Lessons from the North Woods

Jean Lomino — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:52:08 +0000

I just returned from a six-day canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Wilderness area on the Minnesota, Canadian border. This was my sixth trip, and each time my primordial self is rekindled in this amazing place. The sights, sounds and sensations of the North Woods renew my body and soul: the loon’s nighttime lullaby; a bald eagle screeching its presence as it soars overhead; lake water lapping against a rocky shore; boulders covered in multicolored lichens and mosses; air heavy with the scent of fir, spruce and pine; a beaver carving his wake on the glassy water, and timber wolves howling as northern lights dance across the sky.

In addition to a reconnection with nature, wilderness trips help me to live more simply. I’ve learned that I really don’t need so many things to be happy, because when traveling with a backpack, keeping it light is the secret to enjoying the journey. “The less I carry, the more I enjoy the trip,” has become my new mantra for life. Wilderness teaches me to consume less. I’m always surprised at how little water is needed, for instance, to take a bath or brush my teeth and how satisfied I am eating simple, one course meals.

Returning, a few weeks ago, to a soft bed, warm shower, and meal of fresh fruit and vegetables, was delightful. But these pleasures will forever be tempered with the memory of living lightly in the wilderness. I have come home more determined than ever to slow down, savor every day, use all of my senses, consume less, build greater community with my friends and family, and increase my efforts to share the joy of simple living.

I hope you will take every opportunity to go outside, and let nature be your teacher, too!

Naturally yours,

Jean Lomino

30 Years of Natural Inspiration

Chattanooga Nature Center — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 05:13:15 +0000

2009 is a very significant year for the Chattanooga Nature Center — it marks our 30-year anniversary! During that time CNC has been living and teaching the principles of conservation, even before “being green” in the Tennessee Valley was the popular thing to do. Planning for the center began in 1977 by a group of far-sighted individuals who had a dream to bring nature into the lives of every Chattanooga citizen. This committed group, under the direction of the Junior League of Chattanooga, and with the help of generous donors, built a nature center using the most innovative, sustainable design available at that time. Their goal was to inspire people, not only with the wonders of the natural world, but also with the knowledge necessary to preserve nature for future generations. CNC opened its doors to the public on September 10, 1979. Since then, well over half a million visitors have come to CNC to “touch” the land, exploring the forests, meadows, and wetlands while learning about the plants and animals that share our amazing habitat.

But this work is far from over. There are new generations of people to educate. Many thousands more school children need a place to experience nature. In light of today’s global environmental crises, Chattanooga Nature Center’s mission is more important than ever — it is critical! The nature center is embarking upon a new chapter in its history with plans to refurbish its aging infrastructure, enlarge its teaching spaces, and create new and interesting visitor experiences. In everything that we do, we will remain true to our mission of conserving the land by utilizing our current footprint and by incurring minimal impact on our precious wildlife habitats. In this edition of Native Ground you will read about the improvements that have already begun with the construction of our new canoe facility and the restroom renovations.

As for the past 30 years, the Chattanooga Nature Center remains a place to get away, whether it is time for quiet reflection, an exhilarating hike, or a leisurely paddle down Lookout Creek. I hope to see you often OUTSIDE in the coming months!

Naturally yours,
Jean Lomino

Chattanooga Nature Center » From the Director

Lessons from the North Woods

30 Years of Natural Inspiration