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Dear Friends,
It is hard to focus on the positive when there is so much loss & suffering in the world by way of climate change, war, greed & a reprehensible disregard for human rights & the environment. Then there is the pesticide industry which has so much influence over governments that their toxins are allowed to poison people, water, food & nature. But we do have something to be thankful for – the halt to the ravaging of the Greenbelt by the unscrupulous. Created to protect agricultural lands, natural areas & watersheds, the Greenbelt provides us with food, habitat for wildlife & absorbs surplus rainwater, preventing flooding as long as it is not paved over by sprawl development. Now we need to implement irrevocable bylaws to ensure protections in perpetuity.
I am also thankful for the wonderful local organic veggies I enjoyed this year from Joyfully Organic Farm. The thrill of recording 35 bird species in the Jefferson Forest, including the uncommon Yellow Breasted Chat really lifted my spirits. It is heartening to see so many people enjoying the restorative value of our forests. The expansion & conservation of green spaces must continue.
As the Winter Solstice approaches a fun activity like building a winter cookie house, shown below with directions here might help us embrace the coming season in a more lighthearted way. Indeed, the days will soon be light for longer.
All of us at YREA – Abdullah, Donna, Liz, Susan, Sylvia & I ask you to find a bright spot in your life which can help in these troubled times. Our very best wishes for sunnier days ahead.
Keeping the faith,
Gloria Marsh, Executive Director
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