On July 18, I decided to visit the retention pond near Van Horne Park around 8 AM to stretch my legs and enjoy some fresh air. Of course, I brough along my X-T3 and Fujinon XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS W. I think it had rained earlier that morning because the leaves of the tall grass were still wet.
I had hoped to photograph dragonflies but found none. Instead, I turned my camera toward the water and the plants around the pond. The surface of the water was dotted with tiny duckweed (Lemna minor), forming a green mosaic that contrasted with the dark water below. Duckweed plays a role in aquatic environments, providing food for fish and waterfowl.
The pond was quiet and peaceful. The tall cattails (Typha latifolia) grew thick around the pond's edge. A formation of cattail seeds had begun to disperse. Cattail plants are essential to wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for wildlife. As I stood there, I could hear the calls of bullfrogs echoing across the pond.
I turned around and spotted a branch covered in lichens, with small leaves beginning to sprout. Lichens are remarkable organisms, a symbiosis between fungi and algae. They contribute to the ecosystem by breaking down rocks and providing nutrients to plants.
I became so absorbed in the moment, listening to the frogs and focusing on the beauty around me, that I lost track of time. It wasn't until I checked my watch that I realised I had a 9 AM appointment with my endocrinologist. I hurried to her office, arriving late.
Despite the rush, the morning was well spent. I felt relaxed and refreshed from my brief escape into nature. My endocrinologist mentioned that my blood pressure was in the normal range, which is unusual since it’s normally high. I believe the time I spent at the retention pond had a positive effect on my health.