<p>I am really impressed with and proud of the many volunteers who have continued to show up right through the very hot and humid days of this summer. As you can imagine, this weather doesn't present much of a problem to invasives like stilt grass and privet. So it's really important to do all we can to stay “on the job” and give our native species a chance to get ahead.</p><p>Along with many of you, I do this work year-round. This means that I am out in the woods, immersed in my planet, in all seasons. What a wonderful privilege it is to be able to have this experience. Not only do I get to actually notice relatively small changes in the flora and fauna around me, but I also get to appreciate (and be irritated by) the differences those seasons present. For example, in the winter it is sometimes hard to get out there in the cold and get started, even though I know that after just a few minutes, I'll be shedding layers. But oh my the lovely wonder of NO BUGS. Conversely in the depths of summer, I don't have to worry about the cold, but I struggle to keep the sweat out of my eyes, and oh my THE BUGS! Chiggers, ticks, mosquitos…and bees. As insects go, the worse for me are the ground bees, especially yellowjackets. I'll be clearing an area of olive or privet and then think to myself: “Wait, that doesn't itch. That <i>hurts</i>.” and look down to see a stinger piercing my pants, and my gloves and now my shoulder huts. And suddenly I have leaped to my feet without conscious thought, wildly grab for my gear, and race away, with the bees following, <i>really pissed off.</i></p><p>I do confess though that there is a part of me welcomes the discomfort (though not the pain). Humans have gotten way too comfortable, mostly by closing themselves off from their own planet. And of course many other creatures pay the price for that comfort. </p><p>I've decided that it's important to get comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable. If you want to be in the natural world, you've got to accept a certain level of discomfort, injury, etc. Of course, I don't want to get serious injuries. But covered with itchy bites? Shoulders and elbows sore from piling up big dead privet? Small price to pay for healing our planet!</p><p>Hope to see you at one of our Tree Rescue events soon. Be careful out there! Stay hydrated, covered up, don't over-exert yourself.</p> |