Summer's Humid Green

 

June 24, 2025 saw daytime temperatures in the upper 90s with "feels like" temperatures above 100 degrees. Fortunately, the shade from the green canopy, setting sun, and occasional breezes made the forest feel like any summer night. True, it was hot and buggy, but also alive with the season's industry. From the dazzling acrobatics of dragonflies above the water, the laurel blooms just starting to fade, to a distant barred owl welcoming the night, the flora and fauna went about their business, and we slowed down enough to notice. 

Thanks to the walkers who braved the heat, including newcomers, families, friends, artists, and SW veterans. 

After the walk, several participants wrote a few words of reflection. Excerpts from those are shared here along with photographs from the Silent Walk photographer, Thom Munterich. 

BRF Director Isabel Ashton welcomes the group to Black Rock Forest

Starting the walk

 

How lovely to disconnect with the day-to-day and reconnect with nature.

 

To slow down and feel time

 What a wonderful chance to take the time to walk, listen, and enjoy the golden trees from the last of the sun.

 

 Gratitude, appreciation, and awareness to let go of your thoughts and stay present

 

The rabbit, the turtles, the owl calls, the rainbow on the water, the many greens, the steps in tandem, the ancient rocks, the dragonflies, the silent smiles, the dust of steps, the ripples in water, the silence of humans in the landscape---for all these things and many more I am grateful.

 My walk was a prayer of gratitude.

 I felt good to be outside.

 

Saw a blue gill! The best hour I have spent all week.

A place unknown--are you thinking of me--I can connect to the trees-a tiny butterfly--my father's paintings----

The water's surface smooths like glass until broken by a rise, spin, or flick of a fin.

 

It was so nice listening to the sounds and seeing all the plants and animals.

 

 

Thank you for the quiet, deep evening.

The turtle abides.

Thanks to those at BRF who make this possible, especially Isabel Ashton, Susanne Vondrak, Aaron Culotta, and Matt Brady.  

My sincerest gratitude for Black Rock Forest, a living laboratory of field-based research and education. Please support their mission of advancing scientific understanding of the natural world through research, education, and conservation programs.

 Click here to learn more and become a member!