The Sun was shining and the ground was dry as we entered the gate on Saturday morning. A few had already arrived and were in the process of opening the gate as we pulled up to the edge of the driveway. Today, there would be seven of us and we were determined to see how much could be done before we all had to leave toward evening.
It had been five weeks, this time, since anyone had been down and things had pretty much grown up again. There wasn’t much mowing equipment to work with – one gas-powered weed whacker and one mower, both brought by volunteers, but people set to work anyway. Someone grabbed a hand weed whacker and started doing what he could as well.
The rest grabbed brushes and paint and set about trying to complete the job of painting that had begun the last time. We did manage to get a few things completed: the first-aid station, the upper outhouse, the bridge across the drainage dish and a few benches, but there are still picnic tables, more benches and another outhouse (once the rebuilding is complete) to paint.
A lot of mowing and weed-whacking got done (just look behind the bridge in the picture), but then the throttle cable on the mower broke and the weed-whacker decided it was done for the day as well. So, there’s still a lot that needs doing. The proof of that is the pond. Here’s what it looked like at the end of May and also how it looks now. Yes, more time, more equipment and more volunteers are definitely needed to maintain this lovely, sacred site.
We felt good though. For seven people with little equipment, we got a lot done before we decided it was time to stop. You always feel a sense of accomplishment when you realize how much was done with so little. The bonus is that you touched the Earth, you gave back, and you sweated off a pound or two to boot!
As most were cleaning up brushes and packing up equipment and other items, the Coordinator, Mary, came in with her daughter, Jen and Jen’s new baby, Sean. They planned to see what they could do for a little while. We talked about equipment needed and what needed to be done on many levels to make Summer Solstice Gathering 2016 happen to celebrate the rebirth of the Sanctuary.
Yes, there is still much to do, but, you know what? It IS doable!!! We will find a way, just as we always have. We invite you to join us on this adventure. We could use the help. Here’s the thing though…. Once you step foot on this Land, you will see the reasons why we care so deeply for it and want to restore it. The Land has a way of capturing your heart and pulling you in. As we help heal it, it heals us in so many ways and on so many levels. It’s a place where you can leave your mundane problems at the gate and share some time with Nature. You may leave tired, but there will be a smile on your face and in your heart. The Land believes in giving back to those who come to heal Her.
If I’ve peaked your curiosity and you feel you might want to come and help, you can contact us on our Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary Facebook page or email us at RavenWolfNature@aol.com. You can also contact me either on Facebook (Samantha Herron) or email me at Durga1974@aol.com. Ask for the next dates someone will be down there and request a map to the site.
In the meantime, I want to profusely thank the following people for all their hard work last Saturday – Del, Joslyn, Crystal, Ed, Ray, Gary, Mary and Jen. You folks are absolutely awesome!!!
Love & Blessed Be
Elder Maya
Raven-Wolf Nature Sanctuary 