Second Nature: Letters to the Creatures

F

rom the sun and clouds above, to the plants and animals around us, nature is everywhere. As soon as we start paying attention to a few sights and sounds, our attention quickly opens up to more until they are impossible to count. We all have a place in the web of life around us, and rely on nature for the air that we breath, the foods that we eat and the materials used to make everything in our lives. During some days, however, we don’t notice signs of nature, and don’t feel a connection to the web of life. At school, at work or at the store, we feel like we live in a human-only world that’s separate from nature. In the February issue we showed ways for developing awareness of nature, and a perfect addition is to develop feelings of connection with nature. There are many ways to

do this, but one we’ve discovered here at Bonnyvale is to write nature a letter. When expressing ourselves in a letter, the feelings that come with our passing thoughts last longer than usual so that we can feel connected to nature on a more regular basis. Appreciation for all sorts of things that nature gives us and awe of the natural creations that surround us creates a huge and supportive presence. What are you thankful for or amazed by in nature? Once you know what to write in your letter to nature, find a writing material. At Bonnyvale, we’ve used paper birch bark, mud and artist’s conk. Paper birch, common to our forests, loses its bark in long sheets that are easily peeled off without hurting the tree. Mud can be crafted into many sculptures and used for words. Artist’s conk fungi grows on dead trees and preserves words

Photo courtesy www.mushroom-collecting.com.

26

made on its underside. These materials are not the only ones out there, though, so try to come up with some of your own. With good materials and a thoughtful note your gesture can be complete. If your note is directed to a particular animal you can customize it to ensure that it’s received. We have left nuts with our paper birch encouragement notes for squirrels, and used mud that wasps might use for their nests when asking them not to sting me. Importantly, though, we advise against luring large mammals to avoid dangerous interactions and habituating them to human food. Squirrels and smaller animals or birds are great recipients for a snack with a note. Once you’ve written your note and found a place to put it, leave the rest up to nature. There’s no guarantee that an animal will read it, but it may bring a feeling of a greater connection to nature. Bring this connection back to the human-only world so we’re no longer separate. Can you see trees looking at your wood chair? Can you see butterflies pollinating fields while you eat fruits or vegetables for dinner? Have fun becoming aware of nature and learning things that bring connection at the Nature Explorers Summer Camps with the Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center. Camps run from June 29 through Aug, 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for ages 4-15. Register and find out more at www.beec.org.

parentexpress • June 2015