It’s that time of year when I harvest the summer garden and put most of it to bed for the winter. There are a few winter crops; onions, greens, cabbage, that continue to grow until it snows. It is also a great time for planting trees while rain is plentiful and they have a chance to establish new roots before the winter.
Katrina planting cedar tree
The ongoing care of EARTH HEAVEN includes planting trees in the forest, especially along the river. Salmon spawn throughout the two miles of river that runs through my land. The riparian area is a key environment for maintaining a healthy stream and feeding the fish. Trees provide not only food for the stream, but shade to keep the temperature cooler. Fallen logs influence the shape the river banks and can provide spawning pools, especially if they collect gravel.
When I bought this land in 1991, the previous owners had clearcut most of the trees and planted a monoculture of conifer trees. It has been my job since then to bring the forest back to it’s natural balance of conifer, spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. Alders grow like weeds and feed the forest of older trees. Maples, including viney maples, are interspersed throughout the woods.
Grandmother Spruce in the snow
Fortunately, there is a 300 year old blue spruce tree on the front of the property, my sacred “grandmother” tree who protects us all. Imagine the history and changes she has lived through.
Stewarding this land is a spiritual calling, helping her heal from the rape she has suffered at the hands of greed. The rewards are great and peace is present as the trees and I change and grow together. I love being a Forest Mystic!
MY SACRED JOURNEY . . . 