The Nature Collective

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

While exploring the installations at the SL19B looking at all the steampunk gears and clocks I came across an oasis of trees and bushes and quiet walks. It was the build of the Nature Collective. I walked the paths and wondered about the creators of this build. I went over to the headquarters of the Collective to learn more about it: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Muslin/175/26/128

At the HQ, which is very lovely with a nearby waterfall, I learned “The Nature Collective is a Second Life group created with the goal of cultivating a community around sims, spaces and projects which share a common focus on nature. It is our hope to foster a movement to help people engage and reconnect with the wonder and joy of nature, in the virtual world and beyond “. Since I love nature places in sl I joined the group to understand more.

I was directed to a notice about a zoo that is being highlighted and decided to visit. I arrived at the station and went to the entrance to buy my ticket (which is free) and read the rules posted on the wall. I was stunned when I entered the Ariadne Zoo by the size and the extensive work there. Animals are enclosed in their own habitat and separated by fences to protect the visitors and the animals both.
Ana (Anarya Vhargon) is the owner of the Zoo .

Each enclosure has a card about the animal to impart knowledge to the public. It is a short walk from one enclosure to another, but if I read each animal description and information I would be here for a week! The foliage and décor is fitted to each animal species so they are living comfortably as they would in their own habitat.

Not only is the zoo extensive, spread over two regions ,but it also holds a playground for visitors with games and rides to amuse adults and kids. I checked out several and found they are kid friendly too for Zooby Animesh babies but also for Toddledoo mesh child avies.

Camping is available at bungalows and caravans or tents all for free! There is a pool and a playground there too and a small store with lots of donuts and cupcakes. I found another store with more healthy food, veggies , pizza , and Sodas. Nearby there is a boat rezzer and a Swan boat rezzer to ride on the lovely lake or rezz a tube and just loll there enjoying the view. There is so much to do here it is a good thing there is camping. In my stay I only got to see a part of it all.

I stopped into the aquatic building and went downstairs to enjoy the seating and food served there and look out through the windows at the sharks and other fish passing by. I felt quite safe tho a shark looked me in the eye. This is only one nature place on the list offered at the Nature Collective and I intend to visit more when I am able. There is so much to explore here be prepared to stay a while. There is news coming from the Collective soon so stay tuned!

Get to the zoo on this train. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ariadne/129/8/23

Gemma Cleanslate