Looking for Humble Discoveries with a good “Read” … this Earth Day

Notes by J. Cantrell

I’m a zealous traveler and backpacker. Some of my devoted globe-trotting friends and I have distributed and recommended a favorite pack book of ours for a very long time. The manuscript is The Alchemist by P. Coelho, a best seller in many countries and recently was featured on PBS’s Great American Read, Top 100 Books. It is truly a gentle story, one with a familiar theme of “there is no place like home” …but to my naturalist world-stomping friends we have found its quotes powerful yet still humble.

April brings the budding of trees, spring wildflowers, migrating birds from the tropics, white bass and so much more. We set aside a day in April of recognition called Earth Day. Personally I think April 22 is well-timed for the life celebration. It is common to witness urban park boards, schools and individuals around the world reflecting on the environment. They may read up on an endangered species or perhaps devote volunteer time to better the natural framework of their community.

I was looking forward to the 2020 Earth Day celebrations before the impact of the Coronavirus-19 came upon us. The spring season brings many wonders to my farm, hiking trails and my student’s fresh discoveries. We will have to postpone the “May the Forest Be with You” an Arbor Day & Earth Day combo event. So…we will all have to find other avenues to celebrate and share the uniqueness and wonders of nature.

Many of us do a great job being mindful of our environment and being a child’s suitable role model is important. I’m exceptionally proud of the local Missouri Master Naturalists and the role they play in our region. There are so many tasks or projects one may do for Earth Day; I could give a very long list. But how about a shortlist to offer in case there are scout troops, families, or individuals looking for something new and perhaps special.

1. Support our national parks, perhaps start planning a visit and create a bucket list.

2. Keep a record of birds seen in your yard or wildflowers identified with a local field guide.

3. Plant a native flower that feeds hummingbirds (check out the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center for plant events in 2020).

4. Host a nature film documentary with your friends and favorite movie snacks.

5. Experience Joplin’s neighbor Diamond Grove Prairie with the Indian Paintbrush in bloom.

6. Take a good book outside to read, if you have children or a class you might establish a “story telling” or reading area under a favorite tree. A good book read outside is a humble discovery!

7. Create a Monarch Butterfly Waystation.

8. Help a young person discover camping or hiking.

9. Once the virus clears and we have the “go-ahead” be sure to enjoy free nature programs and events at Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, Wildcat Glades Friends Group, G.W. Carver National Monument, Prairie State Park …the classes are enjoyable and available to all.

The discoveries for this season are abundant. Our natural surroundings, the plant life, the water resources …are all around us and outdoor hobbies whether backpacking, fishing, hiking are available for us to explore. Have a wonderful Earth Day week. And I recall this quote from my favorite travel book, “It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary”. Enjoy the trail! - Jeff

Jeff Cantrell is an outdoor / conservation educator with the Missouri Department of Conservation.