14 Comments
Apr 29, 2023Liked by Vera Saltzman and Sue Bland

The small remenants of land around here are alive with the sound of frogs, birds and insects singing there hearts out these days, and worms moving the earth.

Although I find the "clean slate" story shocking, I do feel like it is ingrained within me to approach the "care" of the yard with a kind of mindlessness for the ways my actions may bring harm to soil, plants and creatures, all in the name of having a well-kept yard. I have to admit at times I have fallen into the trap of trapping moles, and mowing grass often in dandelion season, etc. Im grateful for conversations like this which are helpful in raising awareness. They inspire openness to learning new ways, commitment to changing my ways, and a deeper connection and love for the more than human world. Thanks for the insightful posts.

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Apr 29, 2023Liked by Vera Saltzman and Sue Bland

Every article is so educational thank you for helping open my eyes to things I didn’t know about.

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Vera Saltzman and Sue Bland

Thank you for your insightful story. This ‘blank slate’ idea is a deeply engraved idea among us, especially if you ‘own’ a piece of land. I remember back when we bought this house with a large backyard. Mindlessly we talked about the possibility of renting a bulldozer to create a ‘blank slate.’ We did not do that, but this mindset of ‘ownership’ and ‘right’ is a scary entitlement many of us use mindlessly.

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Apr 26, 2023Liked by Vera Saltzman and Sue Bland

Thank you for your insights and raising awareness. With initiatives like this more people will be educated to do our part. It brought to mind my first visit to the Yukon. It was so magnificent, a part of Canada I never would have seen if it hadn't been a work colleague when I was involved in an interprovincial initiative. Anyways back to my point in this discussion . When we arrived at their home in Whitehorse, many of the homes had manicured lawns but as we approached their home it was surrounded by beautiful wild flowers & grasses. It was stunning.

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Apr 25, 2023Liked by Vera Saltzman and Sue Bland

Thank-you for another interesting and informative read. We watched the “development” of the patch of ground you likely spoke of, speculating about the ultimate use it might be put to. The explanation that it is a “blank slate” is specially sobering… Advice of Shathi Akhten’s work in this area was appreciated as well. Good going!

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Apr 25, 2023Liked by Vera Saltzman and Sue Bland

It does my heart and spirit good to read what you write here Vera. As a steward and companion of a small remnant of native prairie in Loon Creek I have sometimes thought that such a small 'saving' doesn't really have much significance. That is wrong thinking. Thank you Vera and Sue for your insights, wisdom, love, courage and for ... Where will the frogs sing. Your post is going to my FB page.

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Apr 25, 2023Liked by Vera Saltzman and Sue Bland

This is such an important text, Vera: it hits so many levels. Thank you for once again giving us food for thought, and action!

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Apr 25, 2023Liked by Vera Saltzman and Sue Bland

This struck such a chord with me that I immediately shared it on my Facebook feed. I have certainly taken for granted the green spaces within my small community and the wildd bits around our farm land. I hope your words will help me value and protect them more. We have a small group in our church we call Earthcare Partners and it also struck me that we are partners with everything in nature and need to acknowledge that. I wish I had received this before Earth Sunday but it will be a wealth of resource for our "Did You Know" spot in the church bulletin. Right now I putting in a good word for dandelions. And boulevard gardens. Thank you for this!

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