Community Caring for People and Land

The Engish word, "community" is derived from the Latin word, communis, meaning "in common," or  "public, shared by all or many."  Similarly, our word "conservation" has the meaning of "serving together with."

Conservation of land and resources makes us aware that we are members not only of the local civic community but also of a complex “biotic community.” Within this community, we share a vital interdependence upon “the land”-- the soil, water, landscape, and creatures.  Participation in conservation draws people into a community of caring individuals as they develop awareness, and then, an ethical commitment to be stewards or caretakers of the land.  Their commitment to serve together toward a common goal strengthens the human community and benefits the biotic community.

Reasons for Caring
Caring for the land brings many rewards or benefits.  Some of these are monetary as urban residents recognize under the heading of “maintaining property values;” or, as our dedicated farmers realize, and therefore are committed to conserve their soil, water, and wildlife.  Local and regional businesses and corporations can also profit by presenting an environmentally conscious image.

The motivations for caring about the land we have so far discussed, while certainly valid and worthy of merit, rest heavily upon the hope of direct or indirect personal gain—i.e. they are ultimately human-centered, or anthropocentric, and utilitarian.  However, for some of us, the human-centered motivations can lead to a deeper level of commitment to the land which becomes interwoven with the people and things we hold dear.  The great land conservationist, Aldo Leopold, inspired his followers to develop a love and affection for the land out of a conviction that it has value in its own right apart from human valuing.  The ethicist J. B. Callicott has stated that the biblical environmental stewardship ethic confers “objective intrinsic value on nature in the clearest and most unambiguous of ways:  by divine decree.”  [For those wishing to read more on the subject, we have discussed land conservation ethics elsewhere (Click HERE.)]

Conservation in Madison County, OH
Regardless of our motivation for caring about the land within which we live, participation in land and community stewardship efforts tends to deepen our awareness, appreciation, and commitment to the land.  Although we are no longer residents of southwest Ohio, and in particular Greene, Clark, and Madison counties, our commitment to land and community stewardship was deepened through our association with those local landscapes and the land stewards who were committed to their care.

This article is a tribute to both the land and people who have invested so much because of their love and respect for the land and the community within Madison County.  We will especially highlight their efforts to conserve pre-settlement prairie community remnants for their ecological, historic, and aesthetic value.

Historic Treasures of ‘Madison Plains’
Residents of Madison County are familiar with the “Madison Plains,” a name that was derived from the historic existence of extensive treeless areas dominated by prairie grasslands.  [We have discussed the geologic and historic origins of these prairie areas and their current remains (remnants) elsewhere (Click HERE.).] 

The focus of this article is upon several personalities who recognized the significance and value of these prairie remnants and were instrumental in educating local residents and visitors as to their worth.  Each of these would humbly defer to others as having a more significant role—evidence of a cooperative effort for the sake of the community and the land. 

Speaking of cooperative effort, the Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails (FMCPT) and the Madison Soil and Water Conservation District represent great cooperation between organizations and within the membership.  I have relied heavily on the excellent website of the FMCPT (Click HERE.) maintained by their webmaster, Gregg Alexander; and communications with FMCPT Executive Director, Wayne Roberts, for information shared below.

Jack McDowell
Our tribute to conservation of remnant prairie areas in Madison County in recent years must acknowledge Jack McDowell, “friend, nature advocate, and community leader,” who died in 2012.  According to the Jack McDowell Memorial webpage of the FMCPT, Jack was an early member of the organization and was “involved with the work of parks and trails for decades.  He was researching and identifying wildflowers and prairie grasses along the Prairie Grass Trail long before the idea of the Ohio to Erie Trail was born.  Jack was a key proponent of the trailheads and nature preserves in Madison County.”

It was my privilege as a student at Malone College to learn of Jack’s interest in Madison Co. prairie communities through my biology professor, Dr. Charles C. King.  “Charlie” had met Jack while each of the two Ohio conservation enthusiasts were exploring remnant prairies back in the 1960’s.  Nearly a half-century later, in 2008, it was my honor to walk the Prairie Grass Trail with Jack to experience his passion for native flora and to observe some of the fruit of his vision and field work.  An informational sign honoring the contribution of Jack McDowell has been located at the London, Ohio trailhead.

