Nature Journal 2: Plant life and ducks at Jewell Wetlands Park

September 20, 2025

Taking the first step into the wetlands is one of the most magical things. 100 feet away from you is a busy road, but what's in front of you is a place that makes you feel alive. The air smells damp and earthy, like the ground took a deep breath. The birds chirp like its communicating to the frogs nearby. And overhead is 70 feet tall cottonwood trees, giving me shade and protection, making me feel safe.

Cottonwood trees

Walking about 3 minutes into the trail there's a pond. The water are like mirrors of the sky, and moves slowly as the breeze touches it. But what makes the pond lively are the ducks, the crested ducks sit on the rocks lazily, occasionally dipping their heads under the water and splashing as they get up. The ducks also preen which is when it looks like they're eating or licking themselves. They do this because they have a gland near the base of the tail called the uropygial gland, which produces a oily substance. So when they "lick" themselves or bite on their feathers, they're spreading that oil making themselves waterproof. Surrounding the pond are tall cattails they rise with their green and brownish color with dragonflies flying around them. They provide shelter and food for the ducks.

Crested ducks

The plant life is vibrant and beautiful. The asters, and crown beards add color to the wetlands, with their purple and golden yellow presence. The Cottonwood trees dominate the wetlands with their tall and tough structure. They have triangular leaves and rough bark, some trees looks like it has several stems. These trees provide as shade and shelter for the wildlife here. But what stood out the most was the crab apple trees and sturdy buckthorns that hold berries. The crab apple tree has this bold red color that you can see from a mile away. and the Buckthorns have the more blackish color that's hard to see but otherwise very pretty. These berries are food for the animals there.

Crab apples

The wildlife is also something to notice, the squirrels climb the trees like they own the place, often pausing to looking around before disappearing like a magician. The rabbits also pop out of the tall grasses, munching quietly before we stare at each other like its a western standoff, then dashing into the grass like I'm some big threat. And the birds flying overhead like its a competition of who gets to the trees first. Its those small moments, everyday creature that make the wetlands special. The wetlands is something every creature shares, calling it home.

What is he looking at?

Overall, leaving the wetlands feels like leaving another universe. The nature here from the wildflowers, ducks, willows, berries, and cottonwood trees, makes me realize that nature doesn't have to be far to be amazing. The ducks dipping their heads into the pond, the water ripples with every breeze, the wildflowers powerful color, and the leaves whisper makes the wetlands feel alive. Go to your nearest park and enjoy the plants there. It thrives with us, breathing like any other companion that shares this world. The wetlands is a place worth visiting and worth protecting.