Tree Swallows, those adorable harbingers of spring in the Meadowlands, have returned to DeKorte Park! Many thanks to Dennis Cheeseman, who spotted this guy earlier today, his first Tree Swallow photo of 2019! We look forward to many more Tree Swallow shots in the weeks to come.
Pete Seeger once said, “I think the world is going
to be saved by a million small things.” When it comes to our environment
nothing could be more true.
Complex and unique from all our diverse towns and cities,
from our many wonderful nature centers, to our State and local parks and even our
very own backyards, all special, all well deserving to be saved and protected.
But in the end the environment can and will only be saved by individuals doing
what they can and where they can to protect our vulnerable wildlife and the
habitats that they need to survive.
As we speak there are many incredible individuals in
just about every community working hard and fighting the good fight to save a
group of trees, preserve a patch of milkweed, keep a close eye on a stream to
be sure it stays clean and teaching local school kids about nature.
Without fanfare or recognition they are watching endangered species to be sure they are safe, helping to keep plastics out of the environment, planting native plants wherever they can , counting birds and yes, even holding a sign in protest when the environment is threatened.
And there are as many different tools being used as
there are individuals standing up for the environment. Some are using pens to
write letters and stories, some are using binoculars to lead field trips to educate
folks about nature, while others are using their cameras to bring attention to
how incredible and intricate our local environment truly is.
Some use a shovel to restore habitats and there are
others that use a paint brush to bring us the beauty of nature. Still others
use their voice and musical instruments to tell the world that we need to join
together to preserve what we still have. Each and every one doing what they can
do best: giving from their hearts and souls to protect nature only the way that
they can.
I believe we all have a special gift that we can all
use that can make the world a better place. We can teach our own kids about the
birds in the backyard; take a scout group into the woods; explain to your
neighbors the wonders of Monarch Butterflies. Some will talk to their local
elected officials about how important the environment is and others will put up
a nest box for a Bluebird or a Tree Swallow.
In the end it will be up to every individual to do
what they can where they can. We are all heroes of the environment and the
birds, trees, butterflies and all of nature’s creations are depending on us.
They are depending on us to use our gifts that we all have to stand up and let
everyone we know in the best way we can that nature is important and needs to
be protected, valued and cherished.
Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Send me an e-mail and let me know the
great things that are going on where you live to make our environment a better
place Greatauk4@gmail.com