Earlier this month, Henry and I attended the graduation of his goddaughter Isabel at Berea College. If you’re not familiar with Berea, it’s worth learning more about this unusual Kentucky institution that was founded by “ardent abolitionists and radical reformers” in 1855. For example, since 1892, it’s been tuition-free. It was the first college in the Southern US to be both coeducational and racially integrated. At Isabel’s graduation, half of the 96 graduates were also the first in their families to complete college. The more I have learned about this place, the more impressed I’ve been.
Isabel majored in biology, was a teaching assistant in botany for three years, already has her name on research papers, and intends to start studying pollinators in grad school next fall. In fact, she featured both a bee and a butterfly on her graduation cap decorations.
With this background in mind, I found the above sign on the Berea College campus to be especially meaningful. I’ve seen lots of memes on social media over the years that have encouraged homeowners to grow wildflowers instead of lawns. However, it’s another level entirely for a venerable undergraduate institution to take action on such an idea and put bees before appearances.
That got me thinking about both institutional and personal priorities for 2025. I’ve also seen a lot of memes about new year’s resolutions over the years. Few of those tend to make it beyond the first weeks of January. Few of the radical ideas about college reforms tend to make it into policy, either. (When I was attending Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, in the 1980s, we young radicals wanted the administration to “ban the blowerman”—we even made t-shirts with that theme—and decrease the student-to-gardener ratio, but as far as I know, the grounds of this venerable institution are still as immaculate as ever.)
So, I ask you: As an individual, what radical priorities might you embrace for 2025? Where might you encourage weeds or sow appropriate pollinator plants, whether it be your yard, your balcony, or a nearby rural roadway? As a leader in any organizations you may be affiliated with, what radical environmental priorities might you propose for 2025? In what ways might you support increasingly threatened bees in the year ahead?
Just want to send you my special NEW YEAR BLESSING! December 24, we walked through the Jubilee door setting out on a pilrimmage of HOPE.I was privileged to attend virtually Pope Francis opening and over the threshhold. It was a mystical experience as I walked through, at one point I became aware of the many others walking with me, you were beside me. I have appreciated your weekly reflections. Your cares and concerns a couple of generations younger. There is a lovely short book POCKET BOOK OF HOPE, 12 persons in a short chapter each walking the pathway of hope. I was glad to see one person with whom I collaborated in my active Social Justice years, as we walked with those in Central and South America. During the waking hours in my sleep, I still “walk with” especially women “walking”
Wrapping you in special blessings expecially the ones that just pop up, pure gift!
Oh, thank you, Adeline, for your blessings and for sharing how you are walking with so many others (including me! I’m honored.) at this stage in your journey. We absolutely need wise elders to walk with us, and I’m very glad my messages bless you as you bless me. May 2025 be deeply hopeful for you.
Peace,
Shirin
Shirin,
In my small town neighborhood, I’m literally the only one that does not use chemicals of any kind on my property! And I have a ton of ‘wildlife’ including massive amounts of bees. From April to November, I work in my plants asking the ‘girls’ (all worker bees are female) to excuse my interference so I can make their lives better. I have ladybugs, praying mantises, butterflies, moths, the whole crew living here. It includes aphids, occasional white flies or ‘others’ but they are welcome too.
I also share my abundance freely with others, be it actual plants, produce or advice on how-to grow. At some point, there won’t be any ‘lawn’ to mow because of my relentless efforts in expanding my gardens! Recently I read a report that if you want to increase your lifespan, be a gardener. I fully intend to reach triple digits in my gardens!!
Hugs and blessings,
Nila and Lucia
Oh, Nila, thank you for this abundant image of your well-populated garden! I’m so glad you’ve created an oasis in the chemical wasteland and are sharing your wisdom with others. I have read about gardening increasing your lifespan too…may it be so for both of us and all others who are tending to Mother Earth!
Peace,
Shirin