What Nature Means During a Pandemic

Nature is my relief and inspiration.  While sheltering in place, I can enjoy the birds and squirrels in my own backyard, our stately Ponderosas, the beautiful skies and sunshine. We’ve never been ordered to stay home in my lifetime so it can feel like an unnatural constraint some days, but I relieve that weight by taking a walk outdoors or working in the yard or just sitting on my own front porch and taking in the view of the trees moving in the wind, the people walking by and smiling, saying “hi”.  I feel like we are all in this together and are connected by our natural world of wonders.  I take a deep breath of fresh air and receive my inspiration, literally and completely.

Nature provides an escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life, especially in times of crisis. I can find a sense of peace, purpose and belonging when I am out in nature. Nature calms my soul. Without any of my usual obligations, I have been able to spend much more time outside in my yard working, reflecting and observing. I have tried to be much more mindful in my surroundings by paying closer attention and just being present in the moment. 

In the spirit of mindfulness, I have tried to better use my senses while out in nature. Of course, it helps when you feel no sense of urgency to rush off to something else. Here are a few of my recent observations:

I’ve been seeing the cheery colors of the spring daffodils and fruit trees blossoming. The fleeting beauty of a rainbow appears over lush green hillsides, fields and pastures. I hear the pitter patter or pounding of rain as it helps hydrate and make the landscapes green. I love the sound of the chickadees at my feeder, the honking of migrating geese and the dive-bombing whistle of the rufous hummingbird zooming past my head. Can anything compare to the sweet fragrant smell of hyacinth and fruit trees in bloom? Or the earthy aroma of strolling in a Douglas-fir forest? As I weed and plant, I feel the life-giving soil between my fingers and the warmth of sunlight on my back. Finally, I’m not skilled enough to safely taste the bounty of the land this spring, but I look forward to the harvest of summer and fall. I wish you all health, happiness and the hope that nature will soothe your soul.

What Nature Means to Me in the Time of the Covid-19 Pandemic

The first week of the pandemic, I was snowshoeing on Mt. Hood. While on the trail one day, I was hit with symptoms. I headed home and have spent the last two weeks moving through what my doctor thinks probably is Covid-19, but without testing, we’ll never know.  During this time, nature has meant a great deal to me. During the peak of my illness, we had the gift of fine weather, and I spent much of the time on my deck watching the emergence of bees, the birds hopping about, and the trees, shrubs, and flowering plants slowly unfurling, blooming, promising a better tomorrow.  So what does nature mean to me?  It is comfort, a reminder of the interconnectedness of life, that I am but one small piece but an important piece. Just as one species in the web of life is important, so too is my role in the bigger picture. Whether it’s isolating because I am sick, whether I plant a native in my garden, or whether I share my enthusiasm for nature with a child or an adult. As I reflect on the importance of nature, I see that it’s about the joy and comfort it brings me, but it’s also about being part of something bigger.  I’m not alone, even if I’m sitting by myself on my deck in the sun or watching the rain fall on the awakening plants.  May you all find peace in nature now and going forward in your life.

The past month has been a whirlwind of change.  The first Saturday of March, I worked my volunteer day for Friends of the Crook County Library, as we watched and listened to concerns about Coronavirus transmission routes being discussed.  By the next week, we were discussing and starting to participate in social distancing.  WOW!!  Only a few days later, sheltering in place, washing hands frequently and social distancing were at the top of our priority list.

How did that effect me?  As a retiree, sheltering in place has allowed me to fully focus on those activities I enjoy.  Monday and Tuesday morning tea time is spent collecting data (ie bird watching) for Project Feeder Watch.  No interruptions pulling me away to a meeting or exercise.  My daily walks take me up to Barnes Butte or out to the wetlands.  My new digital camera is my new best friend, along with my binoculars!

I’ve been learning new weaving techniques and playing with a color challenge which includes processing fiber and spinning yarn.

It’s all good.  I’ve been checking in on family and friends, near and far, via phone calls.  Exploring ways I can help out in our community by dropping off food or donating to various support agencies.  

My 90 year old mom pointed out that our country has survived other tough times - The Depression, WWII - with focus and diligence, we can survive this.

Wishing you all good health!

Nature means everything to me! I have always loved nature since I was a child and have been fortunate to hike and explore a lot of beautiful places around the world. Since partaking in the Virginia and now Oregon Master Naturalist programs I have a deeper respect and understanding of ecology and how we as volunteers can help bring awareness to others about nature through volunteering like community science projects! I know it is tough now with everything going on but even looking at a picture of some trees lifts my spirits and when I am fortunate to go hiking in the woods, I know it is helping my mental, emotional, and physical health! Nature is resilient and so are we.

Anna Finch - Oregon Master Naturalist Trainee

It’s been almost three weeks since I left my apartment complex. Just one quick trip around the block to make sure my car battery kept a charge. I walk my dog when he needs out but otherwise I have been at home, alone, waiting for a global pandemic to pass.

This is of course our own fault. Humankind’s unrelenting misuse of nature’s resources is pitting our capacity for survival against its limits.

Our existence is entirely contingent on the natural world. We need a stable climate. We need stable ecosystems. We need biodiversity. We need healthy air, water, and soil. And we need to make major changes at every level or we’re all going to die.

It’s that simple. It’s that real. It’s that scary.

We can’t recycle our way out of this. We can’t wait for corporations to do the right thing or for money to stop controlling our politics.

Science tells us that our oceans will be dead in 30 years. We have ten years to address our climate crisis. Right now, if you don’t cover your face, wash your hands, and stay six feet away from other people, you could be gasping for your last breath in less than two weeks.

Nature means everything. We have to change.

Troy Dunn - OSU Master Naturalist Trainee and Master Gardener