Although the February chinooks teased us with the promise of an early spring, winter has shown us that it doesn’t want to release us from its snowy grasp just yet. For all those in the agriculture business, I’m sure this latest round of snow was a blessing.
I want to bring to your attention a wildlife picture inside the paper on page 28. The reality is that this weasel is living in a Springbank resident’s back yard. When winter running in our local trails around Redwood Meadows, I have been amazed at the diversity of animal tracks one can see after a light snowfall. Our small community is home to a significant number of birds and wildlife.
It has made me ponder two questions. The first, how do we support and nurture vibrant local ecosystems that support a variety of plant and animal species? (More on this in a future article). The second question, which is more challenging, is this: How do we create communities that support and nurture economic and social vibrancy? Our communities are a diverse ecosystem of residents, businesses, and community groups, all working together in a relational balance. Maintaining a healthy balance within these groups can be a challenge.
I would like to suggest a few thoughts, or, in one sense a checklist, on how we can maintain a healthy community ecosystem.
Am I aware of what’s going on around me; the challenges, fears, struggles of my neighbour?
Am I listening to understand the perspective of another, or just want to share my opinion?
Do I fully understand other person’s needs, and make myself available without looking for something in return?
Do I support the local businesses, development initiatives, and raise concerns without getting aggressive, or defensive?
Can I give constructive feedback without defaming the individual on social media, or through gossip?
Do my words and actions build others up, or tear down?
Am I advocating for others that may not be able to advocate for themselves?
These are challenging questions, but I believe good principles that if lived by, will enable our communities to thrive. If we seek the good and health for our communities, we will find that we in turn are recipients of its good.
Hopefully the natural ecosystems that surround us, will reflect a healthy relational ecosystem.
Lowell Harder
