Hi, I'm ranger Casey and I work at the Delaware Water Gap
National Recreation Area. I am so lucky to be surrounded by
over 70,000 acres of green space that include waterfalls, a
river, and wildlife. It's often said that the Delaware Water Gap
National Recreation Area is the gap in the urban map because
we're smack dab in between two
major cities. It's so nice to work in a spot that provides a
refuge for so many visitors, both near and far. I know that
some of you aren't able to make it to the park as often as you
would like. This is just a friendly reminder, though, that nature exists
all around you. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
is such a great spot because it gives us a place
to commune with nature and to take a break from our busy
lives. You don't have to come to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation
Area, though, to experience
nature. Sometimes it's a little harder to spot.
But nature is that weed poking through the crack in the
sidewalk. It's the squirrels nesting in your shed. OK, it's
the squirrels nesting in my shed. That's really happening.
It's also the leaves changing color in the park across the
street from your house.
In fact, if you close your eyes
right now you might hear birds singing
and insects chirping.
Did you ever think about the wildlife that exists right
outside your window?
For our Write Out prompt I want you to put yourself in the
shoes or talons of the birds that you see every day.
Look around you and you might find them nesting in your
backyard, on a city skyscraper,
or on the sign of your favorite store.
I would like you to draw a picture of a bird that has
nested on a city building.
Write a journal entry of the day in the life of that bird.
Think about what kind of bird you want
to choose. It could be anything from a Morning Dove to a
Peregrine Falcon. Imagine what kind of challenges it might face
living in a big city. What do you think it observes on a day
to day basis? How do you think it interacts with this
environment? When you're finished, I would love to read
your story. You can send it to the Delaware Water Gap National
Recreation Area on a postcard or
in a letter. You can also post it on social media with
the #WriteOut, or you could even email it to us. I
can't wait to see what you have. Have fun!