Leap of Faith with Nature

A Leap of Faith with Nature

Two years ago I took a leap of faith with nature. When my husband first talked about restoring our property to its natural oak savanna state, I thought it sounded like a nice idea, but really didn’t understand the process.

Patiently, he explained how cutting down invading non-native species and setting fire to our woods – a “controlled burn” he called it – would result in healthier trees and undergrowth and attract more birds and animals.

As he envisioned a renewed ecosystem, I tried to catch his enthusiasm, but to be honest, I just thought this would be a good project for him – and he is always looking for projects.

Once I signed on, he set to work right away. I cringed internally when I saw the first brush and debris piles. I questioned my own sanity when the chainsaw came out and some of the saplings came down. And, I nearly cried when I came home to look across a few acres of charred ground, the remaining trees trying to stand proudly amidst what looked like ruins.

As time passed, I began to see some changes to the initial restoration site. Freed from the chokehold of invasive plants, the natural undergrowth began to reappear. Different birds, butterflies, fox, deer, turtles, and other animal species started coming around.

What have I learned? A couple of things . . .

First, it is always a good idea to restore and preserve the environment.

Second, eco-restoration takes a huge leap of faith with nature and a strong constitution by skeptics like me, even if we think we’re friends of nature.

Finally, thinking globally about eco-restoration or preservation really isn’t what it’s all about. While that work is important, it’s regular people with a passion for nature – like my husband – making a difference in their corners of the world that have the real power to protect the environment.

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NW Ohio Nature Oak Leaf

A Leap of Faith with Nature

What have I learned? A couple of things . . .

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