Pegi Eyers
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I saved a forest canopy from the saw last January.
I prevented the local works department from "brushing" the side of the road, and destroying a rare ecosystem at the top of an ancient drumlin. Enough is enough! With pleading, cajoling, the presentation of scientific fact, appealing to their higher selves, and just plain begging I got them to stop.
At one point they threatened to call the police. But I suppose they decided that tangling with a tree-hugging articulate "crazy lady" with the "well-known modern psychological affliction of eco-trauma" wasn't worth it. I'm sure this was the first time they had even heard of eco-trauma, but that's good! It will make them aware that there are other belief systems outside of their own narrow redneck "manage and/or kill nature" worldview.
The works department cut down and/or maimed hundreds of other trees, shrubs and plants that day, up and down an 8- kilometer stretch of our rural road, but at least this particular hedgerow was spared. Young maple, oak and walnut trees, plus a vibrant plant understory, continue to thrive. It broke my heart to see such a diversity of animate personalities and species lost that day, but the survivors will continue to offer their blessings of green space to the world.
These are the gifts of the living green world, that the engineers of our civilization so carelessly slaughter. BEAUTY, magic, and inspiration are offered, as well as oxygen, shade, shelter, cool breezes, heat and carbon capture, soil stability, mycelial networks, nourishment for countless species of flora and fauna, and ongoing habitat for birds, animals and insects - some rare and endangered.
Here in Canada, we need to emulate the English system of hedgerow protection, which has huge support across all sectors. Hedgerows are highly valued by farmers, the public and environmental groups alike, and government policy and regulations protect this vital element of the rural and urban landscape. For generations to come, this vital work will provide ecological benefits such as habitat for wildlife and crop pollinators, the slowing of soil erosion and water run-off, and carbon absorption. What could be more important?
>Welcome news for hedgerow protection in England<
I prevented the local works department from "brushing" the side of the road, and destroying a rare ecosystem at the top of an ancient drumlin. Enough is enough! With pleading, cajoling, the presentation of scientific fact, appealing to their higher selves, and just plain begging I got them to stop.
At one point they threatened to call the police. But I suppose they decided that tangling with a tree-hugging articulate "crazy lady" with the "well-known modern psychological affliction of eco-trauma" wasn't worth it. I'm sure this was the first time they had even heard of eco-trauma, but that's good! It will make them aware that there are other belief systems outside of their own narrow redneck "manage and/or kill nature" worldview.
The works department cut down and/or maimed hundreds of other trees, shrubs and plants that day, up and down an 8- kilometer stretch of our rural road, but at least this particular hedgerow was spared. Young maple, oak and walnut trees, plus a vibrant plant understory, continue to thrive. It broke my heart to see such a diversity of animate personalities and species lost that day, but the survivors will continue to offer their blessings of green space to the world.
These are the gifts of the living green world, that the engineers of our civilization so carelessly slaughter. BEAUTY, magic, and inspiration are offered, as well as oxygen, shade, shelter, cool breezes, heat and carbon capture, soil stability, mycelial networks, nourishment for countless species of flora and fauna, and ongoing habitat for birds, animals and insects - some rare and endangered.
Here in Canada, we need to emulate the English system of hedgerow protection, which has huge support across all sectors. Hedgerows are highly valued by farmers, the public and environmental groups alike, and government policy and regulations protect this vital element of the rural and urban landscape. For generations to come, this vital work will provide ecological benefits such as habitat for wildlife and crop pollinators, the slowing of soil erosion and water run-off, and carbon absorption. What could be more important?
>Welcome news for hedgerow protection in England<
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Pegi Eyers is the author of "Ancient Spirit Rising:
Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community"
an award-winning book that explores strategies for intercultural
competency, healing our relationships with Turtle Island First Nations, uncolonization, recovering an ecocentric worldview, rewilding, creating a sustainable future and reclaiming peaceful co-existence in Earth Community.
Available from Stone Circle Press or Amazon.
Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community"
an award-winning book that explores strategies for intercultural
competency, healing our relationships with Turtle Island First Nations, uncolonization, recovering an ecocentric worldview, rewilding, creating a sustainable future and reclaiming peaceful co-existence in Earth Community.
Available from Stone Circle Press or Amazon.
