Reflections On A winter Solstice

A lagoon as smooth as glass reflecting the scene at Greenfield Park on the Winter Solstice.

---

December 21st. Winter Solstice. Midwinter. The shortest day of the year. The longest night. The first day of winter. No matter how you define it, it has arrived.  I made a quick stop at Greenfield Park in West Allis today. The lack of snow and ice evident. Skies of gray overhead. No breeze to speak of.  The lagoon was still, mirroring the sky above and the trees and pavilion surrounding it. It was beautifully striking. I stopped and took the photo above. It does not do it justice. Even so, it got me thinking.

---

A bit of nature right in front me along the walking trail around the lagoon at Greenfield Park.

Nature seems to reflect the best in us. The worst in us, too. As a human race, we live striving for balance. Forever teetering between awe and destruction. Just the existence of the human race wears on this planet called earth. But, like any other living creature, we do exist, and we deserve to continue doing so. 

The beauty of this planet, from the mundane to the glorious, imprints on us throughout our lifetimes. Even on our most difficult days, the wonder of nature exists, surrounds us, in a myriad of ways.

Shaken by sorrow or worry, we may not be fully aware of the wild world around us.  But if we step outside, or simply spend a few moments gazing out a window, chances are there will be something of nature in front of us. And a connection we share.

Even on busy city streets lined with buildings of concrete and stone, birds take flight. Insects tunnel. Seeds bust open and rise up through the sidewalk cracks.  

---

While I have experienced some of the most beautiful natural spaces in the United States, I continue to find myself drawn to the bits of wilderness within the cities and suburbs.  As a city dweller, I am constantly amazed by the wild spaces and wildlife around me.

Observing the natural world during moments of my daily life makes an impression. Memories of significant moments in life, good or bad, are often accompanied by recollections of the sounds of birds singing, or leaves rustling on trees in the breeze.  Was the sun shining, was it raining, or snow-covered and shivering cold? 

These sights, sounds, and sensations are not just fodder for a good tale. They are the realities of life we can all relate to.

​These are real and true things we share. No matter who we are.

Something as simple as a fallen autumn leaf can connect us to the natural world around us.

---

I don't have much opportunity to travel far at this point in my life, though the desire is there. But for now, appreciating nearby nature is my priority. And my pleasure. It helps me to understand that our local green spaces serve great purpose. To me, to my community, to the wildlife community that depends on it. These spaces are just as important as state and national parks. We depend on them. And, in kind, they depend on us, too.

---

At this time of year, when gift giving is top of mind, consider gifting yourself and your community a bit of support for the natural spaces we enjoy and benefit from.

​Local nature centers, neighborhood parks and preserves are always in need of volunteers, financial assistance, and getting the word out to advocate for their importance in our lives. And to simply share their existence with others.

​​If you're interested in supporting one of these local spaces, pick a favorite and contact them. If you're undecided, here are a few of my favorites to consider.

​The beauty of nature is ours to share.

Nature gives a gift worth receiving.

---

These spaces are just as important as state and national parks.

---

Forest Exploration Center - 1800 Forest Exploration Drive, Wauwatosa

With a focus on education, wildlife advocacy, and reforestation, the center plans on serving the local community for years to come. They are always accepting donations and looking for volunteers for a multitude of hands-on projects, hike leaders, and more. 

​Currently, they are offering an Adopt-A-Seedling reforestation program, with donation packages beginning at $5 for a sugar maple seedling, and four other seedling options. A custom donation is an option as well.

If you live in the Milwaukee area, and haven't visited the Forest Exploration Center, get out for a hike and see the beauty and peace it has to offer.

Trails are open daily, dawn to dusk.  Dogs are permitted, on-leash only.  Admission is free.

Winter has been quiet, so far, but the Forest Exploration Center trails are lovely to hike.

---

Forest Beach Migratory Preserve - 4970 Country Club Road, Port Washington

The Lake Michigan Bird Observatory organization partners with Forest Beach to advance conservation efforts for birds in Wisconsin, and throughout the Great Lakes region. The efforts here are multifaceted, involving research, monitoring, and education.

If you haven't walked the trails at the preserve, I encourage you to do so. Particularly during migration seasons. It's beautiful all year round, too.

Pets are not allowed on the property due to the nesting nature of the preserve. Admission is free.

Bird conservation is a priority at Forest Beach Migratory Preserve.

There are a couple ways to support the preserve. Through the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (which supports many other local preserves as well), or through the Lake Michigan Bird Observatory donation program.

---

Lac Lawrann Conservancy - 300 Schmidt Road, West Bend

The focus is on nature education, supporting wildlife, and providing peaceful recreation for the community at large. This beautiful preserve is worth a hike any time of year. ​

Volunteers are needed in many aspects: education, hike leaders, land restoration and more.  Monetary donations are always needed.  Visit their website to make a donation, or to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Open every day, dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Lac Lawrann Conservancy is beautiful all year long.

---

Van der Brohe Arboretum - 3800 Lincoln Avenue, Two Rivers

The vision at Van der Brohe Arboretum is to bring together nature, education, art and wildlife on the property of a former golf course. Great strides have been made in the past few years.

Walking trails are open, hundreds of trees of many species have been planted, and plants and shrubs to serve migrating birds are growing strong.

Volunteers are needed to keep the momentum going, and donations are accepted on an ongoing basis.

To inquire about volunteering, or donating, visit their website.

From retired golf course to a growing arboretum and nature preserve in just a few years.

The arboretum is a beautiful walk in any season. It's proximity to the migratory flyway makes it a prime spot during migration season.

Dogs are welcome on-leash. Trails are open daily, dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

---