Today is Arbor Day, in many ways an uniquely Nebraska holiday ( http://www.arborday.org/media/timeline.cfm ). Earlier this week was “Earth Day”. You may have read previous blog posts of my expressing my cynicism of the whole “earth day”, “stewards of the land”, message spouted one day or two days a year by many folks. Personally, I hold that there are many who “talk the talk”, but on an individual basis fall far short from “walking the walk” of Arbor Day and Earth Day.
It all boils down to respect, respect for our natural resources, our land, water, woods, prairies, fish and wildlife. I believe people are quick to join up with some group and protest some perceived threat to our natural resources because that is the popular thing to do, but their personal actions are far from respectful.
This becomes a very touchy subject because who am I to question others respect, lack thereof, or ethics? I know this, I continue to observe actions that absolutely do NOT reflect a respect for our natural resources, our fish & wildlife, or other outdoors-people. Actions that absolutely do NOT reflect a land ethic. Things like this example, http://www.pheasantblog.org/in-memoriam-a-favorite-slough/ . In most cases I just shake my head or perhaps vent to those closest to me, but today let me suggest something that better defines what I am talking about. . . .
This is just a short trailer for an excellent documentary movie, but it is exactly what I am talking about:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGIK24N7apQ[/youtube]If you ever get a chance to view that entire film, DO IT! There was a viewing in Lincoln that I saw within the past couple of years, but I do not know that there are any more viewings coming soon anywhere near or in Nebraska. You can check here or even consider purchasing a DVD, https://www.aldoleopold.org/greenfire/index.shtml .
Or maybe you can just do some reading:
I need to find my copy and read it again.
Have a happy Arbor Day!