“Roberts Pass”
Bicyclers who travel the segment of the Ohio-Erie Trail from Maple Street to Wilson Road, London, Ohio traverse what is affectionately known as “Roberts Pass.”  But instead of seeing steep topography or tall canyon walls as the name suggests, bikers may learn that “Roberts Pass” is named in memory of two humble men who will always stand tall in the records of Madison County conservation and community enrichment.  One of these men is Wayne Roberts, Executive Director of FMCPT who has not only capably led the organization but has been instrumental in establishing cooperation of FMCPT with many other community, state, and national organizations related to conservation and recreation as recorded in the FMCPT website.  Among the appropriate recognitions of Wayne’s valuable contributions was the induction into the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, in 2013.  It has been difficult to write in tribute to Wayne because he insists on deflecting credit and referring to the contributions of so many of his committed Friends of Madison County.

One such loyal friend of Wayne and of FMCPT, recently deceased, was Gene Pass whose name fittingly completes the name for “Roberts Pass.”  In recognition of his decades of hard work, cooperative spirit, and leadership related to advancement of Madison Co. parks and trails, Gene was inducted into the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, in 2006.  The following excerpt from a letter supporting Gene’s nomination describes a portion of his admirable participation prior to 2006:

During his tenure on the board, Gene played a key role in extending the Ohio to Erie Trail across Madison County.  He helped document key engineering points such as bridges and culverts.  He donated the use of his truck, trailer, mower, chainsaw, and many other personal tools to help prepare for the construction of this multi-purpose trail.  He personally picked up and carried away literally tons of trash along the trail right-of-way.  Along with cleaning up the trash, he spent nearly three years clearing trees and brush to develop a construction road 6 ½ miles long to help reduce the cost to the community for the actual construction of the trail.  During the cold of winter and heat of summer this tireless senior was the shining example of persistent volunteerism.  Later, he was on the site on a daily bases to assist the contracted construction company during the building of the trail.  As a result of his dedication to this project, the Madison County Park District, the City of London, and the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund, without prior knowledge to Gene, placed a stone marker at the start of this 6 ½ mile section of the trail calling it “Roberts Pass” in recognition of Gene Pass and Wayne Roberts.

Gene’s magnetic personally has attracted volunteers to the various non-profits he has served in the community.  Part of this is because he quietly leads by example, preferring to leave the recognition to others.  However, when put into a leadership position he has carried out his duties professionally.

Abby’s and my acquaintance with Gene began later in his life when he was dealing with age-related ailments but still maintaining an active role in FMCPT and bikeway-related events.  Like Wayne Roberts, Gene’s life is a testimony of dedication to a enhancing his community and its residents by participation and leadership in efforts aimed at conservation and recreation.

Jerry Miller

Jerry Miller is another tireless worker who we have been blessed to know.  A recognition of Jerry on behalf of the FMCPT for his character and contributions is worthy of reprinting here in part:

It’s not unusual for people to give back to their communities.  But when someone over 70 with physical pain, gives cheerfully and energetically back to others, it’s an inspiring example and deserving of recognition.  However, when that person had a tough start in life, when his parents separated while he was three and placed him in foster care, it’s even more inspiring.  After living with several foster families, and changing schools thirteen times before graduating from high school, Jerry decided to make some changes.  He moved to Columbus, found a job, and joined the National Guard.  During the next six years he married his high school sweetheart, received an Honorable Discharge, and was asked to run the construction company where he worked.  In a few years, he decided to open his own company, hired workers, and never looked back.

After retiring due to a deliberating ankle injury, Jerry started looking for volunteer work.  He heard that FMCPT was trying to acquire space in a building that needed repairs.  Jerry explained about his building experience and soon gave the building a thorough review and a checklist of repairs for FMCPT to consider.  The FMCPT Board soon came to understand that Jerry was a leader and a doer so they decided to nominate him to the Board of Directors, in 2010.

