What an incredible experience it has been to return here for my second year at the Harrison Lewis Centre. When I was contacted by the HLC to come work on these grounds again, I leapt at the chance to leave behind my lifestyle of isolation and the virtual world, and reconnect with community and nature in this little piece of paradise. As the groundskeeper, my duties included many physically demanding tasks, which were a welcome relief from the static of the pandemic. From taking care of the farm animals, to building structures, to stacking wood, to lawn-care and trail-making and everything in between, I can say with conviction that putting in an honest day’s work is rewarding as all get out. Back aching, grin wider than the view, what a thrill it has been to plunge my calloused hands back into the dirt and watch everything around me grow.
Working alongside Molly and Jenna these last six weeks has been a real privilege. The things I have learnt from these two driven and successful young women have granted me a glimpse into the next generation’s thoughts, which are greatly shaped by the reality of climate change and the urgency for education and activism in environmental causes. The workshops they put on through the HLC saw people of all ages and outlooks come together to have meaningful conversations about the local and larger-scale states of the environment. From practical to philosophical approaches, the words exchanged with guests, speakers and the team have reassured me that there are many of us who aim to hearten a culture of respect for nature and for real systemic change to continue to take place and garner momentum. As Molly and Jenna have now returned to the city in preparation for the upcoming school year, I find myself bittersweetly checking off the last few items on my list before I take my leave from this place so dear to us all.
Part of the beauty of the Centre revolves around the holistic practices we employ to learn and teach about sustainability. We find a use for just about everything that grows, from preparing great meals from the garden for our event attendees to berry-picking for our very successful jam-making workshop (raspberries, rhubarb, blackberries, currants, chokecherries, you name it!), to steeping sweet-fern tea, (an immune system booster and poison ivy remedy), the land provides! And what we can’t possibly fill our boots with goes right to the trough to fatten up our sweet and friendly pig. I am eager to take these lessons back with me and incorporate them into my not so rural life. Living more sustainably is about looking at the big picture, no matter where we are, busy city or in the boonies, and infusing our lives with practices that hold a balance and reciprocity with the land. The HLC provides a place for young and old to explore and cultivate these abilities, and for curious minds to research the many lichens, insects, aquatic life and rare birds with which we share land, sea and sky.
And with that, so long I say! To all new friends I’ve made this summer! To Dirk, founder and very dear friend. And farewell to Nova Scotia, the sea-bound coast... I’ll return next year to see what fruit the Harrison Lewis Centre 2022 season brings. Sure hope to see y’all there.
Val
