Exposure to Nature

“We seem so frightened today of being alone that we never let it happen. . . . We choke the space with continuous music, chatter, and companionship to which we do not even listen. It is simply there to fill the vacuum. When the noise stops there is no inner music to take its place.”

                                                                                                - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Recently, my professor distributed the above quote from Anne Morrow Lindbergh. My initial reaction was to scoff at this idea (mainly because I did not want to admit how true I knew it was). Adjusting to life in Athens has not been easy for me- no secret among my friends and family. I have often felt the need to fill the empty space that distance from home has left in my head and heart. Spotify, Pandora, Facebook and Netflix became some of my best friends- providing constant background noise- keeping the thoughts of loneliness and homesickness at bay. I had not realized this fully until the same professor asked us to spend 48 hours "unplugged" from technology. It was difficult. My phone is my connection home. I prioritize it greatly. I attribute this to the fact that my fiance spent the entire previous year overseas in England and our communication was extremely limited. Even now that he is back in the US, we are once again separated, but this time not by time zones and international waters. Having the ability to text and call him on a whim has made a huge difference in my life and giving that up is a great sacrifice. 

What did we ever do before cell phones, right? Well- having done the year without phone communication- relying on e-mails and letters- I imagine it was not only difficult, but miserable. I value this technology but I certainly do not take it for granted. 

That being said, I realize that I rely heavily on filling the silence. This professor asked us to set aside three hours of our time and go for a hike- somewhere remote where you couldn't hear traffic and other societal disturbances (if such a place exists). I completed this assignment, trying to keep the above quote in mind, but found it difficult. I searched for this powerful connection that my colleagues felt- a small part of me jealous of their connection. I found myself feeling vulnerable, alone and undeniably sad. Perhaps it was the condition of the area: transitioning from winter to spring... still cold and not yet green. The trees themselves looked vulnerable and sad. In this way- nature and I may have connected greatly. The assignment forced me to reconnect with the land- but it was too early. In its own time, it will happen and flourish like a garden of wildflowers- unpredictable, beautiful and oh so important. 

As an environmental studies student an assignment like this should be easy, if not fun. However, I feel as though my situation was quite different from that of my peers. My childhood is not filled with fond memories of climbing trees, exploring the woods and creeks surrounding my neighborhood. I did not stay out until the sun went down, in fact, being a fair-skinned blonde I was often cautioned to stay indoors! I do not sit in the dirt or like when the grass gets my shoes wet. Sleeping under the stars? No sir! It simply isn't for me. So why am I here? I get this question a lot.... 

I don't seem to fit... and it is no secret to me. I have felt like a foreigner in Athens since the day I arrived. My personal connection to nature is irrelevant. I am here because I not only see a problem in how we, as a society, function within out natural environment but I understand that the every day actions of one DOES make a difference. 

I see an opportunity to make life meaningful and contribute to something greater than myself and my own personal pleasure. I fell in love with a garden- I found my place of refuge and didn't see how I could ever turn away from this part of my life now. Nature and I may not be fully acquainted with one another, but in the meantime I do what I can to respect and protect it...usually (for me) this involves staying out of it.  

Before people jump to ask me why I (of all people!) have placed myself in an environmental studies program, I would appreciated it if they surveyed their own values and actions first. Instead of shunning me for my discomfort in a natural setting, appreciate that i'm here and understand the importance of being a citizen of the environment. I am learning- just like you. 

Bamboozled!

I've observed something very interesting since I've moved to Athens, Ohio: there is bamboo EVERYWHERE! It is sprouting up in oddly shaped thickets and patches in backyards, front lawns, in forgotten about locations, behind businesses and even intentionally surrounding so-called sustainable vegetable gardens on campus property.

