Something wonderful is happening here
In this suburban nature preserve
That not so long ago was a different place
Overgrown with introduced species
Crowding out the plants the wildlife depend upon
More than the aging membership could manage
Tasked with maintaining the native habitat
Unable to control the spread of unwanted vegetation
All it took was a few words of encouragement
To one person to take the initiative
Beginning to clear a limited area of just one species
Talking to visitors about the project
Soon more people joined in helping out
And the scope of the possible expanded
As more and more people got involved
Who love this place of refuge
Now you can see the transformation
Almost everywhere you look
Along the trail by the pond and meadow
With big plans for more to come
And it’s not just what is literally taking root
That is changing if you look around
Who feels safe to walk and wander here
No longer limited to mostly white men
The volunteers enjoy working together
Welcoming newcomers into their midst
Coming together in a diverse demographic
Happy to be doing something positive
As they clear and replant and nurture new life
My role is to support their ongoing efforts
Helping them to grow into a sustainable group
Dedicated to carrying this place forward
