Hope

Someday I hope they look back on this as the “Climate Change Century”, the virus just a short blip in the history books. We were out walking today and my wife says, “I can’t hear you; you’re talking to the brook.” I guess I had turned my head. Brooks turn my head. So do warblers, rock ledges, trilliums, turtles on boulders. A lot of stuff, none of which I have to maintain a safe six feet from.

“I can’t hear you; you’re talking to the brook.”

It’s a new world out there. You know what I mean. The word “unprecedented” has become a nauseating cliché (as if it wasn’t already). I hope in our semi-isolation we remain alert to the unfolding beauty of Spring. Thanks again, Spring. 

Apparently a lot of us are. The parking areas for conservation areas, parks, and rail trails are jam-packed whenever I go by. So are bridges where the state has stocked trout and opened the fishing season early. When my happy hat is on, I say, “Wow, isn’t it great that the public at large has finally realized the value of a simple stroll in nature.” When my curmudgeon hat’s in place, I hear myself think, “Good grief. Where do I find quiet and solace away from the dogs and the chatter?” 

I liked the quick burst of snow the other morning. That white decoration, dusted on bright yellow forsythia, set off the male Cardinal quite well. He’s in his very reddest male ego plumage right now. Don’t forget, he calls “Cheer! Cheer!” I hope this new Joshua’s Trust Blog colors our thoughts with cheer, comfort, and the joy of nature as it continues from this little start. I hope a lot of you join in. Anything you say, any way you say it, has worth, and will help keep this community of conservationists together as we navigate the rest of 2020. 

~ George Jacobi