When many people think of bamboo they think of panda bears and beautiful Asian landscapes- perhaps even some of the products we use that are made out of bamboo! While I too enjoy the unique display of bamboo, I have difficulty being passive in its intrusion here. I think bamboo can be a very attractive plant! It is unlike the wildflowers of the Midwest and ornamental landscape plants and grasses that we commonly find. However, when I step back and ask myself what benefits the landscaped bamboo is bringing to me, my neighborhood or the native wildlife and vegetation the answer is: absolutely none! 

Bamboo grows very rapidly; certain varieties of bamboo have been observed to grow 4 feet in one day. Its rhizome root system helps it pop up all over the yard without your help or approval. Last time I checked, there were no pandas in Athens to help us put the invasive bamboo to good use.

Don't get me wrong! In the right location and with adequate research bamboo forestry could do great things! It is a very durable and flexible material that is known to withstand powerful earthquakes. In terms of bamboo agriculture, it regenerates quickly and efficiently (compared to some trees that may take 30+ years to become reestablished). Consumers can often find bamboo products  that are labeled as 'sustainable'. However, exotic bamboo simply doesn't belong in the in Ohio.

As is usually the case- exotic plants bring exotic pests! The bamboo spider mites (what a delightful name) are durable little professionals when it comes to attacking bamboo. So now we have an invasive exotic plant that is taking over landscapes, it is difficult to control once the root system is established and brings with it an exotic pest. These mites are not going to have a system of predators (apart from pesticides) to keep them in check and down the road may adapt to attack more than just our exotic ornamental bamboo.        

Proclaiming that bamboo doesn't belong here may offend some people. I may appear narrow-minded and xenophobic for making such anti-bamboo (and therefore, according to some individuals, anti-Asian) statements... after all  America is the great melting pot (or is mixed salad these days?) of the world! But for the life of me, I cannot understand how such racially charged perspectives of native and exotic vegetation have pushed their way over top of basic ecology and responsible land management principles. It just doesn't make sense. 

If you choose to consider this more social aspect to natives vs. exotics, perhaps you should consider this: instead of simply accepting every species of plant because it is culturally or visibly appealing, and relating the ethics of native plant enthusiasts to the Nazi party, become an ecological citizen.

Ecological citizenship recognizes where you live right now. As people, we rely on plants to help filter out the pollutants (that we most likely distributed) in our air, water and soil. Vegetation can be beautiful and fragrant, even restorative for our health and well-being, but we need plants to survive in the world we created. We may not eat the seeds, pick the insects off the leaves or overwinter in the plants spring remnants- but birds, bees, insects and spiders depend on the availability of particular plants. And although we may not like to admit it, we depend on the existence of these important pollinators and bugs! As ecological citizens, we have to set aside out ethnic and racial perspectives and do right by the forgotten and often unappreciated organisms that sustain us.

When individuals express their dislike for native prairie vegetation I do not automatically assume their preference in flowers is based on their personal prejudice for the Native American people that were here before us- living with and on the wildflowers- for food, medicine, clothing and shelter. I can only assume that they do not understand the importance of native flora and fauna- and why should they? It is not a skill-set or knowledge that we grow up learning. However, with a little more research and consideration of land ethic, we can make great improvements to our ecological system. 

"It is impossible for any culture to be sound and healthy without 

a proper respect and proper regard for the soil."

~ Andrew Nelson Lytle 

Bamboo sprouting up behind the house-
getting lots of nutrients from the compost pile
Photo by: Markie Miller 

http://www.calibamboo.com/whybamboo.html

http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/giant_panda/panda/what_do_pandas_they_eat/

http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1992e/eb1992e.pdf

http://www.livingwithbugs.com/PDFiles/bamboo.pdf

Invasive Plants: A Response

I was recently asked to read an article about the so-called "benefits" of invasive plants in Canada. Although I was hesitant to read something that went against everything I stood for, I recognized that I was in graduate school to learn, open my mind and form my own opinion based on facts. I tried to justify the data provided, but I found it to be impossible.

