Speaking From the Heart

Today I had the opportunity to speak at a public meeting of County Drain Commissioners for Wayne, Monroe, and Washtenaw counties regarding the clearing of the North Branch of the Swan Creek. This is the creek which runs through the Sanctuary land, eventually emptying into Lake Erie. The creek runs through these three counties, and the commissioners were asking for public comment from the land owners whose properties would be affected by a proposal to clear the Swan Creek Drain of debris, aiding in its ability to flow. However, the easement includes 30 feet on either side of the “drain” which could also be in jeopardy of being cleared in the process as well.

In my comments, I asked if there would be an ecologist involved in the project, and whether they would be taking care to leave native plants and sensitive ecosystems that might be part of the areas they would be clearing. I mentioned the button bushes that have popped up on the banks of the creek on our land, and how we have a large number of pollinator butterflies, bees, and insects flocking to the button bushes. I mentioned how we had carefully cleared around one of these large bushes to keep it from being crowded out by invasive plants, and how the neighboring farms need these pollinators. I talked about how there are huge trees on both banks of the creek that are invaluable in so many ways, and which also take up water to help mitigate flooding, as well as their roots protecting against soil erosion. I also explained how water is a precious resource, and finding ways to soak and hold it on the land would ensure having it during the times of drought. For example, adding organic material to soil, and building it up with regenerative methods allows the soil to hold more water like a sponge. I saw my Wayne County Drain Commissioner looking at me with appreciation as he told me that they would be happy to work directly with individuals to not cause destruction of habitats.

After the meeting, many of the folks in attendance went to talk personally with their county commissioners about specific issues. I joined the line to talk to mine. When I reached him, he thanked me and said he so appreciated me giving my perspective and being the lone voice in the room to speak up about this issue. He said when I mentioned the button bushes his heart melted. He asked if he might come out to our property to see what we are doing and if there might be any way he could help. He mentioned that there is a program he knows of that allows for land to be put into conservation as a buffer zone which could allow our section of the creek to be protected from clearing. He took down my address and phone number and gave me his direct line. When the Washtenaw County commissioner saw me, he came over to join the conversation as he wanted to tell me about how there is an ecologist on the staff for his county. I was very glad to hear that, but it does not surprise me that the rich county next door to us has more resources than Wayne County, which I believe may be the poorest county in our state.

Nevertheless, I am delighted and grateful to know that there is concern for these issues, and that I was received so well. I was not eloquent. I stumbled over my words and didn’t articulate concepts as well as I wanted. Yet I somehow got the message across. So I encourage each of you to be brave and speak up when you can. You never know when you will be the one bringing the message someone most needs to hear.

And as for Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary, I believe we now have more allies who have knowledge and power to be helpful. This project was first brought to our attention in 2019 in which there was also a public meeting asking for comments. Brennah and I went to that meeting and both spoke about the same concerns. Today, the commissioner said he remembered us from that meeting too. He was glad I stuck around to talk to him personally this time. I am glad I did too.