Loss of a Legend

Last week the environmental movement lost a powerful voice: Lorrie Otto.  I'll let this obituary tell her story.  The world is truly a better place for her having been here.  here are a few of my favorite quotes from this irrepressible woman:

"When I removed my grass and planted native plants, some neighbors were skeptical, but most of them came to love it.  In fact, some of them loved the yard so much that they're interested in buying it now."

"If we care about the Earth we could heal it by removing lawns, by finding alternatives to lawns.  You can do wonderful things on your own property to protect the environment.  Each little island, each corridor will help bring back the butterflies and birds."

"If suburbia were landscaped with meadows, prairies, thickets, or forests, or combinations of these, then the water would sparkle, fish would be good to eat again, birds would sing, and human spirits would soar."




- Lorrie Otto, founder, Wild Ones Natural Landscapers:  1920 - 2010

Orchid Hunt at Stricker's Pond

June 10th: Orchid Hunt at Stricker's Pond: A few species of orchid hide amid the woods at Stricker's Pond. Come join us as we look for these rare wildflowers along the trailside in this remnant natural area in the midst of suburbia. The hunt will begin at 6 pm and end around 8 pm or 9 pm. From High Point Road in Middleton, head east on Parmenter St, then take a right onto Westfield Rd. Park on the street near the paved path access to the park.
See you there.