My biggest problem was the language of the article: it used the term invasive to refer to exotic and native plants. When a plant was identified, it was merely labeled invasive- exotic or not. In my academic career I had been under the impression that all invasives are exotic, but not all exotics are invasive. Yes- native plants can become out of control and invade spaces, but these are typically labeled as aggressive plants. They still preform beneficial functions within their indigenous ecosystem. Without this distinction we run into the risk of scaring people away from natives that may be better suited for big open spaces and larger backyards.

Native plants already have a tough time feeling welcomed as they often have the word 'weed' in their common name: Butterfly Weed, Thimbleweed, Swamp Milkweed, Joe-Pye Weed,   and my personal favorite... Sneezeweed! Who- in our modern day society of manicured lawns- could love a plant called sneezeweed? If it isn't a weed it's something wild... Wild Ginger, Nodding Wild Onion, Wild Geranium and Wild Lupine! It is a miracle that Obedient Plant (a lovely fall native) was graced with such an appealing name!

I have been called a plant Nazi many times. I don't appreciate it's connection to massive genocide, but I can understand that people would view me in this light. The article I read for class compared my personal perspective on plants to one of xenophobia- this is not new to me. However, the authors went so far as to deem the removal of invasive and exotics as a type of 'ethnic cleansing'! I suppose it is irrelevant that the exotic/invasive plants are taking up the habitat for the native flora - which ensure the survival of native fauna- and change the landscape right down to the soil chemistry. I guess we will overlook this for now so as to not offend the poor and discriminated exotic plants. But in all honesty, can I really sit back and accept such a harsh, politically charged and offensive term like ethnic cleansing be attributed to myself? 

As one of my good friends and colleagues pointed out (after a much needed discussion on this subject) we are not the only country trying to rid our land of harsh invasive visitors. The American Black Cherry tree runs wild in Germany- and I have a feeling the German population would not appreciate the undertones of ethnic cleansing and the Nazi party in removing this invasive tree. 

Plant and landscape management has become very selfish. Hardy invasive plants may be ideal for highly used recreational areas, but our livelihood is not in immediate danger when a field of wildflowers becomes replaced with Phragmites, Privet Bush, Garlic Mustard, Multiflora Rose... I could go on all day! They may be very beautiful or add a splash a green in the colder winter months and bloom a bit earlier in the spring. However, we need to remember that the plants are for the bugs, the pollinators, the birds and small mammals- we need to get over protecting something simply because it is pretty or easier to manage. Green for the sake of green is no longer a viable option.  

I was asked the question: "what is a native, really?" A fair enough question for sure. It may not be black and white to everyone. There are regional variations of natives within the United States (what grows in Ohio is different from California or Florida). What we need to remember is that native insects and birds have coevolved over hundreds of years with the native plants and depend on them for food, shelter and migration patterns. Reducing native plant habitat severely hurts bird/insect populations and their quality of life. 

People, animals  wind and water all aid in the dispersal of seeds. Promoting invasive species in one area does not guarantee that they will remain in that area! A problem I saw with this article in particular was in one location it promoted a highly invasive plant from Eurasia because it simply did better (obviously- if it is invasive it will do well in a variety of conditions- out competing other organisms). In another location it stated that the area had self restored itself to a renowned bird sighting location! What it failed to mention was that all the plants they deemed invasive were also native. Supporting the point that the birds NEED (and are attracted to) the native flowers. Simply calling every aggressive plant invasive is confusing and wrong.

As my diatribe comes to end here I am left with some frustration, but also an overwhelming amount of encouragement to not give up and keep a firm stance on not only what I believe in, but what I know is fact. 

Neil Diboll, with Wild Ones, doesn't believe that we need to "embrace the changes" up ahead and succumb to exotics and invasives: "You will have to pry my cold, dead fingers off my chain saw before I will relent in my efforts to eliminate buckthorn [among other invasives] from my property and replace it with gorgeous native ecosystems that sing with life. Call me crazy, but I'll expend the energy required to create beauty and vibrancy on my property. I will not meekly accept the inevitability of despair and diminished expectations for my home and the creatures with whom I share it. Fight on!" 

