November 09 Project Completed

November 7- Hug-A-Tree at Audubon Acres:

We had 18 youth come out and help take care of the earth at Audubon Acres. We spent 2 hours dragging piles and piles of privet into a huge bonfire to destroy this invasive plant. Audubon Acres is an oasis of natural history in the middle of East Brainerd suburbia. It is amazing to still be able to experience an island of protected natural beauty as it has existed for thousands of years. The privet is a reminder of man's touch. It is a constant threat to the natural order of creation. If left unchecked, the privet, like kudzu, would eventually choke out the native plants and habitats, altering the landscape. Why did we do this? What does it have to do with our faith? Are we not asked to be good stewards of the treasures God has entrusted to us? Destroying the privet was a small way we are able to act and meditate upon our reponsibility toward the natural environment. It was our way of adding to the work of other passionate volunteers and helping the Audubon Society protect this special place. One of our youth, Kristian Canler, gave a very thoughful and prayerful talk/homily centered upon creation and our faith. Sometimes being the hands and feet of Christ involves taking those hands and feet into the woods and just standing in awe of The Creator.