“I’m gonna run away to that tree!”  This is my four-year-old grandson’s threat whenever things aren’t quite going his way. He reminds me of myself at that age. I would run away to the apple orchard and hide. As I got older, I went farther, to the little woods and creek at the back of our pasture and cornfield. I still have those same impulses, to retreat to the woods, the river, the lake, but as it’s always been, it’s not long before something captures my attention. It could be the tiny minnows treading water in a straight line with one another then darting out into the faster current to feed on some morsel that I can’t even see, or the insistent songs of the male rose breasted grosbeaks in spring, or the smell and feel of the moss covered earth just after the snow melts and the ground absorbs the sun.

No matter my state of mind, there is always joy and wonder for me in the natural world. It heals and rejuvenates us, and for my little grandson, running to the trees lets him forget his frustrations so that he can return to play.

Tell us your story.

While we are waiting for the ice to melt and life to return to some level of normalcy, let’s write! Many of us have experienced the healing and rejuvenating power of nature. We invite you to reflect upon this in your life either as it relates to our present circumstances or at any previous time. Then write an essay. Thanks–Rochelle

Photo by Tenzin Hurtado

Guidelines:
Theme: The Healing Power of Nature
Who can submit:  Anyone except YDWP staff, board members, and their immediate families.
Maximum word count: 800
Format: Word document, Times New Roman 12pt font, double-spaced, name on each page, and must have a title.
How to submit: email to brian@yellowdogwatershed.org
Deadline: May 22, 2020
Prizes: The winning essay will be published in the fall 2020 YDWP newsletter as well as on our website. The winner also will be entitled to a gift membership for her/himself, a friend, or a family member.

Essays will be judged by a committee of qualified staff and one outside reader.