George found the link I put on the website
Sending a message to ask to help
With whatever needs to be done taking care
Of the place he has enjoyed for many years
Wanting to give back now he is able
To provide for those who walk these paths
To find respite in a nature preserve
Where regular trail maintenance is needed
An offer welcomed in responses by Gaby and Jim
And Jim soon paired him up with Bruce
Who mows and mulches by the mile
Happy to have George trim the phragmites
There are many more people who tend to this place
Volunteers including Neil who I see often
Practicing a form of community gardening
Each contributing what they can
Like the woman I spoke to who comes every day
Bringing a watering can to the butterfly garden
Nurturing the flowers as her personal project
Nameless because I did not ask her
And Fred who has planted so much over the years
Seeking no recognition for his labor of love
Quietly going about his self-assigned tasks
As does everyone who keeps this place up
If I see some litter a thoughtless person dropped
And it won't fit in my pocket or is too filthy
I wish I had brought a small trash bag along
But the next time I pass it is always gone
And then I thank the unseen picker-uppers
Who do what they do as a sign of respect
For this place that belongs to all of us who cherish
The wildlife habitat sanctuary protected here
