beautiful, and I have had a great time getting to explore each of them!
Not only this, but I got to share this trip to the Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt with my younger brother. I got to teach him about some of the ways in which I identify trees and the importance of natural areas. It was a great moment to get to share my passion for the environment with my younger brother, and I hope that he starts to take notice of the beautiful environment around him.
Luke kept upgrading his walking stick!
Two Fascinating Finds…
To the left is a bird of unknown species that I found on my brother and I’s walk throughout the greenbelt. On the right was a remarkable tree called the Osagé Orange tree, which actually won an award as pictured below:
Luke and I hope that everyone enjoyed their break!
“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.”
