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Speak for the Trees Blog
Speak for the Trees Blog
Holding It All Together
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We don't often think of the life below ground when we look at a tree. Here is an example of the service this one tree does to keep a slope along a trail from eroding. As I drive along the countryside or visit cities, I can't help but imagine how much more improved our landscapes and the quality of our water/soil conservation would be if we would but let trees do what they do best...keep us all "grounded" in more ways than one!
Who Goes There?
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We wanted a new holiday tradition that would take us into the woods. "Owl Moon was a chlidhood favorite so we thought we'd give Owling a try. First, we contacted our local Wildlife folks to learn more about these raptors and where to listen and look. On a moon lit night this December we followed our guide into the woods at Meandon Ponds NY. Family and friends join in as we walked slowly down a well defined trail in silence. Screetch Owl sounds rang out from a Cornell University Ornethology cell phone app...and we waited. No answer. It went on like this for some time. These little owls are the first to come out at dusk but tonight they seemed to be sleeping in. We traveled deeper into the woods.
Next a call rang out for the Great Horned Owl. Again and again...nothing. But we were delighted to just be trying. Here in the deep woods on a snowy Solstice night was magic. You could hear every movement of life in the stillness.
Patience is the most useful thing you can bring to go Owling...and of course a good listening ear.
Just about the time we were to end our expedition, we heard them...a mating pair, moving closer and closer to the mimic sound from the phone.
They called out and then called back and forth to one another. We learned it was mating season and it seemed they had found the love they were looking for high in the dense branches of the forest. We listened to them for as long as we were able.
As we headed back towards home, the haunting calls stayed with me...a beautiful, natural gift of the season.
I was not alone in my appreciation. This event proved to be one of the best holiday gifts we recieved...and we are still talking about it...and still listening..now with a more informed ear!
Learn more about Wildwings adventures- https://www.wildwingsinc.com/about-us
Winter Walk among Old Growth Trees at Letchworth NYS Park
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There are so few places left to be with old growth trees. It was a delightful surprise to be walking the pathway along Letchworth's Grand Canyon here in Western New York State to find myself among a diverse forest of old growth trees. Nothing like the beauty of winter to highlight the texture, shape and breadth of these great beings. Such a gift.
Restoration and Renewal
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We are living in times of uncertainty as hopelessness lingers near to hearts and minds. In these times, let us go to the forest to remember who we are and what we are to do. Let us witness the power of life as it is renewed within every season. Let us join our lives with the greater life of which we are all a part...to act for renewal..to the end that each life shall know wholeness and all shall live as one.
Forest Bathing in the Winter?
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If you have ever spent time basking in the glow of a summer day in a Forest or the beauty and silence of a winter moonlight trek in the deep woods…You know the wonder and joy of trees.The link between life on Earth and Forests is no secret.Take a deep breath…we depend upon Trees for our every breath.However, in the past few years, research confirms the direct relationship Trees have on our bodies, minds and spirits.
The deep immersion into “the green” has long been understood as a restorative practice in Japan. Shimrin Yoku is the practice of “Forest Bathing”.
Here in the north country (Brockport New York) it takes a certain hearty commitment to dress for the 15-25 degree weather and step out into the forest. However and whenever I do, I am amazed at how wholesome and needful this is to my well being...So, friends, I invite you to join me as we put on those mittens, hats and boots and go head on to our local parks or forests...The trees, the quiet and the snow are a soulful combination. If you go at dusk, you might consider looking for owls while your at it! Screech Owls are the tiny ones who come out first in this area
For many here in our Village and Town, the local parks are where we go “to bath” in the trees…However, many of our trees are on the decline due to age or illness. The harsh truth is that even here, we are losing a great many of our trees due to age or illness. We will need to do more than replant…we need to take seriously our need to grow this forest now!
Post to share your own Forest experience.
