Carolyn goes places : Introduction: First Impressions of the Prairie

Um where did all the oxygen go? This was my first thought as I trudged across a hot and barren landscape, seemingly lifeless save for the flies and mosquitos relentlessly attacking every patch of visible (sometimes covered) skin. This was not at all like the landscape of which I was familiar with back home or like the Rocky Mountains my mother taught me to love from a young age. Where were the trees? It was unsettling to be able to see for miles, and yet see nothing at all, except for mountains off in the far distance. Then I realized that to really understand how this land functions, you have to stop and look down at all of the life happening at your feet.
Over these past few weeks I have learned about everything from lichen to Pronghorn; Plants, animals and rocks galore. I have learned how to identify Forbs (wildflowers) based on their leaf and flower structures and how the White-tailed Prairie Dogs are actually an essential prairie species, a creature I had always been told was actually a pest. A couple days ago I spent my last night out on the Allen Cook Spring Creek Reserve. I slept outside under the stars with the rest of the group and reflected back on everything I’ve experienced out on this land that scared the hell out of me at first. I have grown to love the smell of sagebrush and the quick glimpses of horned-larks and horny toads. I’ve acclimated (for the most part) to the elevation and the warmth of the constant sun. I will miss my time out here immensely and can only hope one day I will able to come back to the same Prairie that has stolen a piece of my heart.