Jerry has donated his carpentry skills toward making display cabinets and kiosks for the London Trailhead and along the trail; and, donated his own equipment to assist in brush removal and excavating to create level platforms for a camping area near the trailhead.

Besides Jerry Miller’s extensive physical contributions to the community, the tribute to him also includes reference to Jerry’s character, noting that …what’s even more important is what he teaches us.  That at any age, even with medical issues, one can express kindness and generosity in a manner that motivates others to do more, to try harder, to resist the temptation to give up when the going gets tough.  Jerry shows us that being strong has very little to do with one’s physical size or strength.  That a person’s high moral character while doing one’s best persistently and consistently, are what people see as a truly strong person.  Jerry inspires others to do their best by the life he lives.

Public Recognition, Private Satisfaction
By now, I suspect that readers of this tribute will be thinking of the names of others that deserve recognition but have not been included.  I recognize that anyone’s good intention to honor individuals who are worthy will invariably come with the risk that omissions will offend.  However, I hope readers will forgive me.  Indeed, my omissions speak more of my own limited acquaintance with the many other noteworthy individuals and projects of the FMCPT over the years.

I trust that those who expect to see more names, including perhaps their own name, will rest in the fact that contributions of whatever sort that are made in good faith from the heart will be honored much beyond our poor ability to do so here.  I am comforted in the fact that I know from my acquaintances and friendships over the past 15 years that Friends of Madison Co. Parks and Trails work for a cause much above personal recognition—rather it is for community, recreation, conservation, and the betterment of biological, soil, and water resources.

Not only do we find comfort in worthy work well done regardless of public recognition, but there is much encouragement when a family and an organization honor their members and their dedication long after their death.  To illustrate, we offer personal tributes to two Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails whom some of us remember fondly from personal experience:  Bill Young and Richard McKenzie.  Although they are no longer with us, their names engraved on memorials or functional structures along the trails remind us of their dedication and respective contributions. 

Bill Young
Bill Young was a  much beloved and dedicated member of the FMCPT.   A tribute to Bill on the FMCPT website (Click HERE.) includes the following:

John W. “Bill” Young, founding member and Board Director of FMCPT died on Saturday, November 1, 2008 while doing what he loved – cycling. He suffered a fatal heart attack along the Prairie Grass Trail just outside of London. Bill was actively involved in the community for many years. He helped clear brush, trees, and trash in preparations for the Ohio-To-Erie trail being built through Madison County. He was a trained and certified Trail Sentinel. Bill actively served as a fundraiser and past Treasurer for FMCPT.

I was privileged to work with Bill in one of my first encounters with FMCPT while we were clearing brush along the Prairie Grass Trail.  The memory of Bill’s life and dedication to community and conservation lives on in our hearts and is reinforced by a wonderful memorial located near the London trailhead.

Richard McKenzie 
Visitors to the London Trail Head who use the walking bridge connecting the Prairie Grass Trail to the nearby Madison County Senior Center will learn that the bridge has been named the “McKenzie Bridge” in honor of Richard McKenzie.  According to Wayne Roberts, Richard literally “was the bridge” that connected the ministry of the Senior Center to the Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails. 

The “bridge construction” between the Center and FMCPT began when Richard retired from the State of Ohio Corrections and Adult Parole Authority after 31 years and began to volunteer at the Senior Center.  He was elected to the Board of Directors in 1996 and devoted many volunteer hours to brightening the lives of seniors and other needy folks through teaching a carving class, distribution of food, and offering kind assistance and a listening ear to the elderly and lonely.  In 1999, Richard was honored with a service award by the Summerfield United Methodist Church for his “dedicated food deliveries to the church.”

In 2000, Richard became interested in the Ohio-to-Erie bike trail and was elected to the Board of FMCPT as one of the original members.  He soon became the main fundraiser for FMCPT for a number of years by organizing the live auction which was held at the Senior Center.  His commitment to both the Senior Center and FMCPT enabled Richard to serve as a major force behind the funding and construction of the bridge that bears his name.  Richard along with Bill Young, and also Gene Pass whom he brought into FMCPT, helped clear the path for the Prairie Grass Trail.  Appropriately, Richard has a memorial bench at the Prairie Grass Trailhead and he was inducted into the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, in 2002.

