For The Children Of Our Children

A man walks into the woodlands with a shovel and maybe 3 or 4 young evergreen seedlings. He randomly plants the seedlings and for a moment, he envisions what they may grow to be.
When he is asked by family, who did not understand why he planted these future trees so far from sight, he simply replied, “just because”.

Fifteen years goes by and a morning dove builds a nest and safely raises her young within the thick branches.

Twenty years goes by and a Ruffled Grouse finds refuge when a Nor’Easter dumps 11 inches of snow.

Thirty years goes by and a family of Red Squirrels feed on the seeds from the pine cones.

Fifty years after the man planted the seedling, a group of amateur Ornithologists focus their binoculars on a Great Horned Owl perched high in the branches as a pesky murder of crows dive bomb and harass the magnificent predator.

The seedling that grew into a large presence in the forest could write a thousand stories during its long life, just because someone decided to plant a tree.

I have known men and women who without any fanfare, ventured out and planted a tree or two just because they dreamed about what the tree would become, and recently I had the opportunity to meet a group of folks who without any fanfare, dedicate their time and energy to a subject that is extremely important to us.

The beautiful Willimantic River and it's watershed offers outstanding fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife equal to any national park.

The Willimantic River Alliance is made up of a dedicated group of Folks that care about the past, present, and future of the Willimantic River, the surrounding riparian zone, and the Willimantic River Watershed.
They promote conservation, education, and recreation on, and along the river.

The Willimantic River is a everyday part of our life here. It is a great privilege to look out our window everyday and watch the river flow on by.
The insects living in the water, the trout feeding on the insects, the herons, kingfishers and otters feeding on the fish. The raccoons feeding on the muscles and crayfish, the wood ducks buffleheads, mergansers and baby Canada geese all tell me the river is healthy and alive.

When I sit and enjoy all the river has to offer, I appreciate all the work that the folks at The Willimantic River Alliance do everyday to save and protect this treasure for many generations to experience and enjoy.

Recently I was invited to attend the annual Spring meeting of the Willimantic River Alliance, and I can not think of the words to describe how thrilled I was to receive their "Spirit Of The River Award".
This will hang on my wall forever and it will remind me that just because people care, the Willimantic River will be here for the children of our children.

Check out their site at www.willimanticriver.org