Hey Wayne, Save That Mighty Oak!

Those of you who know me, know that Oak is my favorite tree.  Those of you who don’t know me, know that now. 🙂

Sure, I love all trees but I have a strong affinity with Oak.  It’s long-living, deep-rooted, and said to be nearly impervious to lightning.  Personally, I also love it’s shape and its leaves.  And the way its broad expanse of leaves are the perfect shade to sit under on a hot day.  And the way it helps feed Nature’s little critters through the winter.

Sacred to the Druids, the Gaelic word for Oak (Duir) is where the word ‘Druid’ came from.  The Druids believed the Gods resided in the Oak and that catching a falling Oak leaf would bring good luck and prosperity.  It represents strength, wisdom, endurance, truth, and courage.

It’s also becoming a depleted resource, especially the White Oak.  Logged for its timber and highly valued as a strong wood to make ‘nigh anything with, it’s a victim of unsustainable logging practices.

I couldn’t imagine kicking this little guy out of his home.

Considering it’s a crucial part of any woodland habitat it’s found growing in, it’s so important that we make its preservation (and proliferation!) a priority.  Everything from birds to moths and butterflies to deer to turkey to the endangered Indiana Bat relies on the White Oak for its livelihood and even survival.

And Wayne National Forest is in a position to help the White Oak flourish.  While it’s being obliterated in areas less protected (a damn shame!), the Wayne can act as a safe haven for this mighty tree and the wildlife that depend on it.  The Wayne NEEDS to act to save this critical habitat facilitator.

For more information on this beautiful tree and ways to help, check out the Ohio Environmental Council.

As a side note, donating to this group is easy.  I do it through my local Kroger’s grocer.  They offer a way to donate a portion of your grocery purchases to a charity of your choice, and I chose OEC.  You just sign up on the Kroger website and choose your group (they have an extensive list).

Also, through Amazon Smile, I donate to Wilderness Awareness School, home of Kamana Naturalist Training and other awesome Nature-based initiatives.  Both are GREAT ways to donate to causes you believe in when you have no money to spare for it otherwise!

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