EarthCare Update

The EarthCare Committee just completed another year of loving care for the IHM Land Reclamation as well as constant advocacy focusing on protection of the environment. The twenty members of the committee meet monthly under the capable leadership of Sister Donna Korba. Sister Donna and Jan Novotka work the land and call for help from the group who come as they are able. IHM Associate Carolyn Faliskie Flannery is a member of the EarthCare Committee, and she and her generous husband Pat often come to help, especially with some of the heavy work like digging and seasonal pruning.

Carolyn and Pat live high up on Archbald Mountain Road on a lovely, pristine lot which abuts a large wet land teaming with fish and frogs, turtles and other water creatures; it also accommodates a host of wild birds and land creatures. At the water’s edge begins the Flannery family property—a wonderland mix of carefully manicured yard, an exquisite barn for leisure and social events, a large stone fireplace, a protected village for the bees they raise, islands of flowers and several fenced in and raised vegetable garden beds. The grassy yard is attractively hemmed in by natural ferns, wild grasses, plants, and thickets of mature and young growths of an assorted variety of trees.

Soon out of the car, we headed for the wetland first. The water was unusually deep because of all the rain. As a result, many water creatures were in evidence. Pat filled us in on the activity of the different species. Much to our delight, he skillfully snatched a painted turtle from the water for us to admire and touch. We wandered back along the path through the woods and into the yard inspecting both the wild and the cultivated flowers and vegetables. The committee members had many observations and questions along the way. Both Carolyn and Pat have become very knowledgeable about the plants and animals that grow and thrive on the lovely piece of earth they so meticulously care for. They have become strong advocates for the ecology of the mountain, and with each visit the committee learns more about the role local and state government plays in the care and preservation of the land—or not! Carolyn and Pat love their land and are witnesses to the need for attentiveness, study, vigilance, hard work and advocacy to preserve that land, that water and the creatures that live in the mountain environment. Pat once tried to faced down a bulldozer which came to destroy the creature-made dam that formed the pond. He lost his battle that day but perhaps his courage put the local officials on notice that the Flannery family is a force to contend with.

It was to this beautiful property that the EarthCare Committee was invited for outdoor grilling and Carolyn’s wonderful, homemade supper served in their incredible barn. After supper, we explored the land, played yard games, asked a million questions and heard many stories about bees and regular animal visitors. We talked till the sliver moon rose over the mountain. As the EarthCare Committee, we saw in real time what our earth is meant to be. Carolyn and Pat’s gracious sharing fed our bodies and our souls, piqued our imaginations, and lifted our spirits. The power of one couple’s dream so in harmony with our Creator sent us home with the conviction that people of faith and good will can transform our little blue marble of an earth into the paradise God intended, if need be, one plot at a time; one vote at a time; one letter to a legislator at a time.

God bless Carolyn and Pat for their leadership; for their goodness; for showing us the way of all the earth; for inspiring EarthCare to keep on working, dreaming, caring for our precious earth, sharing it with others and encouraging them to do the same.