Activity 1: Find a Park
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Motivation
Becoming familiar with a "natural" place gives you an opportunity to anchor your relationship with the more-than-human world. This practice will guide you through becoming acquainted with your plant and animal neighbors and the rhythms of their lives, learning how your chosen park fits into human stories and communities, and collaborating with the land in a creative process. I hope that connecting deeply with a particular place will foster recognition of your kinship and interdependence with all beings and that you will be inspired to work toward regenerative communities in which everyone, human and more-than-human together, can thrive. |
Horton Park. Photo by Tracy Kugler.
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What to do
Find a place inhabited primarily by plants and animals that you can visit regularly.
The term "park" need not be taken literally. In urban areas, of course, parks and community gardens are good possibilities. Try to find a park that has some trees or other plant communities, rather than just a playground and some ball fields. College or university campuses are often good places to consider as well. In smaller communities or more rural areas, you may find some other publicly accessible open space. You may not even have to do more than walk out your door. If you are lucky enough to have a yard or boulevard space, many of the activities could be done there.
You may already know of a suitable place, or be able to find one by walking or biking around your neighborhood. If not, try perusing the website of your local parks and recreation department. Another strategy is to look for green patches in the satellite view on Google maps.
Once you have identified a place, visit it often. Aim for at least once a week, and ideally more often. Not all of your visits need be lengthy. Even if you simply pass through on your way to school, work, or shopping, simply being there and paying attention will help you connect.
Find a place inhabited primarily by plants and animals that you can visit regularly.
The term "park" need not be taken literally. In urban areas, of course, parks and community gardens are good possibilities. Try to find a park that has some trees or other plant communities, rather than just a playground and some ball fields. College or university campuses are often good places to consider as well. In smaller communities or more rural areas, you may find some other publicly accessible open space. You may not even have to do more than walk out your door. If you are lucky enough to have a yard or boulevard space, many of the activities could be done there.
You may already know of a suitable place, or be able to find one by walking or biking around your neighborhood. If not, try perusing the website of your local parks and recreation department. Another strategy is to look for green patches in the satellite view on Google maps.
Once you have identified a place, visit it often. Aim for at least once a week, and ideally more often. Not all of your visits need be lengthy. Even if you simply pass through on your way to school, work, or shopping, simply being there and paying attention will help you connect.