Walnuts n Pears

Lesson #1 – The value of nature.

For each of us, there is a “value” to nature.

To me, it’s invaluable.  It’s my respite, my peaceful place, my school room, the place I go to “get away from it all”, my place to learn.  Nature is such a complicated thing, yet at the same time so obviously simple.  Everything about it works together like a well oiled machine, with uncanny balance.  What one living thing no longer needs, another depends upon.  Nature is the place that grounds me.  If I feel like I’m losing sight of what matters, I go outside.  I’m fortunate enough to live walking distance from both a nature center and a small lake.  These are my quick escapes.  The places I go to relax, unwind and get perspective on things.  My son also loves walks, especially in the parks.  I try not to “teach” him so much as let him just observe.  Kids are so observant, often times he sees or hears things that I never would have had he not been there.  Ever since he was a baby, he’s been calmed by nature.  When he was fussy and it felt like we would never get out of, I would take him outside and it would instantly calm him, so much so that he often fell asleep on my shoulder.  There is something to said about that.  A child that small, only able to communicate through crying, tears and cooing, not able to be calmed in any other manner, yet stepping outside was like flipping a switch. I don’t care what anyone says, there is a connection between people and nature.  I think many of us get wrapped up in the business of our daily lives and often forget to stop and connect with nature.  To me, it’s a priceless gift we’ve been given.

To others, nature has a price tag.  They see dollar signs.  They don’t see the birds eating insects from the bark of the dead or dying trees, or the shelter they provide for other animals.  They don’t hear the leaves rustling in the trees as a breeze gently whispers through the branches. They don’t see that the canopy of the mature trees protect the undergrowth, the saplings beneath.  They don’t see the connection, the thread that ties all of it together. They see the trees as furniture, as gun stock as money in their pocket.  They don’t see that removing trees for their benefit throws off the balance.

I’m not one to get into huge political debates, which must be a recessive gene.  My family loves political discussions, some are even involved in politics or positions very closely related.  Not me.  Sure, I have my opinions and values, but politics typically just frustrates me.  Today, even more so. In fact today I’m whirling with emotion.  Frustration, anger, nausea and fear of stupid people. (Yes, I did just say that.)

I just learned that a bill requiring the Department of Natural Resources to commercially log trees in Frontenac and Whitewater state parks in southeastern Minnesota, will be voted on next week in the full Minnesota House.

This bill orders the DNR to harvest black walnut as “timber resources suitable for harvest”, and use profits to help fund the park system. Bill supporters say the state “can’t afford to let valuable trees rot in the woods”.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m obviously all for funding the park system, I just don’t think that damaging the ecosystem of the park is the way to do it.

I ask you today,what is the value of nature to you and what are you going to do about it?  Not sure?  Go for a walk.

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” ~John Muir

Take care,

Kate