Diario de annakelly64

While in my weekly lab meeting, I glanced out the window and saw a wooded area across the street from the parking lot. I was intrigued by the area because the majority of places near the hospital are either landscaped or covered in concrete. Later in the day, after I had finished all my responsibilities in the lab, I ventured out to the area and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of wildlife. I found daisies, which are my favorite flower, as well as a cardinal. There was no man made path to venture into the nature, so I was limited to observing from the perimeter, not wanting to damage any of the wildlife present. However, there was still a variety of different species to observe, confirming the rich biodiversity of the area. I was extremely surprised to find a raspberry bush in the greenery and continued to explore nearby nature, spotting a butterfly I was unable to photograph because it was so sensitive to my movements.

I am currently in Morgantown West Virginia. Earlier in the week I was concerned with my ability to complete this assignment being that I do not have a car and do not know the area well. However, yesterday, during my walk home from the hospital, I noticed a small stream under the bridge I cross in order to get to my dorm. I decided to venture under the bridge and I was immediately surrounded by a multitude of different types of life. I was surprised at how easy it was to find so many different types of lichen present in an area I previously assumed to be either landscaped or artificial. I walked along the stream for about 30 minutes and explored the many different species living around the water. One particular finding I thought was interesting was the Algal Haircap Moss I observed growing out of a tree stump. At first glance, I thought it was a plant as I had never seen moss with sproutlings growing in it. At one point, I was too engrossed in trying to identify the organism on a rock my foot slipped into the water, revealing another rock covered in moss that I documented. The further I followed the stream, the more interesting discoveries I made, even finding a cinquefoils plant, which at first glance I mistook for a raspberry plant. This assignment helped me explore the place I will be living all summer and that nature is all around us, even when we don't expect it to be.