His call for ecological citizenship is inspiring and his passion infectious! My hope is that I can pass on this responsibility, not as a burden or a chore, but rather as an act of stewardship and kindness towards the Earth. Now is the not the time to be selfish or careless. Plant flowers for the wildlife... plant flower for a sustainable future. Just please... plant responsibly! 

Unless...

It used to be good enough to say "well... at least people are talking about it!" Usually some important environmental issue gets placed into this category, but this simply isn't good enough anymore- not for me. Discussion is important. Ideas and thoughts are born from "talking about it"- whatever it may be- but talking only gets you so far.

I consider my journey from Toledo to Athens... I was so excited to get away from the harsh environment of "the city" and the neighborhoods laden with chemicals- although I have always lived in the suburbs of Southeast Michigan and never ventured much into downtown Toledo- I knew the culture, landscape and language of Athens would be a completely new experience. Although I was right about Athens, I arrived unaware of what was really going on here in Appalachian Ohio.

Optimism has allowed us to remain in a stable state of denial for far too long now. Driving more and more on the winding back roads of Athens county I lose count of all the injection wells and clear cut hillsides. I wish greatly that I did not have to get overjoyed at the sight of some iron- or milkweed.

Being an Environmental Studies student means learning some harsh truths about the world- things that we have always known existed, but wait for them to find us first. I've told my family about fracking and mountain top removal- I've brought them into "my" world and then felt guilty about it... why make them sad and bring them down with such negative and frightening details? For a long while after my first semester I was torn about my situation. Maybe I should say nothing... after all, my rants against paper plates & paper towels don't register with my family... I am often the odd man out- using a cloth napkin and ceramic plate, avoiding red plastic cups and carrying a knitted coffee sleeve with me wherever I go... I dislike the roses and daylilies that dominate the lawns and refuse to drink Folgers coffee. Crazy, right? I don't think they will ever understand why this is important- not just for me, but for our planet. 

The craziest part of all of this actually, is that I did not want to bring the people I love in "my" world- this is OUR world! And like it or not, we have done terrible things to it. The only way to change those things is to get informed and get inspired to do something about it.  

How does someone deal with this constant feeling of defeat?For many students in my program, this is a constant, uphill battle. We should not simply put a positive spin on everything. We can look for the hope in every situation, but reality is important. Things are bad, but every small action throughout the day can help add to a greater difference. 

This winter, when the sky is gray and the grass is muddy and wet and you just feel down about your voice going unheard, your actions unseen or your opinions ignored just remember that you are not alone. People everywhere are fighting the same fight. 

Over break I had the chance to watch Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (2012). I was unfamiliar with the book prior to the movie in 2012, but I loved its message! 

 "UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, 

nothing is going to get better. It's not"  

~ Dr. Seuss

My message to you is to keep talking, keep caring and get inspired to do something about it- whatever it may be!

The Power of Plants

"Like their precursors thousands of years ago, healing gardens are therapeutic sanctuaries that heal the body and mind and comfort the soul." 

~ Doreen G. Howard

There are numerous articles and case studies that report on the benefits of nature. Recently, I have been interested in indoor and outdoor therapeutic gardens. The power of plants is greatly underestimated in our daily lives. 

During my undergraduate years I was never more connected to my campus than when I aided in the design and maintenance of a native prairie garden. Previously I had been involved in variety of student led organizations and events- I even held an office in a few of them- but it was not until I helped establish this garden that my life and work on campus really felt meaningful. I had organized dinners, movie nights, potlucks and workshops, provided information to hundreds of students, but none of those activities made me feel complete. With my garden I was contributing: to nature, to myself, to the campus and well-being of all other students.

Until now, I never considered that spot to be therapeutic. I miss it greatly and pay it a visit whenever I return home.

