Woodland Ecosystem

An understanding of the fundamentals of nature is key to any individual growing up. We need to see that the world is much more than stores, streets, buildings and industry, but a world that also shows us where we come from and how we fit into this strange equation of life. A chance to actually see nature first hand is something that may take a child a while to process if they have been raised in a city environment. A child from the city is used to another “forest”; one of limited trees, grass lawns, concrete sidewalks and roads, and the great buildings that tower over them all. Looking at our tree, it makes one wonder what happened as life has progressed…

We estimated our tree to be roughly 35 years old. As this tree was first germinated, I was but a glimmer in my parent’s eyes…my parents may not of even met yet. It was a time of political revolution, radical thinking…and disco (Thank god that’s over). Flash forward roughly 5 years, it’s 1979. January 20^th, I entered the world, even though our tree was well on its way to becoming an experienced part of this ecosystem. As I was just learning what the world was, our tree was starting to reach towards the heavens, looking forward to one day, breaking through the canopy into the light above.

Again, flash into the future 5 years to 1984. Our tree has gained another 5 years of growth, still not reaching the canopy, but joining many of its brothers for the race for the top. In 1984, two milestones happened. My brother joined me in life and the Tigers won the World Series. Forever, 1984 will be memorable. Maybe somewhere, our organisms around the tree cheered on the Tigers in their win.

Again, roughly 5 years on, it’s 1990. A breakthrough to a new decade, a new way to look at the world, goodbye 80’s and hello to another 10 years. Our tree has now reached the canopy, just moments from breaking through. At this time, just as the new decade has begun, maybe our tree has begun new life within. A nest with a family of robins has been made, a family begins, a new chapter in life. It is at this time, that I leave elementary school and travel on to jr. high.

It’s 1997, seven years later. Our tree has graduated from the ranks of the ecosystem below, ready to take on new roles and find new niches for other organisms. This same year, I graduate from high school, ready to move out, find myself, and find a calling, my own niche in this world.

Higher still our tree grows, leaving the canopy behind and reaching for the sky. It’s the year 2000, and I am in college finally finding what I want to do with my life. Our tree is now home to many animals, birds, small rodents, in the trunk, and a multitude of insects in between. Our tree acts as a place for each organism to find its own way, help them learn what their purpose is. At this time, I finally realize that I want to become a teacher, helping my own students, in my classroom find their own way, help them learn their purpose.

Now we look upon this tree, finally we meet. 35 years have passed for our tree and 28 for myself. Separated by years, stories, experiences, and now, we look upon each other. I see the world around it, the niches that it occupies, and the ecosystem that relies on it. We don’t know what the future holds for either of us, but we both press on, into the light.