Little Patches of Green

                                                                                                                                        

     For sale signs are increasing across small town America.   As nearby cities grow larger, developers begin looking for plots of land to build housing and commercial enterprises.  Suburban areas continue to spawn, with rural areas being eyed up for the future.  People who move to areas with less conveniences end up being divided into two categories. Those who want more, and those who wish things would stay the same.  Who is right?  No one, but it is a reality that land is a finite entity, and once it is built upon, nothing is ever the same.

    I live in a small New England town. Over the years we have seen our share of growth.  Housing continues to go up, even though our school age population is decreasing.  A small nearby airport is increasing in capacity eliminating an entire neighborhood due to an expanded zone.  A movie theatre proposal is in review, and more office space is being approved.  There is talk of building a YMCA at a time when many Y’s across the country are struggling financially, leaving some with no choice but to close.

   Some residents in the area favor growth and view it as a good thing. They profess it will help the tax base, and provided more opportunity for residents especially the elderly and the youth.  I am sure people who crave these amenities will take advantage of their offerings. There is belief that critical social issues can be addressed by cement and mortar.  My concern is that slowly but surely, we are witnessing the gentrification of America.  Cities become larger, suburbs continue to grow, and one is left to wonder what will happen when the space runs out.  How much time do rural areas have left?  Where does it all end?

    As you drive along, take time to notice the little patches of land available for development.  Gas stations, retail, office space, and housing are eating up the available landscape.  One project here and there does not create an impact for many observers, but over time the small city or town is overrun by too many approvals.  I’m not against growth, but all not all growth is beneficial.  I have yet to live in a town where taxes went down because of development.  In fact, some of these people “helping” the community often receive tax breaks, while residents are left picking up the tab.

   I moved to a smaller community by choice.  I don’t understand why those who do so suddenly decide they want more at their doorstep.  Didn’t they consider what the area had available in terms of convenience when they looked for real estate?  Some state they will move out if more isn’t available.  Somehow that is considered a threat to the entire population of the town.  They however, do not speak for myself and many others.  The benefits of space and a slower pace are quietly slipping away.  I want to see little patches of green, and I want to see it where I live. 

Welcome to Summer

     It’s summertime.   The days are long, warm, and full of sunshine.  The grass is lush and green.  The lakes and oceans warm up, and the beaches become populated with people enjoying the season.  What makes us love summer so much?  Most likely it reminds us of what we did when we were kids.   Is it the same now?  Do we let our kids go outside, roll in the dirt, sweat, and swim in the lakes and ocean?  For some the answer is yes, but for others the outdoors has become antiseptic.

Now that designers have convinced everyone what is needed in their kitchens, they have moved to the outdoors.   The trend now is to create an outdoor living space complete with stone surfaces, built-in grills, hot tubs, fireplaces, and expensive furniture.  If someone lives on 10 acres, so be it.   For the average homeowner, this would cover the whole yard.  So where do the children play?  Where is the grass?  Having nice plantings or an area to sit is appealing, but it should complement the outdoors and not overwhelm it.

I actually saw one report on these designs that stated people enjoy being in the outdoors.  This is somewhat humorous considering all that is being promoted are areas for entertaining.  Enjoying the outdoors goes so far beyond these limits.  One can only experience nature and all it offers by hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, or camping.  There is an inexplicable feeling that comes over you when spend time in the simplest of settings.  Children notice so much about their surroundings when given the opportunity to experience it in the way nature intended.

My younger daughter enjoys attending a half-day program at a local nature center.  Every year we sign her up for 2 weeks of classes.  There was one day 2 years ago that I will never forget.  I went to pick her up at noon.   Having been a hot day, they had run under a sprinkler fully clothed.  Her clothes were wet, her shoes were soaked, her hair was sticking to her face, and she was covered in mud.  What was most noticeable?  There was a huge smile across her face which for a shy child was a major accomplishment.  She was as happy as could be, so much that I still see the image today, and treasure the memory.

This past week I got a wicked case of poison ivy.  It itches, burns, and is driving me crazy.  I am also one of those people loved by mosquitos.   Even so, it will not prevent me for enjoying summer outside.  We will get out those rickety folding chairs, eat on old wooden picnic tables, and swim in the lake.  I will watch my kids run around, having a great time covered in dirt and sweat. That is enjoyment of the outdoors in its purest form. Welcome to summer.

The Lorax on Earth Day

Cover of The Lorax (Classic Seuss)

It wasn’t planned, but I took my daughters to see the movie The Lorax on Earth Day.  I was somewhat leery of seeing it because I was afraid that the story would get lost in the film version.  A lover of Dr. Seuss, The Lorax is beautifully written as a reminder that we are all stewards of the earth.  Much to my relief, the film was scripted with much of the story intact.  Dr. Seuss was considered a radical when this book was first printed.  Over the years, the message of being responsible for our own backyard has resonated in a simple, heartfelt story of the land, trees, air, water, and the wonder of nature.

Most people think of the environment as somewhere in the wilderness.  Large areas of land preserved in the National Parks and Forests are revered.  Others think of Alaska or the beauty of Hawaii.  In reality, it is all around us.  From the cities to the rural towns, the public has a responsibility to maintain the land in a manner which efficiently utilizes its resources.  We must do our best to monitor the quality of our air and water.  We must ensure that areas of open space remain undeveloped.  We need to keep our roads and seashores free of trash, and we need to limit the amount of chemicals seeping into our soil.

Much has been made about the utilization of plastic bags by retailers.  I occasionally see a plastic bag along the side of the road, or stuck in a bush or tree.  However, this is the least of the trash problem in the U.S.  Drive or walk down any road in most communities and you will more likely see coffee cups, fast food wrappers, bottle and cans, and cigarette butts.  Why?  Because people throw this garbage out of car windows and while walking.  Is it really that hard to hold on to that stuff until you can dispose of it properly?  Again, it is called responsibility.

I use to donate to national environmental organizations.  No one can deny they do valuable work.  In recent years, I have decided to donate to the local land trust.  Most are staffed by volunteers whose main objective is to purchase large plots of land for preservation.  This is an effective way of ensuring that the quality of life I enjoy can be saved where I live.  Even major cities have organizations that work to preserve parks and open space.  Last week I was in New York City.  It was unusually warm for the time of year.  There were large numbers of people sitting and enjoying the sun, trees, and grass in Bryant Park.  Even in a large city, areas like this provide a respite from the fast pace, and a sense of relaxation.

Lastly, it is vital that we take our children outside.  In a time were activities and electronics have absorbed much of their attention, the simple fun of running, swimming, hiking, gardening, etc. can have a wonderful effect on their mental, physical, and emotional health.  Another generation will grow up recognizing the value of their surroundings, and learn to make wise choices regarding its use or preservation. The Lorax would approve.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. Its not.” -Dr.Seuss