While preparing a class discussion on nature and well-being, I was skimming through Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods and came across the excerpt below written by Wendell Berry. He is lamenting the disconnect between children and nature. One of my goals for this phenology project is to renew an interest in the seasonal changes by having people more closely observe their natural surroundings.
Our children no longer learn how to read
the great Book of Nature
from their own direct experience or how to interact creatively
With the seasonal transformations of the planet.
They seldom learn where their water comes from or where it goes.
We no longer coordinate our human celebration with
the great liturgy of the heavens.
Later in the book is an excerpt from Henry David Thoreau:
Each new year is a surprise to us.
We find that we had virtually forgotten the note of each bird,
and when we hear it again, it is remembered like a dream,
reminding us of a previous state of existence…
The voice of nature is always encouraging.
Those words are so true. It's always great when young people join me on my hikes, especially when I see their eyes open to the wonders of nature around them. I remember the first time I met your son on the Beltzville bird walk his enthusiasm and knowledge was so refreshing. I'm sure he inspires his friends.
ReplyDelete