Enduring friendships made in community organizations like the Friends of Madison Co. Parks and Trails enrich our lives.  They also enrich our experience of bicycling on the trails that now bear the fruit of those whose sweat, skill, creativity, and passion have maintained the trails and native plant populations that adorn the landscape.  And, speaking of memorials and history, the latest project of FMCPT and cooperating organizations makes a great addition for cyclers to enjoy.

Community Mural Project
The Community Mural Project was accomplished by FMCPT under the leadership of Gregg Alexander and coordinated with Wayne Roberts, Van Viney, and Ray Thornton.  They enlisted young volunteers from Michigan to restore the trim of a deteriorating brick building located along Roberts Pass Trail in London, OH. The volunteers who serve within the nationwide Student Life Camp network scraped, primed, and painted the trim.  The students were provided housing on campus at nearby Cedarville University.

The renewed trim now surrounds beautiful murals painted by local artist, Clay Hurley, featuring various stages in the history of the landscape of what is now Madison County.  Landscaping between the murals and the bikeway includes 1,400 plantings of native plant species and is still a work in progress.  The Madison County Master Gardeners are planning to add 900 more plugs of native grasses and wildflowers in September.

Conclusion
In conclusion, we began by emphasizing that participation in land conservation makes us aware that we are residents not only of the human community around us, but also the biotic community with its landscape of creatures, soil, and water.  Hopefully, our tribute to several noteworthy participants in Madison Co. community and conservation efforts will motivate us all toward an appreciation of and commitment to our own community as participants who fulfill our responsibilities as stewards of that which is entrusted to us for our care, enjoyment, and commitment to purposes and values that extend beyond ourselves and our time on Earth. 

Comments: 
As always, we welcome “Comment” from readers.   You may use the “Comment” link below or contact us personally at silviusj@gmail.com

Reference:
 ¹ Quoted from Fred Van Dyke, 2006.  Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith 58(1):48.

Stewardship of Enduring Friendships

One special blessing in this new chapter of life (I’m avoiding the word “retirement”) is realizing that true riches are measured in enduring ‘currency’ more precious than gold which is perishable (1 Peter 1:7).   My “Tribute to a Rich Uncle” highlighted the enduring elements of his true richness– fatherly interest and concern, a listening ear, and an affirmation that my pursuits were worthwhile and important to him.   

More recently, I’ve discovered true riches in the cultivation of enduring friendships.  Telephone, e-mail, and Facebook work well for connecting and staying connected with long-time friends.  However, for me, social media do not provide the glue necessary to sustain relationships beyond the “acquaintance” level.  I agree with the statistics reporting that most people have many acquaintances but only a few close friends.  One of my goals now is to give greater attention to deepening some "old friendships" that have languished over time.  But first, let's consider some biblical teaching on friendship.
 
The New Testament account of Jesus Christ’s relationships with men and women reveals different “levels” of friendship. Here, we find two Greek words most commonly translated “friend.”  The first is hetairos, meaning an “associate” or “companion.”  This denotes a relationship without strong sentiment or close affection.   However, a “dear friend” (philos) is one for whom there is strong affection (Gr. phile).  For a “beloved friend” we purposely ‘do good’ as a result of an ‘affectionate conviction.’  Jesus was involved in both levels of friendship.

When one of the twelve disciples, Judas, approached Jesus to betray Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said, "Friend (hetairos), do what you have come for (Matt. 26:50)."  But, regarding Lazarus who experienced a fatal illness, Jesus said, "Our friend (philos) Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep (John 11:11)."  The Jewish leaders must have witnessed Jesus’ compassion toward sinners, for they considered Him “a friend (philos) of tax collectors and sinners (Matt. 11: 19).”

