While winter is often a time to slow down and recharge, some plants take advantage…
Dates to Honor the Land and the People
The health of our land becomes an important topic to remember every year at the end of April. It’s a refreshing time of new life: plants are beginning to grow again, the rainbow trout begin to spawn, and our local farms and ranches are a flurry of activity. Fitting for this season, there are several dates that help honor the themes of healthy water, soil, and working lands in our area and across the nation.
In the early 1970’s, a growing awareness of environmental problems created the first Earth Day. While the theme of that era was to protest issues, April 22nd has now become day where people take action to improve their surroundings. In Montana today, these events include tree plantings, river clean ups, youth education programs, and restoration projects.
Working lands are a key player in our communities and management of our natural resources. As a way to educate youth on the importance of agriculture, the Madison Valley CattleWomen host Ag Days. The activities on April 25th introduce the concepts of local agriculture to area 2nd and 3rd graders through hands on lessons with live animals and an introduction to the value of plants and soil.
Back in the classroom on April 25th, the Town of Ennis Tree Board and Demetrius Fassas will complete activities as part of Arbor Day. J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day 135 years ago, with a simple idea of setting aside a special day for tree planting. There will be several trees planted throughout town, both on Arbor Day as well as Saturday, April 26th.
The annual Ruby Valley and Madison Conservation District Banquet in Virginia City on April 26th includes a special program to honor the 2014 Stewardship Award winners for both the Ruby and Madison Valleys. The selected recipients are nominated by fellow community members for their dedication to healthy and productive lands. This year’s banquet will also recognize the award winning photographers who capture the beautiful images of these landscapes.
Soil and Water Stewardship week is a nationally recognized effort from April 27 to May 4. The week provides opportunities for community members to understand the value of healthy soils and water throughout the United States.
Through the series of events, the importance of understanding the value of conservation is a common theme. Each of these activities and dedicated days provides us all a chance to consider the benefits we provide to our landscape. As the great naturalist John James Audubon once said, ““A true conservationist is a man who knows the world is not given to him by his fathers, but borrowed from his children”.
Sunni Heikes-Knapton
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