After noticing the changes spring brings, in nature around us and in our group, our opening circle dipped us into deep in discussion about Tricia Otto's work at Preserve she created, and about ecosystems and habitats. We shared how Tricia has restored ecosystems and built habitat for all manner of four-legged, two-legged, no-legged and winged and waterborne creatures. The land is 100 acres of intact habitat where beavers, birds, and bears alike can find refuge. But just on the other side of this special land, 60 acres of trees had been logged. Where did those creatures go? The girls correctly guessed they had run straight into the habitat of Agate Bay Preserve, but carrying capacity limited their ability to stay and thrive.
We also each shared for new members what EC is: exploring nature, serving community, not being afraid to get dirty, practicing integrity, living out our mottos and creating a culture of kindness. We mentioned the indirect ways girls can sometimes be passive aggressive to one another, and that in GEC we try to be respectful, widen our circles, and LIBK (Let It Be Known).
No strangers to stewardship, this group’s spirit of service led the day. We walked further into the preserve and met Tricia, an inspiring woman who mentors the girls about what it is to Walk Your Talk and direct thoughtful intelligence with integrity. Tricia realizes as we two-leggeds impact the environment it affects all these other community members, so she has worked hard for years and years to preserve and protect (along with working full time as a doctor). She has fought against development and things that impact habitat, but she’s put most of her energy into helping habitat grow. When we asked her who she was doing this for, she answered for “you, for everyone.”
Today, Tricia had several tasks for us: trail clearing, wetland exploring, and planting along the stream. We began with planting, in pairs, and many hands made light work. Then we divided into two groups and cleared trails from recent wind storms, singing (and shouting) and goofing as we walked.
The two groups reunited, we explored a truly magical wetland area, created by resident beavers. A thorough group safety check concluded it was a reasonable risk to walk over logs over the water, and these bridges were the right level of challenge and led to moss-draped woodlands, which some girls named "Twigtopia".
After an impromptu meadow wedding (which seems to happen a lot in GEC), we cleared more trails, and ended the day building trust via trust walks. This exercise reminds us of our interdependence, and allows other sense to get exercised.
We wrapped up our day with Tricia in our closing circle. Together, using our Attitude of Gratitude, we each shared what we were grateful for: Tricia and her efforts, places and spaces that remain undeveloped, this group, the opportunity to participate in GEC, trees, frogs, clean water, and more. It was moving to see the impact service has on these girls' lives - truly, giving is receiving!
You may view the slideshow from our day here.
