The High Line is a unique park situated on abandoned elevated railroad tracks parallel to 10th Avenue between 13th and 34th Streets. In the past, the tracks were considered an eyesore that lowered nearby property values (Stalter 388). With the many changes made to preserve and transform the tracks into a park, the High Line is a beautiful green space in the middle of concrete that is loved by New York City residents and tourists alike.
Last Thursday I visited the High Line for the second time with Jenny. Despite the fact that my two visits were only about 3 months apart, I was still able to see some changes in the scenery. Both visits I started around the 23rd Street entrance and ended at 30th Street. Due to the change in seasons, many of the wild grasses and plants were beginning to wilt and the leaves on the bushes and trees began to change color. What surprised me was that there were still wildflower blooming. Between 23rd Street and 26th Street there were many little patches of yellow wildflowers, white wildflowers, and purple wildflowers scattered between tall grasses. I found it interesting that one species of these flowers would dominate that specific patch; if it was a patch of white flower plants, the entire patch was of the white flowers. Some pollinators we found in these blooming areas were a few different species of bees, flies, and birds. I found the High Line to be consistent with Stalter’s study in terms of species diversity. I was able to see a large variety of species simply by walking through the park. The environment initially seemed more grassy and meadow like, but as I walked further north, the grass and bushes changed to bigger shrubs and larger plants, having a forest, woodsy feel to it. Yet when we walked further into more sunlit areas, the plants were more meadow like once again.
Moth
Bumblebee on Aster Plants
Bird pollinating flowers
Fly
Honeybee
The High Line fits with Marris’ idea of a rambunctious garden. The High Line is certainly an example of a “half-wild” garden tended by humans (Marris 2). Before the High Line was transformed, there were already examples of primary succession found on the tracks, showing that nature was already reclaiming the space that humans no longer used (Stalter 388). After the High Line was transformed, humans help maintain and preserve the plants. As the plants on the park continue to grow and bloom, people help encourage its growth. The High Line is nature thriving in the middle of a city.
Jenny and Me at the High Line
