TREES
There is unrest in the forest,
Trouble with the trees
For the Maples want more sunlight
And the Oaks ignore their pleas.
The trouble with the Maples
And they’re quite convinced they’re right.
They say the Oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light.
But the Oaks can’t help their feelings
If they like the way they’re made.
And they wonder why the Maples
Can’t be happy in their shade.
There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled.
As the Maples scream, “Oppression”
And the Oaks just shake their heads.
So, the Maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights.
They say, “The Oaks are just too greedy.
We will make them gives us light.”
Now there’s no more Oak oppression
For they passed a noble law.
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet, axe and saw.
Neil Peart, (Rush)
As the Fall Rushes In
As we head into fall, the world outside starts to slow down. As the final burst of color comes forth from the Goldenrods, Asters and Frostweed, while other plants start to fad, turning to browns and amber. Leaves upon the trees give up their chlorophyll, revealing the shades of yellow, orange and red. Soon, the leaves will make their gentle descent to the Earth below and the animals will be making plans for their winter slumber.
This, also, is the time to sit back and reflect upon your garden; what you liked or didn’t like. What needs to be replaced, divided or removed. This is the time to start making those plans that will take shape in the spring.
A Time for a Change, Elections (or not)
Like nature, fall is the time for our chapter to reflect on our work and make plans and changes for our future. Like a lot of small, non-profit groups, our chapter has difficulties in generating enthusiasm for the day-to-day operations of the chapter.
I know, most of us joined NPSOT to learn about and work in the dirt with native plants. The LAST thing you want to do is sit through a boring board meeting, but it is a necessary evil.
To my point, during the last State Board Meeting, we had to vote to terminate the chapter in Tyler. I know there are some great enthusiastic native plant people in Tyler, they just don’t have the drive to serve as chapter president or treasurer. We have the same issue in the Sam Houston chapter in Huntsville; if nobody runs for President this fall, they too may get the axe. These are not the changes you want to see in the fall – no candidates, no elections, no future.
Our Chapter
I have good news for our chapter; we have a future. However, we are not immune to the issues that plague small non-profits. We have a passionate group of individuals that make up our board. We do, however, have some openings that need some willing individuals to help us prepare for the future.
Lorelei Stierlen, our Treasurer, is stepping down. Lucky for us, John Lingenfelder, one of our directors, has agreed to run for the position of Treasurer. This leaves a director position open. Betsy Farris, a past president and treasurer and the current Chairwomen of the State Audit Committee, has volunteer to run for director. That leaves us with one position unfilled and with no candidate – Secretary. We need someone for this position. Contact me if you are willing to serve.
People Have the Power to Make the Change
The direction and viability of the organization depends upon its members to care, be engaged and participate in the activities of that organization. Without enthusiastic participation, we are doomed to fail at some point. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an organization such as ours, a business, a school board, local, state or federal government. Only you can be the difference, so be active and serve. Otherwise, you may find your organization facing a visit from the axe or hatchet-man and we all lose if that happens.
