There is an drainage pond on Butler’s campus, by the tennis bubble. I discovered it only this summer, since I never went to that end of Butler’s property until I lived at University Terrace. It’s made to collect rainwater so the drainage systems aren’t overwhelmed, and it provides a habitat for some local flora and fauna.

All this I learned from reading the rather handy sign. I must brag a little, however, and say I noticed the drainage area when I saw the incredible diversity of species clustered together. In my first honors class (the good one, not the horrible one), we talked about biodiversity in plant species when we read Biomimicry. Ever since, I’ve been especially attuned to places where the natural variation of plant and animal life is allowed to flourish.

Some classes are awesome like that.

I’ve been indulging my ecological side in following Butler’s own Center for Urban Ecology blog. Check it out!