GREEN NEWS & VIEWS Rachel Carson (Part Two)... ...continued from page 13
Gathering comes naturally...
er wildlife abounded. As modeled by her own mother, Maria, Rachel shared intentional and exhilarating moments in the outdoors with the children in her life, especially her nieces and a grandnephew, whom she later adopted. These intergenerational experiences deepened her own feelings of curiosity, awe, and understanding, and gave her some- thing critically important to write about. Those who dwell … among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexations or concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excite- ment in living. Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeat - ed refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. Nature Education at Springsong At Springsong Museum, we plan to engage the public through ex - hibits that encourage awe in and understanding of the connected life on earth. Our native gardens will appeal to the range of senses, encour- aging visitors to become receptive to their surroundings. While the museum is intended for visitors of all ages, children visiting through interdisciplinary school programs will follow Carson’s advice: the first field trip will help students to feel connected and practice skills of ob - servation; the second visit will delve deeper, focusing on ecological concepts and the names of specific species, minerals, and natural phe - nomena. Springsong will also foster intergenerational experiences for the benefit of everyone involved. We are currently exploring partnerships with schools and retirement communities, volunteer organizations and places of worship, encouraging meaningful encounters between people of all ages through stewarding our gardens, sharing communi- ty stories, creating visual art, and playing music in a gallery that will overlook the dynamic falls of the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia. This fall, though, we can remember that nature education is some- thing we can all support. By offering a child in your life gentle affir - mation when you catch them energized by a falling leaf, intrigued by a mushroom, or smitten with a flitting bird, we lay the foundation for deeper exploration and understanding of the natural world. Cancer thwarted Rachel Carson’s intention to publish her planned “Wonder Book,” but we can be sure of its ultimate message: we must marvel in the world around us and welcome the next generation to join us. Rebecca Henson, Founder and Executive Director of Springsong Museum, is a Maryland Master Naturalist and mother to two na - ture-loving boys. Most recently, she worked as an independent cli - mate risk researcher and helped run the nature bookshop at Nature Forward’s Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase. She lives in Silver Spring and serves on the board of the Neighbors of the Northwest Branch. To learn more about and support the progress of Springsong Museum, visit https://springsongmuseum.org/. Quotes herein attributed to Rachel Carson, ‘Help your child to wonder’, Woman’s Home Companion , July 1956.
at The Retreat Center We’re putting the finishing touches on a safe and flexible meeting space for up to 20 people. Creative productivity thrives in this peaceful, wooded setting near National Harbor, with in-person gatherings beginning April 2022! Visit storyweaving.com/retreat-center
PATHWAYS—Fall 24—65
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