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.

Fundamentals of Conservation, Part 1 "Serving With" Our Creator -- Article #1 Biblical Foundation

Spring is here and with it, green grass, colorful flowers, and joyful people breaking forth from the confinement and discomfort of a long winter.  Our thoughts turn to breaking out the rakes, mowers, and other implements to spruce up the grounds.  Some of us have only a tiny lawn and perhaps a flower bed along a foundation or sidewalk.  Others have an extensive lawn and maybe a “back forty” that requires hours to manage each week.   Regardless of the acreage, our work takes on a rich meaning when we recognize the biblical responsibility of being stewards of the land entrusted to our care.

This blog entry is the first of three parts on the subject of conservation, or as some call it, land (or Earth) stewardship.  Both conservation and stewardship carry the notion of serving with or for the benefit of another as opposed to serving oneself.  The word conservation is derived from the Latin, con- (with) + servitium (service).  Therefore, as explained by Dr. Calvin DeWitt a highly respected leader in Christian environmental stewardship, a conservationist is one who serves with the household of life.  That is, as humankind acts responsibly in service toward creation, the creation will continue in its service toward humans and all life—hence, a con-service.  DeWitt more completely explains this derivation of conservation in his book, Earthwise (2011, Faith Alive Christian Resources, 3rd ed.).

As humans obey God and "keep" creation, God and His
creation will "keep" mankind--the essence of "con-service"

The Bible teaches in Genesis 2:15 and elsewhere that God appointed Adam and his descendants as stewards of creation. A steward is one who is appointed by his or her superior to manage a household or property to which the superior holds title.  DeWitt asserts that conservation and stewardship are both empowered by a commitment to serve with creation.  Furthermore, the steward of God’s creation recognizes that he or she is not only called to serve with creation but to do so out of a commitment to serve with the Creator God Himself.

Our three-part series in Oikonomia will consider conservation and creation stewardship from the perspective of Judeo-Christian teaching in Scripture.  Specifically, we will consider what it means (a) to serve with God, the Creator and Sustainer of Earth, (b) to serve with creation out of a knowledge of the ecological relationships we understand from science, and (c) to serve with our neighbor, given that our stewardship of God’s creation will always impact not only creation but also our neighbor.   

My thesis for Part 1 is that while many today have a deep sense of caring for the Earth in the face of possible human destruction, God’s plan is moving toward a second judgment, one that will lead eventually to a New Earth as part of His plan to bring reconciliation and resurrection to all who have accepted Christ’s sacrifice for sin.  As Randy Alcorn teaches, Jesus Christ died to secure for us a resurrected life on a resurrected Earth (Heaven, p 131; Tyndall House, 2004).   Those who accept this claim about the future of Earth and mankind should view conservation in a different light.  That is, we should recognize that every act that is intended to do good toward the Earth should be done with the reality that unless the contributor has individually reconciled with God and accepted His atonement for sin, he or she is on a path to eternal Hell.  Meanwhile, the Earth has a much brighter future in spite of its current groaning under the weight of sin (Rom. 8: 19-22).  But how do we balance or reconcile these two legitimate priorities—concern for individuals needing reconciliation with God; and, exercise of our responsibility to be stewards of Earth as part of our dominion mandate from God?

The Bible teaches us that God created the universe (Gen. 1:1) and granted to humans alone the privilege of exercising dominion over creation to serve Him in part through serving and keeping creation (Genesis 1: 28; 2: 15).  The great theme of Scripture is the unfailing love of God for His creation and for all of mankind.  God’s desire for fellowship with mankind is expressed in the creation of Adam and Eve whom He invited into perfect communion with Him in the Garden of Eden.  We understand that Adam and Eve did walk with and serve with God for a period of time (Gen. 2: 28: 3: 8-9).

The metaphor of walking with God is presented throughout Scripture to describe the intimate communion God desires with anyone who will return His love in obedient submission.  Enoch (Gen. 5: 22, 24), Noah (Gen. 6:9), and Abraham as well as other patriarchs (Gen. 48:15) walked with God.  Their faith and obedience faltered at times but was hinged upon God’s revelation of His covenant plan to them—a plan that would ultimately result in descendents as many as “the sand of the sea” (Gen. 32: 12).

When I think of the Enoch, Noah, and the patriarchs, I think of the list of giants of the faith in Hebrews 11.  My reaction:  Who am I to compare with these giants?  Yet, the Apostle James challenges us to walk with God as the giants like Elijah did, saying, Elijah was a man with a nature [just] like ours… (James 5: 17).  Each of the “heroes of faith” is just like us.  And, just like them, when God calls us to a life of obedience, He expects us to respond by understanding and following His leading.  Thus, Noah was warned of coming judgment and he constructed the ark (Heb. 11: 7).  And Abraham was called to go out to a land God would provide for him and his descendants (Heb. 11: 8).  

God has done more than call us to walk with Him.  He even puts within our hearts the capacity to know and believe in Him-- because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them (Rom. 1: 19-20).   While all living cells, microbes, and plants can respond in predictable ways to God’s provision of warmth, water, nutrients, and light, these forms of life are incapable of higher level thinking that shows an ability to take responsibility for their survival through complex behavior that anticipates future challenges.  Only certain animals including humans can build safe shelters to protect them and their young against predators or other danger; or, store food during the favorable seasons so that they have a supply during the unfavorable season.  But mankind is the only creature of God capable of abstract reasoning.  Humans can imagine events thousands of miles away or build mathematical models that enable them to travel or send spacecraft to the moon or other planets.  Above all, God has given humans the capacity through faith to believe in Him, to understand His redemptive plan for mankind and His creation, and to walk in obedience to that plan.

