Croak-Croak!

What an amazing weather change last Saturday brought to us. It was the day that one could almost stand and watch the snow retreating from where it has held on far too long.

With that retreat, an unfriendly reminder of thoughtless began to emerge. In the past I have spoken about the beauty of my little commute in the country to Ladysmith. Each year I am filled with hope that everyone has become more attuned to the environment and keeps a trash bag in their car, appropriately disposing of trash when they get home. Each year when the snow recedes I hold my breath. This year I think I am seeing less of the ‘toss out the window’ stuff, but very sadly I see a sets of tires in the ditch and an old television. I wonder what was learned by the young children riding in the car with the thoughtless parent who tossed out the tires on the side of the beautiful country road.

So what will I do? I will be out there on this beautiful afternoon for an hour or two, to do what I can to beautiful my little place in the world. I will call my town supervisor to see what can be done about the old television and tires. I know he will help, but I also know his work and my tax dollar could be spent in a more productive way.

I will hope that someone reading this column will gather their children and grandchildren with bags and gloves to pick up the ugliness left behind by a few thoughtless people. I know these children will learn to be stewards of the land they live on when their families care for the environment. And I will look forward to a more beautiful commute next spring as the snow recedes.

This next Saturday is for the birds! Bring your children to Toad House to create a beautiful gourd birdhouse with your child. See you there!

from ‘Croak-Croak’ Toads Environmental Song

artwork from Janelle Thompson

If you see some paper trash, pick it up (croak-croak)

If you see some plastic trash, pick it up (croak-croak)

You will help the little toads by putting garbage where it goes,

Please help the little toads, pick it up! (croak-croak)