In the park near my home there is a great outcropping of rock. A cliff in miniture. It's about 20 foot high, and too perilous to climb. It's encrusted with lichen and trees emerge from the wider cracks.
This isn't so unusual in NYC. When a parcel of land remains "undeveloped" (by people) it's often because it's too uneven and rocky to permit construction. The bedrock that anchors skyscrapers is exposed to the elements and becomes a wonderful habitat for all manner of creatures.
These little rocky cliffs often have hidden streams. Many of the small rivers and streams of NYC have been covered by roads, sealed underground. A river, even a tiny one is a pernicious thing, water is powerful and wants to travel the path of least resistance. You can't just fill in a stream, you must seal it underground. This is what happened to the little river that ran along side the rocky cliff in the park.
The retaining wall sweats with moisture and moss because of the hidden water.
The water keeps the plant life lush and the snails and slugs abundant near this rock. So that's how it's able to be a home for little snakes. I've only noticed all of these things since meeting one of the residents of the rock pits a few days ago. I'm excited to observe this little ecosystem more in the coming months.
Tomorrow I think I will go out early so I can remove some of the trash from the slope. It's a really special place.
Do you have any little islands of diversity in your town?
For a decade the government turned its back as the Bronx burned. Photographer Ricky Flores captured his home city’s enduring spirit as its residents found hope in a new art movement – hip hop
Now I’m bringing something a little different I’m nervous, I Do Tarot yes but I’m an artist first always and forever and before I drop another PAC which is in the making (Send me in suggestions btw), I wanted to share my first passion with my babes! My passion is my heart and I would love to share my heart with you guys 💋. Love you guys word up show ya Favorite Psychic Rapper some love. 🫂🔥🎊