Event 2: LA Botanical Gardens

Event 2: UCLA'S BOTANICAL GARDENS

Tropical American Birds!!

On May 4, 2019 I attended UCLA's Botanical Gardens for Bird LA Day. To be quite honest, I did not know that these gardens even existed for the longest time! My sister told me how she loved to sit in the peace and quiet in order to complete some homework, so I decided it was finally time to check it out! When I arrived at the gardens, I received a "Bird LA Passport" which contained pictures of many of the birds that were available to view throughout the self-guided tour, along with many of their common sounds. I was shocked to see that the gardens were so vast and long that I was unable to visit all of the birds that appeared on the brochure. However, my favorite bird must have been the Toco Toucan that is found in Central and eastern South America. I think that this bird is funny because it snores and grunts - how weird!!

Me with the largest body of water in the gardens

The Tallest Tree

Throughout the day at the Botanical Gardens, I also decided to tag along on a tour with an official guide, which was separate from the Bird LA self-guided tour. As we made our way through the gardens, we came across the largest and oldest tree! It was so tall that I could hardly capture the entire tree in one picture. I found it interesting when my tour guide explained how the goal of the Botanical Gardens was to eventually become completely self-sufficient in irrigation. As of now, the gardens utilize 'self-timer' sprinklers that only go off during the nighttime so that the visits from the tourists are uninterrupted. The tour guide was further explaining that by becoming 100% self-sufficient in irrigation, it will help conserve water for the rest of the environment, and maybe even increase funds for the gardens as there will be less money towards irrigation.

Me at the Botanical Gardens

Overall, my visit to UCLA's Botanical Gardens on Bird LA Day was extremely interesting and peaceful. I had no idea that these gardens contained various different climates so that all of the unique plants and animals could survive in their given environment. I was also clueless to the fact that these gardens are over 90 years old! This was a very special experience, as I now have a newly found respect for gardens throughout the world, and the constant efforts it takes to maintain their health. With that, I am also lucky enough to have found a peaceful environment where I will be able to unwind from the crazy college days, and respect the beauty that is provided through 'nature'.

References

“Campus Plants List.” Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.

“Game Music in the Garden: Outdoor Concert with UCLA's Game Music Ensemble.” Mildred E. 
         Mathias Botanical Garden.

“Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.” Venue Reservations.

“Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Mar. 2018.

“Toco Toucan.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Apr. 2019.