Interconnected

Like how the Red Admiral 
leans into the creamy white flowers
of the ninebark, its tube-like proboscis
probing deep into the blossom
to sip the sweetness, like how
the butterfly’s spindly legs
can’t help but brush against 
the clusters of stamen emanating 
from the many faces, like how 
neither butterfly nor flower know
they are pollinating a garden,
like how one needs the other 
to thrive.

A Bench and a Tree: A Story of Lives Interconnected 

Like how in 2024 a friend, Pat Eldean, arranged to have me speak to the Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (HASP) about the importance of making nature more accessible to seniors. Like how an outdoor educator for the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department was in the audience. Like how she sent me an email months later telling me that because of what she learned, more benches were added and placed closer together at Ottawa Sands County Park.

Like how the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP) hope to plant 250 million trees by 2033. Like how I asked if we might place benches beneath some of those trees. Like how the program director said yes. 

Like how Kim Karn and Han Meadway of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan opened doors for us in Saugatuck Township, Ottawa County, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and a community foundation that might work with us across the state. Like how all have agreed to meet with us. 

Like how we are in discussion with Saugatuck Township about creating a senior-friendly section in its new 119-acre Riverside Park once the land is acquired. (Please see The Land Conservancy of West Michigan to make a donation.) 

Like how we will be meeting with people from the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department and their foundation to explore the possibility of senior-friendly spaces in Ottawa Sands County Park or Rosy Mounds Natural Area. Like how we hope they will coach us on how to engage with other park leaders across the state. 

Like how the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund provides grants for park development. Like how we hope senior-friendly benches become part of grant criteria. 

Like how so many people have offered to contribute to A Bench and a Tree fund. Like how we need to find a community foundation that will help us create a fund we can access for senior-friendly spaces across Michigan.

Like how a friend, Spring Sweeney, calls it “bench awareness spreading.” Like how you, too, can help spread the word by sharing this post, encouraging those interested to sign up for my emails or follow me on Facebook. Like how some doors opened will lead to results. Like how some will not. 

This is a journey of faith. A journey of many people across many walks of life working together to create gardens of benches and trees, butterflies and blossoms for the people of Michigan. 

(Next week: What is a senior-friendly bench?)