Applied Serendipity: June 4
CARE: Spent more time in nature this May and experienced awe! For starters, nothing like seeing the aurora borealis without leaving home—it was visible in the northern US a few weeks ago. And more, while walking in the creek I came across these butterflies—a group of which is called a kaleidoscope. I believe these are eastern swallowtails—they live for just 6-14 days. I didn’t know why they had gathered, and later learned they were seen “puddling,” a phenomenon where males look for salt, minerals and amino acids needed to produce offspring. Now I have a full ecosystem of plants that provide nectar and serve as host plants as well as a mineral-rich water source to support the full life-cycle for butterflies. Such a transcendent experience to be in the creek as they flew about. Nature’s reminder of hope and transformation.
PREPARE: Much work to be done in the gardens and hives to continue to diversify the ecosystem and habitat. This year I applied to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the “Buffer in a Bag” and received 25 bare root trees to plant along my creek as a buffer to combat erosion. I’m so honored to be one of 250 people from New York to be sent trees to plant as part of the state’s commitment to the environment.
SHARE: Sharing the work from a team I’ve been part of to bring a fresh look and feel to our local botanical gardens. The magical vibe comes as we launch expanded programs and exhibits to bring wow and wonder through the power of plants. Check out our new look and come visit the gardens—a national historic site—if you’re in Buffalo.
AWARE: Are you a changemaker in your community or do you know someone making a difference? I encourage our everyday heroes who are daring to make a difference to apply for the Wilmers Integrity Prize—Integrity in leadership and service to community are at the forefront of our search. Efforts in the arts, education, environment, law, medicine, nutrition, social justice and social reform are eligible for the $50,000 award. You can apply for yourself or nominate another person for the prize. Click here to get started.
DARE: Changing up my website—at my fabulous web designer Kristen Johnson’s suggestion, I’ve added a new category for my personal interests. I dared to call it Rabbit Holes! What do you think?