In a Child’s Eyes: dedicated to E.J.S.Y.

By Beth Sullivan

There is nothing like becoming a Grandmother to shake up perceptions, open eyes and think of hope.

When we have our own children, we are busy being new parents, and trying to do things right and keeping them safe. More than thirty years later, we are armed with more knowledge, different priorities, as well as so many more experiences to share. While working with elementary school age children has always been my passion, thinking about starting with a blank slate, a brand new open mind, is a little daunting but at the same time is opening my eyes as well. I am truly seeing things differently and thinking how they might be seen for the first time by a little one.

Many questions to answer in the future

Really: how does one explain color? This time of year it is so abundant. All colors are mixed up with leaves and trees. How do they change? Why do they change? Do we explain by science or miracles and magic to a little one? October sky blue, filled with flying squawking Blue Jays, blue sea. Off shore waters change blue hues in a blink.

How to explain the colors of Autumn?

How to describe the changing color of the sky and water?

How do we begin to explain the mystery of birds and flight? I am not sure I understand it well enough to explain simply to a small child filled with curiosity and questions. Will there still be flights of Tree Swallows that create magic formations as they come to roost at night in the reeds along the coast? Will he wish to fly as I surely did…do?

How do birds fly?

Will Swallows still gather?

How about those little creatures, often overlooked and reviled- Spiders and slugs and bugs? They are special creatures too. Look closely at a slug….wait for those antennae to come out as it explores your finger. Watch the slow twisting gliding of its body as it changes shape and moves – mysterious, not “gross”. How do we instill caution about spiders that can bite but are not evil and mean, without creating fear?

What about the magic of butterflies? Light and airy yet strong enough to cover continents with their flights. Will there be Monarchs for my grandson to watch when he is old enough to understand how special they are? And how on earth do caterpillars become butterflies??

Will there be Monarchs to wonder at?

Woolly Bears are every child's favorite Caterpillar.

I can’t wait to take him on walks, let him climb a tree, look under a log, let him hold a bird and watch his face the first time he does. I will look forward to bringing him into swamps and getting muddy and helping him learn how to catch frogs and sneak up on snakes.

How to catch a frog?

In the mean time

All those things are still years away. But in the mean time I can look at things I love and try to imagine how a fresh young open mind will perceive them. I challenge you to do the same, just for yourself. It is quite eye-opening and a cause for hope. It also reinforces the conviction that we must do our best to preserve what we can so that there will be places for our next generations to explore and cherish.

Photographs by Beth Sullivan.

Counting Blessings

Now that we have stopped counting calories we can continue to count our blessings. In this season of giving and thanks, we have a great deal for which to be grateful.

Avalonia Land Conservancy is founded on the generosity of its members. They are the bedrock. Each year that our membership grows, our foundation can get stronger. We work on outreach to connect with those who do not yet understand our mission. We strive to engage the next generation of conservationists. We post our signs so we have a visible presence in the communities where we have our preserves. We invite all, members and non-members alike, to stroll the trails, hike the woods, and enjoy what Avalonia has been able to preserve with the support of its members. Thank you.

Avalonia is further supported by the generosity of special donors: those who exceed expectations because they believe in the mission and understand the importance of the preservation of a resource that is rapidly changing and disappearing. There are no words of thanks special enough to recognize a larger gift, a grant, or a piece of treasured land, entrusted to Avalonia for care in perpetuity. It is not only our mission, but our promise, to care for each donation to the very best of our ability. Thank you.

None of that caretaking can be done without our volunteers. With the exception of one part-time paid staff person, the organization is completely dependent on its volunteers, from top to bottom. From executive officers to ground teams: volunteers direct and lead, man the keyboards, keep the books and lists, and attend conferences and meetings. Volunteers do outreach and education. Volunteers monitor the preserves, clear trails, mow fields and improve habitat. There is no way to accurately count all the hours amassed by our volunteers, and no way to truly estimate the value. Thank you.

It might be cold, and everyone is busy. It has been said before, but bears saying again: Go out and find a place of peace. If it is an Avalonia preserve, please remember all it takes to have that space and place available. Give thanks.

Written by Beth Sullivan.

Photographs by Rick Newton and Beth Sullivan.