Root Philosophy

     Roots found in the 2nd creek are exposed in the top picture.  This tree just endured a week's worth of howling, gusting, high winds. And it stands, thanks to roots, seen and unseen.

       The tree knows that to weather the storms and still keep reaching for the light it must secure roots to keep grounded. As the tree grows, the roots must grow deeper and stronger, and new roots branch off the old.

        Roots remind me of our young as they need the strong, loving arms of a family; a foundation on which to grow their new lives.

The hot, dry summer and fall produce a creek bed flowing only with sand and leaves.

Altamont City Park~ A New View

Welcome Festival of the Trees #53

The footpath bridge in autumn

at the Altamont City Park.

      The bridge on the west side of the park is now fully visible from the welcoming bench or the picnic table.

     This week city workers removed two rusted and unsightly pieces of 40-year-old playground equipment. They took with it the memories of my little brother playing on it for the first time, my own kids sliding down the slide, and my grandkids making themselves dizzy on the merry-go-round.

     The old equipment may be gone, but look at the view that is left!

   "Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts."

Arnold Bennett

Hope Poster

Shades of summer still can be found as the evening sun glows warmly on these wildflowers along the Wetland Prairie Trail at BNC.

One look overhead reveals a nearly-bare tree,
decorated with a crimson vine against a cloudless blue sky.

I look up, I look down, never once
taking for granted the array of lines, patterns, textures, and colors
offered to me by nature.
 It's as if my eyes are privileged to their very own nature documentary
by the master filmmaker.

ROE Institute at BNC

     Many teachers had a educational day at BNC yesterday learning facts about birds to help peak their own students' interest in back-yard biology.

     Others were busy discovering the truth behind the misconceptions many children (and adults!) have about local plants and wildlife, and learning the importance of diversity in nature.

     Karen Grueuel and Patty Gillespie, co-directors at BNC, did a fantastic job preparing the materials and teaching the teachers during this workshop. Many thanks, Karen and Patty! And thanks to the ROE for coordinating this effort, complete with food!