Paying attention

What quote am I vibing?  “Paying attention is a form of reciprocity with the living world, receiving the gifts with open eyes and open heart.” Robin Wall Kimmerer, from Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

Pounds of Trash Removed from the Wild since Last Post: 52

Pounds of Trash Removed from the Wild in 2024: 184

2024 Earth Month Cigarettes, so far: 38

All-Time Pounds of Trash Removed from the Wild: 3,916

What a wonderful time I've been having finding new friends and volunteer opportunities in Charlotte! My personal trash count may be a little low, but my good-feelings count is high. I know I've said this before, but it's always amazing to see how much can be accomplished by a group of people with a similar goal.

PILES of trash cleaned up, DOZENS of trees released from invasive vine prisons, gardens revitalized - children inspired - natural spaces reclaimed. Inspiring to see what we can do when we work together.

I have also been reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and I had the pleasure to hear her speak via webinar through Wild Ones (an organization focused on native plant landscaping). To say her words have moved me is an understatement. She gives new perspective and suggests real actions we can take to reconnect with the Earth in a more meaningful way. A domino-effect of change follows.

March 4. Idlewild. 8 pounds.

March 10. Volunteer Gardening at Quest Nature Center, with Porscha and Cody. Cut back native grasses for increased growth, and returned to the land for composting.

March 11. Idlewild. 6 pounds.

March 14. Idlewild. 5 pounds.

March 16. Wing Haven - Naturalist Egg Hunt with Linda. Shared information about local birds and creating native habitats for them with young garden enthusiasts.

March 17. McAlpine Creek Greenway Park with Porscha. 10 pounds.

March 22. Idlewild. 6 pounds.

March 23. Rail Trail Cleanup, with South End Social.

March 24. Invasive Plant Removal at Charlotte Museum of History, with Brian and Cody.

April 5. Idlewild. 7 pounds.

April 7. Adopt-A-Street Cleanup in Stuart, with Greg and Jill (Fred Astaire). 24 pounds total, 10 were mine..