Hayes' Site Journal
Washington Park
Location
For my Site Journal I decided to go to Washington Park which is a very popular location in the city.
Why Washington Park?
I wanted to be able to go somewhere that would have an extensive ecosystem with a lot of ground to cover. I can explore new areas each day while still watching my old ones.
My First Trip
When I got here, I was a little disappointed about how many clouds were in the sky but as I kept on walking around, I realized it did not matter, it was still the same environment but with a different look to it. As time passes the landscape will continue to change and I hope I can visit it looking and feeling different each time.
Northern Red Oak
This is a pretty common tree in Washington Park but still has a great view of the pond behind it.
Siberian Elm
This was the first tree to catch my eye as I walked into the park. One of the tallest in the area and had half of it removed.
Zinnia & Feathertop
These 2 plants are found together in a lot of areas in the park. They are mainly found along the walkways and flower gardens.
Week 2 at Washington Park
Beautiful Sunset
I think this is my favorite picture that I have taken so far. One of the first pictures I took when I went to the park today.
Honey Locust
Here is a new tree that I saw today just off the edge of the water. Love this picture with the water on the side but hate these orange nets.
I would have to say that I enjoyed this trip much more than my first trip. I planned to go just before sunset because I wanted to have a nice experience. Not saying that I did not enjoy my first trip to the park, but this was definitely a better setting than when it was cloudy. I am already starting to notice the weather changes as I wear a fleece while walking around and can't wait for winter to start. The weather was still pretty good because of the sun but the changes are already noticeable a couple of weeks in.
My sitting spot
I sat here for about 10 minutes listening to music and taking in the environment. This was the best part of the trip and was super relaxing
Favorite Song
I always like to put in my ear buds when I go on these trips, Learning To Fly by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
This was the perfect ending to my week as I have been loaded up with work and it is nice to wind down a little and just enjoy the environment around me. I don't get the chance to do this that often but I'm happy that I've been doing these trips. I cant wait to see how my site changes through time passing.
Week 3 at Washington Park - Night Visit
Siberian Elm Pic #2
So much has changed with this tree in just a short amount of time. In under a month it has completely lost all of its leaves.
Honey Locust Pic #2
Here is an update on the Honey Locust from week 2. Similar result to the Siberian Elm but still just as beautiful. I really liked how this picture turned out.
Returning to the park for the third week felt like stepping into a place that was subtly transitioning. The trees, which were so bare and quiet when I first started coming, are now changing. Some have burst into clusters of new leaves, while others have these pretty blossoms. It's like they're growing up right in front of me. The whole park seems livelier too. There's this different feeling in the air, like the park itself is telling a story. It's not just a bunch of trees and grass; it's like a living thing with its own personality. I can't quite figure it out, but it keeps me coming back, eager to see what else might unfold in this little natural world.
This was a very enjoyable visit to the park for me, unfortunately I lost my ear buds and can no longer listen to my favorite music while doing this. Nonetheless, I still had a great time.
Week 4 at Washington Park - Sunset Visit
So many Ducks!
This was the first picture I managed to take when coming here, very happy with how it came out and having the sun reflect right next to the ducks. The low light making the ducks almost look like shadows really compliments the trees in the back.
Group of Ducks?
This is something that the ducks were doing the whole time, kinda creepy if you saw how long they would do this for. It was a group of around 7 ducks all spinning in a circle grouped up and there were multiple groups of ducks. Nature sure is weird sometimes.
More Ducks!
This is another picture that I got from the sunset visit that I really liked. The lighting came out a little different which highlighted the sunset even more. The ducks flew away shortly after this picture was taken
Week 4 brought a whole new dimension to my park experience, as I decided to visit during the enchanting hours of sunset. The golden hues painted the surroundings with a warm glow, casting long shadows that danced across the landscape. It quickly became my favorite visit. The pond, which had been a serene backdrop before, now took on a magical quality as the fading sunlight reflected off the water. Ducks gracefully glided across the pond, their silhouettes adding to the serene atmosphere. Choosing a quiet bench, I took some time to simply sit and absorb the beauty around me. The park, now bathed in the soft, fading light, seemed to have a different personality. Nature's symphony was in full swing - the gentle rustle of leaves, the distant calls of birds settling in for the night, and the soothing ripple of water all combined into a harmonious melody. This visit was not just about observing; it was about becoming a part of the scene, a quiet observer in a captivating play of colors and sounds. As the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a canvas of purples and pinks, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of connection with the space, making this sunset visit my favorite so far to Washington Park.
Week 5 at Washington Park - Night Visit #2
First Picture
As you can see from this picture, this night did not start off as a Night Visit as there was still a good amount of light when I first arrived. I decided that I wanted to take my time with this visit and did a full loop around the park which I really enjoyed.
Week 5 marked a milestone in my exploration of Washington Park – it was the longest I had ever spent there. Eager to uncover every nook and cranny, I took the time to stroll around the entire area. It was an adventure, discovering hidden corners and unique features that had eluded me in previous visits. The park, bathed in the soft glow of twilight, seemed to reveal new secrets with every step. As the evening progressed, I found myself becoming one of the last people in the park. The familiar sights took on a different character under the subtle illumination of the moon and stars. The pond, now reflecting the night sky, exuded a tranquil beauty, and the rustling leaves provided a soothing soundtrack to my extended visit. Walking the quiet paths and absorbing the stillness, I felt a sense of calm settle over me.
Week 6 at Washington Park - Final Visit
Last Day First Picture
As I traveled to my site for the final day, I couldn't help but feel a strong connection to this place. I have been going here since the start of my school year and I've been able to witness all the change in the area. I have a deeper respect for this land, being able to see it in many elements.
Final Siberian Elm Pic
As I took my final picture of this tree, I felt a somewhat metaphoric ending to my journey here. This was the first tree that I took a picture of week 1, so I decided it to be my last picture of my trip, coming full circle.
Final Honey Locust Pic
This tree also has a lot of meaning to me, when I first saw this tree and took a picture of it with all of its leaves it was my favorite picture. A couple months later, and that is still the case. I love the way the water sits in the background.
This was my favorite picture from the day, I walked all around the pond for the second time and noticed an area breaching out that overlooked the whole park. I loved the way that the panoramic picture turned out with the water reflecting everything
Week 6 marked the end of my series of visits to the park, and it was a bittersweet farewell. As I wandered through the familiar trails and open spaces, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey I had undertaken over the past weeks. The park had become a teacher of sorts, revealing its secrets and intricacies with each visit. This last trip felt like a culmination of everything I had learned. I could now identify different trees, notice the subtle changes in the seasons, and recognize the sounds of various birds and insects. It was like the park had shared its story with me, chapter by chapter, and I had absorbed every detail. Sitting at the same bench where I had spent moments of reflection before, I marveled at the ecosystem that thrived within the park. The interconnected web of life, from the smallest insects to the towering trees, had become a source of fascination. The park wasn't just a collection of plants and animals; it was a living, breathing community. As I left the park for the last time, I carried not only memories of tranquil sunsets and vibrant landscapes but a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. The park had been my outdoor classroom, and the lessons it imparted about harmony, resilience, and the beauty of the natural world will stay with me long after my final footsteps echoed through its trails.