Friday, June 30, 2023

giving back

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 

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Celery Farm June 29, 2023

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Laurelwood Arboretum June 28, 2023

Monday, June 26, 2023

Ramapo Valley June 26, 2023