Find a bench under a large cottonwood tree. Cottonwood trees have grayish-brown bark that is deeply furrowed and heart-shaped leaves that shake in the wind.
Sit and look around you. Are there any insects flying close by such as butterflies or dragonflies? What are they doing? Are they feeding, fighting or resting? Male butterflies may be seen on soil or on a reptile’s head. Why? They not only need nectar but salts and minerals too. They can find these in decaying matter in soil or reptile tears!
Rest here. Take a sip of water. How is the temperature? What smells do you sense in the air? What sounds do you hear? Taping into your senses is one of the most valuable skills a scientist can have.
Keep walking to the east, past the parking lot. Take the pedestrian road after the “No motorized vehicles” sign.