What quote am I vibing? Â "...let me say a word on behalf of these little things that run the world...The truth is that we need invertebrates but they don't need us. If human beings were to disappear tomorrow, the world would go on with little change. Gaia, the totality of life on Earth, would set about healing itself and return to the rich environmental states of a few thousand years ago. But if invertebrates were to disappear, I doubt that the human species would last more than a few months." Edward O. Wilson, from a speech at the opening of an invertebrate exhibit at National Zooligical Park
Pounds of Trash Removed from the Wild since Last Post:Â 86
Pounds of Trash Removed from the Wild in 2024: 132
All-Time Pounds of Trash Removed from the Wild: 3,864
I have been reading The Language of Butterflies by Wendy Williams (no, not that one) - and falling even more in love with butterflies, and lepidoptera in general. With this comes a fascination and respect for insects en masse - these little things that run the world. They are adaptable and sturdy, extremely useful, and often willing to work together to accomplish a huge task. Really, all the things I strive to be.
Since moving and getting settled in, I have started to seek volunteer activities with local nature-minded groups. It's always amazing how very much more we can accomplish as a group versus as individuals. A huge pile of bags of trash (300 pounds) was gathered at an event that wasn't even focused on that - the majority of the group was focused on removing invasive plants and vines, and a small group focused on trash. The result was astonishing to me. Like insects moving over the Earth and ridding it of its troubles - we created so much change in so little time.
I look forward to continuing to find these opportunities to work and learn from others, while still appreciating the zen of my solo and friend cleanups as well. :)
