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In today's modern society we rush through every day as if tomorrow may never arrive.  Rarely do we take time to smell the roses, let alone take the time to savor a stroll through a wooded area if you are lucky enough to have one near you.

Today's civilization is increasingly urbanized with paved roads reeking of fresh tar as well as skyriser business and living buildings.  The scent of a real pine tree is a rarity for many.  The best most can hope for in order to experience the peace and serenity of a forest moist from shade and scented of moss while being serenaded by woodland animals and birds is to find a small tract of government protected national parks.  Thank goodness for those. Off the beaten path even in those precious patches of protected nature you will find rare treasures of unusual fauna a city dweller may never see.

Something I discovered a few years back, that most urbanites are unaware, is that off the beaten path in every crowded over developed metropolis I have ever visited or resided within, there are miniature havens of nature to be found.  Tiny areas that after the urbanizers came through and tore up the land, destroyed the natural habitat and disturbed the native dwellers; once the dust settled and the invaders left, Mother Nature worked her magic to heal and reclaim from the damage done.

A drainage ditch from a shopping center run-off is teaming with life.  There are dozens and dozens of these reclaimed natural areas.  Minnows, frogs and birds compete for insects and other edibles in the tree lined waterway.  An occassional squirrel, raccoon, possum, skunk, groundhog, mole, and in larger patches, the rare sight of deer may appear.  

I have worked, resided and occassionally returned to Columbus and Westerville, Ohio.  Two places one would not expect to find such naturalized elements.  Mother Nature is more persistent in her methods.  No matter how dedicated the builder, landscaper or engineer; there will always be an unexpected, if not always welcomed, element of an original wild life.  It may come in the form of plant, animal, insect or reptile; yet return it will, long before the demise of anyone that attempted to "civilize" nature.  I hope that many of you travel off the beaten path at some point in order to experience the true beauty life has to offer.