The octahedron is the only one of the platonic polyhedra comprised of a doubled form, two four-sided pyramids of equilateral triangles connected at their bases. There are intersecting square planes in all axes at the middle of the form. Plato identified the octahedron with the classical element of air because of its quality of mobility, implied in its capacity to rotate on two points. Perched atop a large granite boulder at the furthest reaches of the preserve, where the forest is open, breezy, and bathed in light, the octahedron invites an upward gaze and an awareness of air. Forests, sometimes called the “lungs of the planet,” help regulate earth’s atmosphere through the sequestration of carbon and the release of oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, in addition to helping filter air. Lungwort, a species of lichen, is notably present in this area, an indicator of clean, unpolluted air.

Photo by Thombs Photography