Nature

National Love a Tree Day

National Love a Tree Day serves as a call to action. It nudges us to plant new trees, care for the existing ones, and spread awareness about their importance. This special day is a reminder to appreciate trees and all they do for us. They protect our soil from erosion and help maintain the balance of our ecosystems.

They also play a significant role in battling climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. The day aims to encourage everyone to see trees as an essential part of healthy environment and our everyday lives.

Immerse yourself in a forest walk, breath deeply they will rejuvenate both mind and spirit,  let the trees love and uplift you.

For many years I have been part of a team dedicated to one of the most valued components to the City of London, our Trees,  if you are looking for examples of resiliency – let the trees lead the way. Drought, insect infestation, human encroachment, and many other factors have made survival a challenge.

And yet, they do!  The emerald Ash borer has decimated millions of Ash trees, Urban Forestry London working with partners (such as myself), keep on planting - and it works. Trees show us, how to adapt and build resiliency when given the chance for regrowth.

So, keep on planting, celebrate Love a Tree Day, May 16th, 2024

By Mary Hooydonk

Image: Jeroen den Otter@jeroendenotter/Unsplash

Communing with a Ruff-Legged Hawk

I would have to say, the biggest highlight of the year for me, was the opportunity to commune very intimately with a ruff-legged hawk this past December 7, 2023. The encounter has forever changed me, having ingrained in me an even deeper spiritual connection to all of Creation. I witnessed the hawk being attacked by a vulture on one of the back roads between Thedford and Arkona, Ontario. As I drove closer, the vulture lifted off leaving the hawk lying on its back on the road. I stopped and approached the magnificent creature with the intent to move it off the road and out of the way of greater harm. When I spoke with it, the hawk looked me directly in the eyes. It felt as if he was looking deep into my soul. The environment around us dissolved and I was witness to all of Creation as seen through the hawk’s eyes. I heard (in my mind) “I see you for who you are.” It was nothing short of miraculous!

Not able to come to a solution about how to help this injured raptor, I placed him on his belly in the soft grass at the side of the road, apologized for being human and unable to help more, and left. Imagine my complete surprise the following day, when travelling the same route, a little head perked up at the side of the road very near the same spot I had left him! Gordon (named for the road on which we met) was trying to eat a morsel of the road kill over which he had been attacked. I pulled over a second time, withdrew a light fleece blanket from the back of the Terrain and approached the bird. He seemed to remember me, the crazy lady who talks to birds. I bundled him into the blanket, thanking him for the second chance to help him get medical care. He travelled with me, nestled against me, fastened under the seat belt with care not to irritate his injured wing. I noticed also that his upper beak had been broken at the tip. This would have made it more challenging to eat, no doubt.

It took a while and a couple of stops to get him to Salthaven Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre where, after a few days, it was determined that his injuries would significantly reduce the quality of his life and that he would not survive in the wild at all. He was released to the Great Beyond on Tuesday December 12th. His spirit soars freely now and I know that he will continue to teach me much over the coming months. Be sure to watch for the release of my second book, Omens of Change, where he has found a new life.

 

© Laureen Giulian, Author of Moon of Change https://laureengiulian.ca/books/moon-of-change/ 

Earth Day 2022

In the scriptures, Jesus reminds us of the care of the Father for each of us, as well as, the birds and the flowers. (Matthew 6:26, Luke 12:27). We, in northern Canada, are so blessed with the beauty of creation.

Earth Day encompasses not only nature, but all aspects of our Mother Earth. Again, as we think and reflect on our life in the North, we are aware of how blessed we are to know and be in relationship with people from many countries of the world. We are indeed, interconnected and interrelated! And in times of hardship, sorrow, and sometimes utter disbelief, we turn, in unity to prayer.

In November 2018, I made a retreat called Boundless Compassion facilitated by Joyce Rupp. The setting was the beautiful Bowen Island, British Columbia. One of the days of the retreat was dedicated to Compassion for Creation. Joyce invited us to go for a walk and have a conversation with something in creation. In this conversation, we were encouraged to listen, more than speak. The following is what a tree stump shared with me.

November 28, 2018 Tree Stump tells me about herself:

This tree stump in my yard is a feeder for birds in winter and a garden in summer. Below, images from my surroundings.

“Well, at one time, I was one of the tall trees on the property. I could see far over the water. My branches would even touch my brothers and sisters. But there came a time that I needed to be cut down…and that is a story for another time. 

Did you know that the beautiful part of our life as trees, is that, although we lose our crowning glory of branches and foliage, we remain connected in and through our root system?

Now my role is quite different. Did you notice the tiny mushrooms growing on my side? I am somewhat of a nurse giving life. And ants come and burrow and carry off sawdust. I think the tinge of green lichen or moss gives a certain decorative beauty. I can still see the water and hear the birds and even now and then a seagull or black bird will rest on me. I am happy in my old age!”

Today I encourage you to have a conversation with Mother Earth. Remember to listen.

Creator of all living beings, we desire the restoration of the health of Mother Earth. As wise stewards of all that you have entrusted to us, we resolve to evaluate our lifestyle and patterns of consumption in order to make necessary changes. Provident God, we are partners with you. By the power of your Spirit, fill us with courage and conviction as we take responsible action to ensure the sustainability of our Earth. We pray in the name of Jesus who shows us the way. Amen.

(Adapted from “An Earth Day Prayer Service”)

Blessings, Sister Maggie Beaudette, CSJ

International Day of Forests

image: unsplash/Geran de Klerk

Spring has arrived! On Tuesday, March 22nd we will celebrate World Water Day! And in between, you might want to nestle into the breathing lungs of our planet: trees!

The International Day of Forests, celebrated every year on March 21st raises awareness about the values, significance, and contributions of the forests in balancing the lifecycle of the earth.

Nalini Nadkarni shares her love of the forests, the trees that drew her into a career in forest ecology. By researching religious texts of many faith communities, she celebrates with profound awareness, the gift of trees.  Her energy and insight are brought to us in conversation on Tapestry: Connecting to our Roots: the Spirituality of Trees. I found this a joy to listen to. Why not join me in wonder and delight.

Earlier this month Nalini spoke with the CBC, and asked us to reimagine our relationship with trees. Read & listen here.

 -Sister Loretta Manzara, csj