March Letter from Jason

Dear Honey Run Friends,

I am watching the countryside calmly exist this winter afternoon through a large picture window within my home. The towering stark trees seem naked without their foliage, yet they stand with confidence, resisting the push of the wind and not budging from their position. The trees are rooted in their purpose and it is as if they know that they exist solely to grow. Their contribution to our ecosystem and society is often forgotten. In addition to their beauty, they offer us oxygen, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air, they assist in purifying the water we drink, they provide shelter to wildlife, they offer us shelter from the sun and storms, we use the wood from trees to heat our homes in the winter and to build our homes and furniture, offices, and places of worship; broken branches from the trees are even sculpted into art. Trees are truly spectacular creations that benefit us in countless ways. How do we benefit the trees? Are they here to only benefit us? Have you had the opportunity recently to just be present under a canopy of the forest and be? Be silent and hear the sounds of the trees swaying in the wind. Be still and watch the wildlife interacting with the steadfast forest. Take a deep breath, and smell the scent of the forest. I have never been accused of being a tree-hugger, and while I hate to admit that I have taken these magnificent plants for granted most of my life, I am grateful to see the trees for all their beauty today. I am grateful that my life journey has brought me to this place, my little respite in the forest.  It’s never too late to awaken to the gifts of this world and appreciate all that we have surrounding us.

If you are overdue for some “Tree Therapy”, I would encourage you to come walk our new trail, the Holmes County Open Air Art Museum, at The Inn at Honey Run.  The museum trail is 1.5 miles and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the trees here at The Inn, with art woven into the fabric of this majestic tapestry. The experience of the forest, and the time you give yourself in it, will be the best present you will receive. Life is too short to miss this spectacle. I hope to see you soon.

Your forest caretaker,

Jason