 During His 3-year ministry on Earth, the friendship of Jesus and his disciples advanced from the level of acquaintance or association (hetarios) to one of strong affection (phile) and endearment (philos).  After Judas departed from the gathering in the upper room, Jesus expressed the level of His affection toward the remaining disciples as recorded in John 15: 12-15 (NIV):  

“My command is this:  Love (agapao) each other as I have loved you.  Greater love (agape) has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (philos).  You are my friends (philos) if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants (doulos), because a servant (doulos) does not know his master's business.  Instead, I have called you friends (philos), for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Note that this deepening relationship was not because God’s love (agape), already infinite and perfect (1 John 4: 8), was deepening over time, but because His followers were growing to love Him more.  I am learning from this study that endearing friendships require agape love which, in turn, is based on faithfulness and commitment, and upon knowledge and communication.

Love is ultimately a gift from God, and apart from His grace, there is neither love nor enduring friendship.  Christ communicated the depth of His love when He foretold that He would lay down His life for His disciples (John 15:13).   In return, the strong and growing affection of Jesus’ followers toward Him is represented by Peter who exclaimed, Lord, …I will lay down my life for You (John 13: 37).  

After comforting and encouraging His disciples concerning His impending death and departure, Jesus explained that love toward Him will be evident by their commitment and obedience as illustrated by the branches of a vine that must faithfully abide in order to bear fruit (John 15: 1-14).

In addition to love and commitment, the deepening friendship between Christ and His disciples was based on knowledge.  In John 15:15, the Savior declares His intent to reveal to them more of those things the Father had made known to Him.  The relationship Jesus was defining is one in which His disciples could know or recognize (as in Gr. oida), more and more of His will and purposes.  Earlier, as recorded in John 10, Jesus used the same word, oida, in the context of sheep that know or recognize the voice of their shepherd and they obediently follow him. 

Today, Jesus invites us into an agape love relationship with Him that deepens according to our commitment when we withhold nothing from Him, even our lives; a friendship in which we learn to recognize and follow His voice through the discipline of prayer and reading of His Word.  This three-fold, love-commitment-knowledge, relationship is what Jesus means when He commands us to Abide in Me, and I in you (John 15:4) so that you can bear much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing (v. 5).  As you abide in me, Jesus says, My person and power through the Holy Spirit will abide in you resulting in much fruit—God’s love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5: 22-23). 

Out of our intimate, abiding relationship with Jesus, He promises, If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it (John 14: 14).  This relationship is not one in which Jesus poses as the “central bank” and gives us an ATM card for anything we want.  Rather, He is describing what will happen when our beloved friendship with Him, characterized by love and faithful commitment as evidenced by our communion with Him through His written Word and through prayer leads us to ask in prayers that are in harmony with what Christ stands for (i.e. His Name).  The fruit of this level of ‘beloved friendship’ is the servant stewardship God rejoices in.

The servant steward recognizes that he or she is not the vine (John 15: 1).  The true vine is Jesus upon Whom the steward is utterly dependent.  Nor is the steward the Gardener (or Vinedresser, v. 1).  The Gardener is the Father God.  Instead, the steward is a branch of the vine, submissive to the authority of the Gardener.  Yet, the Gardener calls us to be fruitful stewards, or “gardeners” (small “g”) in His image by cultivating friendship relationships as sons and daughters; and, perhaps later, as husbands, wives, parents, teachers, pastors, scientists, lawyers, and government or civic leaders.  Each of these roles ultimately involves the stewardship of friendships that grow out of our abiding friendship with Christ.

The level of friendship possible through God’s love, commitment, and knowledge is not easily achieved—I speak from my own faltering efforts and from my continual need of God’s grace and forgiveness.  My wife is my witness, but she is also my most cherished gift and focus of learning how to be a beloved friend. 

I believe God wants us to view friendship as both the “core responsibility” and the personal side of our larger responsibility to Him as stewards.  The quality of human stewardship rooted in Genesis 1:26-28 and 2:15-25 depends on the quality of relationships, especially friendships, from the very beginning. 

Lloyd and I on a memorable Sunday afternoon in May

In March, Lloyd and I were able to communicate through Facebook, and we agreed to get together sometime this summer. Lloyd was a gracious friend to me at Garaway High School, Sugarcreek, OH.  We met as freshmen in 1961 as a result of a school consolidation.  Our graduating class was to become part of “the class of 1965” much referenced in historical reflections of the “turbulent ‘60’s.”

