Fellow Tree Huggers and Walkers,
My sixth and final walk for the 2024 75th Anniversary of the Norman Bird Sanctuary celebration was spectacular. 
We had a huge turnout of board members, staff, and people from many places, including Brazil. One walker was on a cross country road trip to find himself, so we dedicated the walk to his journey of self-discovery.
After we made a beeline to the Red Fox Trail to the ancient mother American beech tree, Fagus grandifolia, everyone shared their emotions for the trees and the Sanctuary, and shared wisdom from their fascinating lives. 
A Norman Bird Sanctuary staff member, Anna, read the poem “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer, an American classic.
We also concentrated on learning about Black Tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica trees, a common species in this coastal forest that can live hundreds of years, seeming to be relatively insect and disease free because of their longevity. This section of forest is ancient, showing signs of balding bark, flared roots, and giant canopies. The rock formations are so unique. We also studied dead trees and talked about their importance as critical wildlife habitat.
The Norman Bird Sanctuary isn’t just a forest, it’s a wild forest, which is allowed to progress on its own terms. Every day this place becomes more important to not only Aquidneck Island and Rhode Island, but to the world at large, as habitats are cleared and destroyed every day. Its educational component is a role model for other sanctuaries and future sanctuaries.
As we headed out of the forest, the staff naturalist, Julie, spotted two Great Horned Owls, perched in a black tupelo tree across from Red Maple Pond. Everyone stopped in their tracks as the owls started communicating with us. It was one of those life moments you will never forget, lasting for several minutes. Everyone was at such a high vibration and in appreciation of this full moon moment.
It has been such an honor to work and walk with all of you through this holy place. These six walks have given us a brief glimpse into the land’s natural history that we are now part of. This is not an ending, but a new beginning. I plan on studying more of the Sanctuary in the days ahead and hopefully next year, we can have another series for the 76th anniversary of Norman Bird Sanctuary.
Thanks to all who joined this year’s walks. Forest blessings.
