One of my favorite quotes used in the beautiful Stillwaters 2010 calendar is from Raymond Reyes.
“When a rose is in bloom,” Reyes writes, “it does not withhold its sweet fragrance because the human bending down to inhale its sweetness is not a ‘good’ person, or because their skin color is a certain shade. It shares its fragrance freely with all of us.
“On a hot day, a tall conifer tree will provide cool shade and clean air to all who want to gather under it. It doesn’t shoo away the ‘bad’ creatures and only give shade to the ‘good’ creatures. Nature doesn’t know the boundaries of prejudice and hate – only acceptance and nurturance of all.”
Those lovely trees, and all the other plants we are privileged to enjoy, are continually beneficial to us in so many ways. They affirm us in who we are, no matter who we are, as Reyes suggests, and they provide for many of our physical needs as well.
January is a good time to think about where you can plant more trees or shrubs, once the coldest weather is past. It’s good to get them in the ground before the Spring rains, so they get a soaking before summer.
We prefer you plant natives, of course, but any greenery adds to our spiritual and physical well-being, as long as it’s not detrimental to the local ecosystem.
In case you need them, here are some more reasons to plant!
As mentioned, trees provide shade, but they protect us from other weather events. They slow down the rain runoff and break the harsh winds. Planted strategically, they can reduce home cooling costs in summer and heating costs in winter. Plants also help to trap pollutants in the air. We are all more aware of this need with the high pressure events of the cold winter!
Plants, shrubs and trees can provide food for yourself and for wildlife. Choose your favorite snack for your yard and add a few for the birds!
They also provide playgrounds, shelter and nesting for critters of all kinds, including your kids.
Trees are a connection to our past, with the ancient stands and heritage trees, or just the big old maple that your great grandpa planted 100 years ago. Trees are a connection to our future, as well. We plant trees now to shade our great grandchildren, and thus sustain our community for generations.
If you would like to join with others who are exploring sustainability issues, please join the new “Reconnecting with Earth,” Discussion Class at Stillwaters starting Jan. 21.
For more information, contact Joleen Palmer at 360-297-2876 or Joleen joleen@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org.
Stillwaters events
“Reconnecting With Earth”
This six week discussion course explores the meaning of a deep connection to the natural world. The class will be offered 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, starting Jan. 21 at Stillwaters, 26059 Barber Cut Off Road.
Topics include: Wild Nature, Shifting Paradigms, Nature and Spirit, The Universe Story, Ecopsychology and Bringing it Down to Earth with writings by Rachel Carson, John Muir, Starhawk, Janine Benyus and Wendell Berry.
Pre-register at (360) 297-2876. Cost is $30 per person, $40 per household. Includes materials and snacks.
Water Colors and Writing for Nature Journals
This new class is taught by Marcia Randall-DeBard and sponsored by Stillwaters. Students will be led through a process of writing, drawing, color theory and watercolors to begin their own nature journal.
The two-day class is offered 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 16 and Feb. 6. at Shabala Studio, 32868 Hoffman Rd NE, Kingston.
This class is for every level of artist or non-artist. Open to teens and adults. Space is limited to eight students. Suggested donation is $80 to $100. Materials provided.
For information contact Stillwaters at (360) 297-2876 or info@stillwatersenvironmentalcenter.org.