This summer I have been blessed by occasions to renew my friendship with a high school friend, Lloyd; and, a college friend, Roger.  My relationship to both of these men had been weakly maintained over the years.  Geographic separation and the priorities of our careers and family had made closer friendship impossible.  Thankfully, all of this is beginning to change this summer.

Lloyd was a quiet, handsome, young man who was greatly respected at school for his academic ability and wit.  Like many of our classmates, Lloyd and I were both disciplined in our study habits, most of the time.  However, Lloyd’s circle of friends and acquaintances was much broader than mine because it included football and band.  In spite of this difference, he never deliberately excluded me from that larger circle. Consequently, and as we look back, we see that God used our friendship to sharpen each other academically and socially as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).

On a Sunday afternoon in Mid-June, I was blessed by a visit from Lloyd.  We spent the afternoon relating to each other our testimonies of how God had worked in each of our lives since high school.  I was amazed at how much there was in common about our spiritual responses to God’s work in our lives.  As a result of that afternoon of fellowship with each other in the conscious presence of God, our friendship was renewed through our common interest in the enduring richness of desiring to know God better and to witness of His grace and truth at work in our lives and future goals.

In the mid-1960’s following our graduation from high school and the enrollment in colleges distant from each other, I had mistakenly allowed our friendship to languish for lack of communication.  The challenge of getting accustomed to residence and classroom settings on a college campus came to me with the necessity of making many new friends.  I am only now realizing what friendship treasures I allowed to go by the wayside as a result of the thrill of a new chapter of life for me.

One of my new college friends was Roger, a man who had been in the armed services.  Being a few years older and wiser, Roger became an important tool of God in my life.  Although Roger’s major was chemistry, and mine was comprehensive science, we had many courses in common.  His maturity and commitment to getting serious about cracking the books was just what I needed to establish good academic commitment.  As our college careers progressed, we were each blessed with relationships with the respective women we would eventually marry; and, we exchanged the honor of being one another’s best man on our respective wedding days.

Roger, Yellow Trillium, and I

Although marriage and our respective professional careers would take its toll on keeping close as friends, one academic area that Roger and I shared in common was botany.  Our common interest in plants continued to be a link that maintained our friendship from a distance over the years.  I was blessed to hear of Roger’s travels across eastern North America to study the plant genus, Trillium.  On several occasions, Abby and I were able to visit Roger and his wife, Margaret, at their home and to see some of Roger’s live plantings of Trilliums, some of which he transplanted from far-away places.

Now that both of us are entering retirement (There, I said it!), we have shared several blessed times together as have our wives.  Communication about common interests and enduring values has deepened our friendship which I treasure greatly.  Roger has demonstrated two qualities that been a blessing to me.  First, he has shown me how to give a gift that would be a blessing to his friend.  When he and Margaret visited us in Wooster in May, Roger unwrapped a gorgeous Yellow Trillium, Trillium luteum, from a population he has maintained in his backyard.  Now, I have this Trillium in our backyard as a growing reminder of our friendship.

Pawpaw Tree with Twist-Tie to Guide Its Growth

Roger has demonstrated a second quality of a good friend; namely, ability to provide candid and edifying counsel over the years.  His example and forthrightness was instrumental in helping me to take seriously my academic, moral, and social responsibilities.  Interestingly, my friend provided an excellent metaphor of his role in my life during the May visit to our home.  When I showed Roger my Pawpaw tree, Asimina triloba, given as a gift as reported in earlier blog entries (Search Oikonomia under “Pawpaw.”), he immediately set about repositioning the stem and branches in relation to my tree stake so that its growth would be enhanced.  I trust that my growth in Christ will be enhanced by a responsiveness to the molding and shaping influence of friends.

As I seek to renew long-term friendships, I am thankful for the inputs of both Lloyd and Roger to my life, and for the reminder that I also have a “stewardship of friendship” responsibility toward them.  May my friendships and those of you the reader be deepened as we have here considered the role of agape love, mutual commitment, and knowledge in our stewardship of these “enduring riches.”