Billy's Blog

Billy Petersen Professor Williams Nature Journal 12/4/19 Paddle Boarding Into the Sunset           As colder weather approaches, I wanted to take advantage of my limited days on the water. I reached out to one of my friends and he allowed me to borrow his paddle board for the day. I waited until late afternoon before I got on the water, I wanted my last hour to be during sunset. I entered the Trinity on my paddle board and was immediately hit by the hot sun. I felt like I was under a magnified glass as the water absorbed the suns rays forcing them to beat down on me. Although the sun was intense, there is no greater feeling than being on your board listening to the waves slapping against the rails. One thing I love about paddle boarding is that you get to explore different nature elements than if you were on a boat. It allows you to go into marshy patches or close to the shore in areas that are to shallow for a boat.       ...

Billy Petersen Professor Williams Nature Journal 12/4/19 Fishing in The Fall         Growing up I have always had a passion for fishing. Whether you’re catching a limit or not getting a bite, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Every time I come home to Chicago, it’s a tradition of my friend and I to catch up and go on a fishing trip. Each fall Steelhead trout enter spawning streams from the Great Lakes, so we decided to drive up to Michigan hoping to catch some fish. Michigan in the fall is breathtaking. The leaves change into florescent orange and brown colors creating incredible views. The cooling temperatures and moist air is a sign to all northerner’s winter is coming. To get to our favorite fishing spot, you must walk across rocky trails, under branches, and through small streams. As we approached our spot, I grabbed my friend and stood silently as a doe and her fawn sipped water out of the stream. Time stood still as ...

Billy Petersen Professor Williams Nature Journal 12/4/19 Running Into Nature         After a long week of midterms, I needed to alleviate some stress. With caffeine still flowing through my body, I needed to get rid of some energy and clear my mind. I have never been much of a runner but going to the TCU rec center wasn’t going to cut it. I needed to free myself from people and other distractions on campus. People always rave about running on the trinity trails, so I decided to give it a try. Although I don’t usually find running peaceful, I wanted to challenge myself and spend the beautiful day outside. I figured the combination of running and spending time in nature would be the perfect way to unwind after a long week.         My run got off to a slow start. I couldn’t focus on anything other than the fact that I hate running. I needed to get in the zone fast or I knew my run would end abruptly. I tried focusing on things other ...

Billy Petersen Professor Williams Nature Journal 12/4/19     An Unexpected Guest              Today is my first class at the Fort Worth Nature Center. I have lived in Fort Worth for over two years now and I have never heard of such a place. I start to become skeptical of where our class is headed. The only “nature” environment I have been exposed to in Fort Worth is the Trinity River, which locals tend to tell me it’s disgusting. I decided to set my skepticism aside and trust Professor Williams and head out to the Fort Worth Nature Center.         As I drove into the Nature Center I was astonished by its beauty. Within minutes of driving down the long dirt road I saw a herd of deer leaping over a small wooden fence. Just seconds after, I saw another heard of deer run through the trees. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, I looked over at my friend next to me and said excitedly, “how have I never heard of...

Billy Petersen Professor Williams Nature Journal 12/4/19 Morton Arboretum         Today is the day. The day my family has been anticipating for almost a year. October 5 th is an exciting time for my family because my sister is getting married. The wedding takes place at the beautiful Morton Arboretum, a historic landmark for many native Chicagoan's.         I decided to venture out to the Arboretum early in the morning to explore the scenery. October in Chicago means changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and all of the other beautiful things fall has to offer.         I started my journey around 7:00am. The sun was rising, and its rays sparkled in the mist that was steaming off the ground. I walked on dew-covered wood chips and observed everything living in the forest. I wanted to focus on being an active listener in an environment that was quiet and peaceful. I heard birds chirping to one another as they ...