Today, I have three tiny house plants residing in my apartment: a spider plant (personally, not too fond of the name), Christmas cactus (grown from a plant passed down from my great grandmother) and, some thyme. 

Growing up, my mother always had a spider plant and Christmas cactus growing near a window or hanging from the ceiling. I can still remember her saying, "Don't touch the Christmas cactus!" This warning, of course, made the plant a far greater temptation than it should have been! I never understood my mothers protection of this plant. It did not really do much (apart from drop its leaves and get me in trouble for allegedly messing with it). I always assumed it was sharp- being called a cactus after all- so naturally I was curious.

Every winter, small pink flowers would blossom along its long green arms; I can remember how happy this made my mother. 

When I was preparing to move into my first apartment, here in Athens, I was given a piece of the Christmas cactus and spider plant to grow in my own house. Looking at my "new" plants made me feel overwhelmed with emotions- I was happy to continue the lives of these little house plants. I knew how much they meant to my mom and have slowly realized how they played such a big role in my childhood. When I posted this photo (below) on Facebook, my eldest sister (currently living in Texas) commented: "This picture makes me weirdly homesick." 

(Far left) freshly planted thyme seeds, (middle) Christmas cactus, (far right) spider plant- complete with water worms! Accompanied by veggies from our garden!

Many hospitals and recovery areas are beginning to see the therapeutic power of plants. The Therapeutic Landscape Network has been working to keep track of many therapeutic gardens in the United States. Their mission reads:

The Therapeutic Landscapes Network is a knowledge base and gathering space about healing gardens, restorative landscapes, and other green spaces that promote health and well-being. We are an international, multidisciplinary community of designers, health and human service providers, scholars, and gardeners. Though our focus is broad, our primary emphasis is on evidence-based design in health care settings.(Mission Statement)

Whether in a prison, community or hospital, gardens have a great deal to contribute to our well-being and sustainability.These are restorative areas for humans and wildlife. As a student I realize how busy my life has become- I am constantly working towards a distant goal: midterm, next paper deadline, presentation...graduation! If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed try to incorporate more green into your daily life- not just one day! Get a house plant, visit a garden once a week- volunteer somewhere local- Ecohouse, Community Food Initiatives, West State Street Gardens- find a walking path with more trees and flowers, meet up with friends at a park bench instead of a Starbucks!
 I urge you all to explore your surroundings: green spaces on campus, bike trails, gardens and one of the many beautiful forested areas nearby. If we do not protect and preserve these areas now we will lose them to development, invasive species, or far worse- fracking!

Get informed, get involved, and get outside!

See these links for more information:

Gardens for Recovery
Therapeutic Landscape Network

The Great Outdoors

Last Friday I spent my entire morning discussing the results of the election and what implications they could have for our environment. Politics at 9 am are seldom a  good idea- especially on a Friday! At 1:30 I left my second class and went to work at the Office of Sustainability. It was a beautiful Friday afternoon, but I just didn't take the time to notice for myself. The director arrived and it was decided that I needed to take mandatory outside time. "It's far too nice outside, Markie! You need to leave this office and enjoy this gorgeous weather while you can!"

Wait...what?

I have never had my boss tell me to leave the office and go outside! Although it was a bizarre concept at first, I very quickly warmed up to the idea. I am an Environmental Studies major, but that does not mean that I love spending my free time outside. In fact, my connection to nature is not as spiritual as that of my classmates. I understand the importance of the environment, biodiversity and sustainability. Through this understanding, I am able to have a profound respect for nature- as opposed to a deep spiritual relationship. That is something that may develop overtime- but it cannot be forced. That being said, it goes without saying that I do not spend much time outside. With a five classes and a part-time job who has time to be separated from their computer?! I'd like to meet this person and learn their secrets! 

