Last weekend was the annual Maple Syrup Festival at Fenner Nature Center, a wonderful tract of land right in the midst of the city, which tends to be under-appreciated by the community at large.But when we have our annual festivals-- this one in March, Apple Butter in October, people come by the droves and they remind us hard-core supporters of the reason we work so hard to keep Fenner's life going.
I worked at the used book sale and talked with people from all walks of life, many races and cultures. Several indicated they'd like to volunteer, which is music to our ears! In spite of cold, snow/rain weather, there was a steady flow of individuals, couples, families--many families--through the two days. Seeing the diversity in our community is one of the joys of these events.
Ironically, the City of Lansing, which has severely cut back on funds to support Fenner's nature education programming, the core of the Center's reason for being, is now currently seeking a large grant to "fix up", read introduce humans, to a large natural parcel across the street from Fenner.
My husband, Norris Ingells, a respected journalist, photographer and amateur naturalist, spent hours and hours on the River Trail in that area. He was strongly opposed to bringing in fill dirt and picnic tables and play equipment, etc., which he believed would ruin the natural character, the ecosystem, of Crego Park, as well as affect the adjoining acres of natural land, running from the Zoo to Hawk Island Park.
Lansing has many, many parks for human play. It has a lovely River Trail from which folks can observe nature. It doesn't need another "gentrified" park. It needs to maintain it's unique natural system for the sake of "the otherkinds", not just humankind. It is my understanding that with staff cuts, they won't have enough people to maintain yet another park. City officials, particularly the Parks and Recreation Department, need to look at the big picture here. They need to recognize the absolute necessity of nature and environmental education to our population, now and in the future.
So I will be pontificating on this subject whenever and wherever I can in the weeks to come. This will give me something to help me through another springtime without my partner. And it will be worth the effort, regardless of what "the powers" decide.
Oh yes, I need to remember to breathe, laugh, look, and love! You, too!