Genesis 3 records how Satan deceived Adam and Eve by successfully tempting them to believe that their  walk with God would be more intimate if they would eat of the forbidden fruit and thus obtain a fuller (or “higher”) knowledge of God (Gen. 3: 5).  But instead, when they ate from the tree, they wanted to hide their nakedness and hide from God because of sin, guilt, and shame.  For the first time, their obedient walk with God was broken and they sensed that something was deeply wrong as they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day (Gen. 3:8).  And, for the first time, the great God-given capacity of humans to walk with God and serve with God was turned to walk away from God, hide from Him, and to serve human interests. 

In spite of the infinite gulf which sin and the fall of mankind created between a holy God and sinful man, all humans still have the capacity for intellectual reasoning, a universal sense of what is right and wrong, and a tendency to react when moral standards have been violated.  C.S. Lewis has explained in Mere Christianity that there exists a common or universal morality known throughout all of humanity.  This “Universal Morality” or “Law of Nature” is expressed as a standard for behavior to which each person expects others to adhere.

In spite of the effects of sin and its curse on mankind and the whole creation, we have retained our reasoning ability but it is often distorted.  Romans 1: 21-22 states that we have become futile in our speculations and our foolish heart is darkened.    When we profess to be wise but we are actually fools.  Adam and Eve reasoned that they could use green fig leaves to make clothing to cover their nakedness and shame (Gen. 3: 7).   When Abel sought to walk with God and express his obedience through a better sacrifice, his brother Cain turned from God in anger and killed Abel (Gen. 4: 8; Heb. 11: 4).

Individual sin against God had brought grief to Adam’s family and, within several generations. Genesis 6: 5 records that every intent of the thoughts of [the human] heart was only evil continually.  God used the obedience of Noah and his family to spare the human race and the land-dwelling creatures from judgment. 

After the flood, God renewed His charge to humankind to exercise dominion and stewardship over the Earth, and He offered His covenant that He would not again judge the Earth with water (Gen. 9: 11).  The Book of Revelation describes the next worldwide judgment on God’s calendar which will also lead to a New Heaven and a New Earth.  We learn from the account of Noah that that (a) God is serious about judging sin,  (b) has a great love for humankind and His other creatures, and (c) is capable of altering planet Earth in a major way and yet is able to restore in modified form the Earth’s biosphere.  Yet within a few generations, sin had infected the institution of government as we read of the attempt to construct a tower to reach heaven in defiance of God because they sought to make for [themselves] a name (Gen. 11: 4).

And so, reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation will reveal two opposing themes. God’s faithful love, justice, and mercy in the face of human rebellion versus the human attempt to build a society that glorifies mankind without God.   Although human reason remains intact, it is corrupted by sin.  Therefore, unless we apply a biblical worldview (filter) to our current sin-cursed state and the cursed state of creation, we cannot walk with our Creator.  Amos 3:3 rightly asks, Can two walk together, except they be agreed?  Anyone who wants their lifestyle of stewardship of the Earth to be a part of their walk with their Creator will be missing God’s mark if they do not understand from Scripture that God’s heart is broken over sinful man and the effects of sin on His creation.  There are several reasons why our walk would not be in step with God . 

First, epistemologically, we err and do not walk with God when we refuse to build our basis for knowing and judging truth claims on a biblical foundation.  For example, we err ontologically when we deny God’s special creation of a literal Adam and Eve.  Such denial would undermine belief in the uniqueness of humankind.  Some who view humans as just another evolved creature would solve Earth’s environmental problems by denying mankind dominion over creation and giving nonhuman creatures “equal rights” with humans; or viewing humankind as a blight or plague on the Earth as several Hollywood productions such as the movie Noah recently teach.

Theologically, we do not walk with God if we deny individual accountability for sin which Scripture teaches began with the “first Adam” and is atoned for by the “Second Adam”, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:45; 1 Tim. 2:13).  It is possible to be active in conservation or “creation care” and do some good for the Earth.  But unless we walk with God in agreement, we will not understand that we are individually accountable to Him and responsible for the curse of sin and resultant groaning of creation that He now hears (Rom. 8: 19-22).

Failure to walk with God in agreement with His Word can lead to a failure to distinguish actions we should take as stewards out of an individual accountability to God as opposed to our giving unwise support to national or multinational bodies that claim to have the best interest of the Earth in mind but who are simply playing politics for gain of power and wealth.  For example, the wise steward who walks with God and abides in the Truth of His Word will be a diligent student of the current climate change debate—asking telling questions.  How valid are the scientific data?  What are objective, qualified scientists now concluding about climate change?  What are causes of ambiguity in the debate?  How practical are proposed solutions?  Who stands to gain or lose? 

In conclusion Christians in conservation are called to be stewards of God’s creation by wisely applying the gifts, talents, and opportunities available to them.  Actions must be based on good theology, good science, and a commitment to do what will provide the most good for both creation and the most people.  Above all, we should not forget the urgent need to present the Gospel to our fallen neighbors who are in far more immediate danger than the Earth if they have not heard of the coming judgment for their sin. 

In Article #2 on the theme of "Serving With Our Creator," we will consider the necessity of a child-like humility in which we submit to God through confession of sin as a basis for spiritual regeneration. As spiritually regenerate children of God, we can then "serve with" God and creation in a manner that reflects a humble, teachable spirit with which He is pleased.