Foothills Trail - Highlands Ranch CO

Today my Grandfather and I explored Foothills Trail in Highlands Ranch. A beautiful little trail and park next to the residential areas of Highlands Ranch. My mission in these various site explorations is to get away from the hustle and bustle of campus and city life and take time to get out into nature. As it was the first week of classes this past week I've felt the stress of the new academic year upon my shoulders. Getting out into nature and walking around brought my mind some peace and calmness. I have always enjoyed the various flora and fauna in the places I've visited and I will give some little descriptions and facts about the plants I saw and documented today.

Smooth Brome (Bromus Inermis)

Foothills Trail home to many grasses and plants. Pictured here is a view of some of the prairie grasses. The main grass is called Smooth Brome, a plant introduced to the United States in the early 1800's. It likes to take a foothold in nice, open, sunny areas such as the conditions of Foothills Trail. Sadly this plant is considered to be an invasive species, but it makes for beautiful foliage all the same. This plant has a deep root system that can help with erosion by holding the soil firmly in place. With the soil in this sight being rather dry, rocky and with little water, the ecosystem relies on such grasses to keep the soil firmly in place.

Quaking Aspen (Populus Tremuloides) and Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus)

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus)

Both the Aspen (also known as Quaking Aspen) and the Common Sunflower are native to the Colorado and rocky mountain region. The Common Sunflower attracts crucial pollinators to the area. Furthermore, like the Smooth Brome, It's roots run deep and prevent erosion. The Aspen as plays a crucial roll as it is the only widespread native tree in the state of Colorado, growing at all types of elevation. The Aspen provides key habitat to wildlife around it and is home to many rodents and birds, as well as provides shelter and shade for moose, deer and elk. I find that listening to aspens rustle their leaves in the wind to be a very calming sound. I find sitting and listening to nature to be key in connecting to it. I believe that as humans we have a minset that we are greater than nature but in actuallity we are a soild part of nature. It's important we stop and take some time to reconnect every once in awhile. As John Muir once said "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; That wilderness is a necessity."

(One of the few small, fresh water sources on the trail, housing algae and water bugs.)

When I think about it, I would have to agree with John Muir. Starting my walk today in a haze of stress and academic anxiety, getting to feel the sun on my skin and breathe the fresh mountain air helped bring a sense of calm only nature could. I do believe it is crucial we as humans remember what we are: Nature. After taking my walk and catching up with my Grandfather on the way, I feel once again more balanced and centered.