From July 28, 2010
Having just returned from another hike in this beautiful area, I had many opportunities to contemplate the beauty of this area and the significant efforts of so many to maintain and preserve our earth and its natural resources.
On a
trip two years ago, we hiked through a petrified forest in Wyoming that was so
little-traveled, we lost the trail several times and waded through deep
underbrush until we found it again. The petrified trees told the story of
a swampland deep in the high plains where tree trunks once towered hundreds of
feet into the air and turtles and aquatic plants and wildlife were abundant.
We
hiked around the base of Devils Tower, considered sacred land by Native
Americans who are still fully aware of the gifts given by the Great
Spirit. Prayer bundles were frequently seen at various locations around
the mountain and were left respectfully untouched by tourists. No air
traffic is allowed around the mountain, and often times the only sound was
nature itself: insects and small animals scurrying about, snakes crawling
through tall grass, the calling of birds from tree to tree, the breeze striking
the stone tower walls and gliding through the trees, and water tumbling over
stones in the creeks.
Even
the majestic stone sculptures of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse seemed ever
mindful of the natural beauty of the land. Though these mountains were
reshaped by man, they do not deter from the surrounding nature. We
I
can see why the Natives fought so hard for this land. We can learn from
this. The earth is a gift to us from God (our version of the Great
Spirit) and like all nature, we are connected. We must use it wisely and
protect it fiercely. I get so upset when I see oil spilling into our
oceans -- the damage will still be found decades from now-- mark my
words. I am reminded to be diligent when it comes to respecting our
environment. I hope that everyone will remember that even one
person can make a difference— your efforts do count.
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