Morningstar Viewing Nature Interactively

[Class at the Nolan Trail]

Yellow long needle pine, walnut, oak, tulip popper, and loblolly pines scattered amongst the vicinity, each stretching their arms to the heavens, thirsting for more light. The trees growing in isolation are large and strong, showing off there full canopies due to the complete sunlight coverage received. These tall ancient ancestors sing songs and share stories amongst one another of the views they have seen. Stories that transcend through history and into the present day. These vast connectors speak to us humans as we step into their home, the forest. For we are only there temporarily because their home is not ours. These tall ancestors speak in gentle terms, making apparent to us the aliments they face due to impeding changes occurring around them. Changes such as rising sea levels that erode their roots, and deplete the nutrients needed for healthy growth; changes of deforestation, warming temperatures, and anomalous storms that threaten their home. Our ancient ancestors speak in urgency. They press the importance of the changes to be ceased.

A unique relationship is held between humans and the natural world. For most of our time humans have attempted to tame and domesticate the terrain around them to seek a benefit for ourselves. We learn from the trees around us the importance of getting back to nature, of stopping the factors that are changing the natural world, and of being more attentive to them. We must listen to the wisdom our ancient connectors are voicing to us for the sake of their well being.

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