I keep a blanket in my car- for just such an emergency! I returned home to pick up some books and drop off my absurdly heavy book bag. Returned to campus- blanket at the ready- and sat by the fountain in Emeriti Park. I later learned that this specific area was meant to be a place of remembrance, where students could reflect on the people that played a major role in their academic career (http://www.ohio.edu/athens/bldgs/emeritipk.html). 

My view from the blanket at Emeriti Park! What a gorgeous day!
Photo by: Markie Miller

I am somewhat disturbed at how strange it felt for me to work outside. Yes, I respect and understand nature, but maybe that isn't enough. I also observed that not many students were enjoying this day with me. It is very difficult to not be wrapped up in the strenuous university lifestyle. We become so goal oriented (finish the paper, read the book, pass the final, graduate!) that we forget to stop and be in the present. 

There is nothing wrong with keeping an eye on the future, but it is easy to get caught up in that momentum of upcoming deadlines- be careful or life will hit you fast! 

I urge my fellow Ohio University students to evaluate their own lives! Do you spend time outdoors? Doing what- smoking, reading, biking, just passing through to class (and no, driving with the windows down does not count!)? What is your understanding of ecosystems and natural processes? Do you need to be told to spend time outside?

And perhaps most importantly, do you have a sense of place at Ohio University? Sense of place creates a meaningful connection to your environment. It allows you to participate and contribute. Take pride and ownership in your campus: start a garden, pick up trash when you see it and love this environment! 

Now... go spend some time outside! 

The Ridges hiking trails
Download the map here! 
Ride your bike! 

Athens Farmers Market

This year-2012- is the 40th anniversary of the Athens Farmers Market! If you have not yet been able to shop at the market I urge you all to go and browse the wonderful local, fresh and high quality products available to you! 

The market is located at 1000 East State St. (in the parking lot). It is open 10-1 on Saturdays (year round) and Wednesdays (April-December). Click here for more information on the farmers market! Although I have not yet experienced winter in Athens, I assume that the market moves indoors during the cold winter months. 

I wanted to get to know some of the vendors a bit better- I will be posting interviews with them about their products, businesses and thoughts on sustainability here, but don't just take my word for it- get out to the Market on State!  

Meet Charlene Burnett! Owner of Pie in the Sky Baked Goods! 

Charlene sells homemade baked goods, cakes, pies, cookies and sweet bread to name a few! She sells strictly at the farmers market- so be sure to visit the market to sample her delicious homemade breads! She has been selling for three years at the farmers market. 

Charlene Burnett sells baked goods at the farmers market!
photo by: Markie Miller 

Charlene's products could not be more local! She travels less than 10 miles to get to the farmers market. Her business started when she came to the Athens area and needed a job. She loved to bake, looked up the rules and regulations and "it all fell together". She is a great of example of sustainable entrepreneurship! 

I asked her what she wanted the people of Athens to know about her product. She simply said, "if you miss grandmas baking- come see me!" She said with a smile and much honesty. I loved her response- as a student who is away from home I can understand the comfort that can come from homemade baked goods. 

Farmers markets are a great way to "act local" (recall the motto think global, act local). I asked Charlene to to reflect on this statement. She responded: "the best impact you can make is to act locally. Maybe you can't save the world, but you can do what you can where you're at!" That is exactly what she is doing! 

What about sustainability? To Charlene, sustainability means "leaving as small a footprint as possible". This was a nice take on sustainability from a business standpoint. Her answer had nothing to do with obtaining the largest yield or making the biggest profit. She simply aims to be low key in her endeavor! 

Finally, I asked Charlene what kind of future she saw for farmers markets. She thought it looked promising. Farmers markets deliver good quality products right at home with less driving. It is nice to see so many people supporting the farmers market every week, but it needs your business! 

Visit the farmers market! Buy local! Give a face and a name to the products you buy and know your money is going directly to the source. Starting November 10 there will be a shuttle for students to and from the farmers market. More information can be found here! The bus will meet at the top of Baker Center and go to and from the market beginning at 10:30 am! 

I hope to see you there!