I read an article today that captured the spirit and concern of one of my recent posts. It relates to Britain specifically, but I see a similar disconnect between people and nature in the United States. It amazes me how many adults (who have lived in Upstate NY all their lives) don’t know the difference between an oak and a maple tree. These are some of the most common trees around! Or they can’t name any of the wildflowers that grow near them.
It’s really… strange to me, I guess, but then I think of all the other skills I’m surprised people lack. Like…hearing that someone intends to throw out a shirt because a button fell off… Say what? Reading the article linked above made me realize how lucky I was as a child to learn about the nature around me. My parents and even grandparents were very involved and passed down their wisdom – the names of plants and animals, how to garden, what not to touch, and even some wild edibles. I’m always trying to add to that knowledge and pass on more to my own daughter.
There’s definitely some privilege there. I understand that I was very lucky to have involved parents. They could afford for my mother to stay home and raise my sister and me. My father had a good job with benefits so he didn’t need to take any more employment. My grandparents lived close and were able to retire, giving them plenty of time to teach me and my sibling how to sew, paint fences, weed, press flowers, etc. Not only did we have access to green space, but we were surrounded by it and actively went on weekend excursions into the Adirondacks to learn more. We went to the library and museums. I realize not everyone is able to do those things for a variety of reasons.
I’m thinking about how I can help improve the situation. Continuing to talk with my daughter about the plants and animals around us is a huge priority to me. Reading and getting outside as I discussed in that recent post to improve my own understanding, for sure. Perhaps I should do more with my own grove? Going on a nature walk together and pooling our collective knowledge would be a great activity. (Honestly, I want us to get out more together anyway.) As a teacher, perhaps I should take my students outside. Perhaps we’ll take advantage of the wooded trail on campus and keep a weekly or even monthly nature journal to improve their writing skills… Simply getting outside and taking the time to observe can be so powerful*. There are many possibilities. Every little bit counts.
What are you doing to improve your connection to nature? What else could you do to pass on your knowledge to others?
*I once took some little kids out on the playground with magnifying glasses just to observe the insects and spiders. After calming them, they were entranced by a bumblebee, admitting that they never actually looked at one up close before. It was one of the most amazing, humbling, and emotional experiences to me as a teacher.
Author M. A. Phillips 