Earth Day Celebration in Tidewater

A report by Susan Hedge, Ecological Educator Diocese of Richmond

Contact:  shedge@!richmonddiocese.org or 549-725-2197

May 3, 2008

It may not have officially been Earth Day.  That was held on April 22.  But the Ecological Working Group of the Tidewater Sowers of Justice held its annual Family Picnic and Celebration of the Earth, Saturday at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. 

Flanked by an Earth Flag, Ed Marroni welcomed the group of 35 people which grew larger as the day went on.  Sr. Grace Malonzo, D.W. introduced Three Arrows of the Nansemond Tribe and together they led a prayer to the four directions.  Three Arrows, a flintnapper, demonstrated how his tribe made arrows and knives from local glass and stone as he told stories of the Indians who formally inhabited the grounds where we were standing.

Ranger Byron, a volunteer with the Park, began a guided nature walk by taking us all under a near-by Live Oak tree.  “This is a Live Oak.  Why do we call it a Live Oak?  It never loses its leaves; this tree is green all year around.”  He explained that the Live Oak provided many of the things necessary for life four hundred years ago.  A low growing tree with a wide canopy the Live Oak was protection from storms as well as sun.  Its leaves cooled all those who stood under it and its fallen needles made a soft cushion under foot.  Acorns were used for food.  By this time I was hanging out with the children entwined in the low growing branches.  “Sometimes people ask me where the playground is,” said Ranger Byron.  “I point to this tree.  But they say, no, the real playground.  I tell them that this was the perfect playground 400 years ago as well as today.  If they want the plastic variety they need to go over there.” 

After a visit to the native Indian dwellings and a walk through the cypress swamp, we returned to share our picnic lunches. 

The presentation of the St. Francis Awards followed.  Susan Hedge, Ecological Educator for the Diocese of Richmond welcomed Marjorie Mayfield Jackson, the founding Executive Director of the non-profit Elizabeth River Project.  Marjorie told us that her work with the Elizabeth River Project has been a faith journey.  She was moved to do something for the environment, especially the Elizabeth River, following a parish program on earth literacy in 1991.  Marjorie was presented the St. Francis Ecological Award for 2008.  The St. Francis Award recognizes innovative and creative efforts to draw awareness to God’s call to care for our planet.

Tricycle Gardens was the second award winner.  Lisa Taranto was unable to attend the gathering due to a death in her family.  Tricycle Gardens began in 2002 as a support for those who want to create gardens in urban areas. There are currently five gardens in various stages of operation and development in the Richmond area.  Through the efforts of Lisa and others, Tricycle Gardens offers technical assistance and support as these community groups plan and grow their gardens.

John Wilson, organic farmer of New Earth Farm, ended our day with an excellent presentation about why organic and sustainable farming methods are necessary for today in response to global climate change.  Sustainable farming conserves water and generally allows the earth to regenerate itself while providing us with the food we need. 

We praised and thanked God for the day of fun, learning, and the opportunity to touch nature up close and personal.