What do I treasure about living in Oregon? Without hesitation, I can tell you it’s our State Park System. No matter where I choose to visit… the unique natural beauty of each park is always stunning.
Here’s an example from a recent camping trip… Lake Clewox at Jesse Honeyman Memorial State Park near Florence, Oregon.
Picture perfect! Right?
Almost..
If the tall Spruce trees and native shrubs could speak, they would complain about what the “Nature Bullies” do to them.
At the base of their majestic trunks, and tucked below lush skirtings of shrubbery leaves…
“Nature Bullies” strike.
The serenity of the woods is harassed and intimidated in subtle and un-natural ways.
Can you spot the problems?
There are clues: a one-time use plastic bag.
And, the worm-bait containers it once contained. Brought by a fisher-person turned “Nature Bully” when these non-decomposing plastics were purposefully trashed under the plants and left behind.
Although this may seem trite… imagine if all users of the park turned “Nature Bully.” The collective result is a change no one who appreciates Oregon State Parks wants to witness.
The solutions are simple- either pack out what is packed in… or simply use one of many trash receptacles located throughout the park grounds and along trails.
“Nature Bullies!” …change your ways! It’s not difficult to do-
Change is commonly defined as to give a completely different form or appearance to; to transform.
Let the changes you make be for the betterment of Oregon State Parks. Start by leaving sites in better condition than you found them.
This week’s Photo Challenge: “Change“
I love the depth your photos show of the older green leaves
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Thank you Litadoolan. The forests are very beautiful; that’s what makes the trash even more annoying.
~Jane
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Ah yes. Agreed!
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That’s a happy thought, Lita 🙂
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🙂
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Littering – anywhere – and of course, in national preserves – whether it be in the US or where I’m from, in Canada – is just plain wrong.
In today’s age – there is simply no excuse for this type of mindless inconsideration.
I live in “cottage country” now, having left the big city behind – and it never ceases to amaze me how thoughtless and careless people are. And it makes me howl in anger – we are the intruders, the ones who visit, and yet we take rights and liberties that have no place in these amazing spaces.
Wonderful pictures and images – minus the trash – and great post.
Cheers
Pat
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Thank you, Pat. You and I are in perfect agreement! In the US and Canada there really is no excuse for improperly disposing of trash!
~Jane
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Here, here!!!
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🙂
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I hate litter!! It’s so simple to throw things away.
janet
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Me, too!!!
Don’t we wish everyone felt the same way about litter? Especially when the trash can was on the path out… only feet from this mess…
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Littering is just being lazy or rude or both. Would these people dump trash on the floor of their houses? I doubt it.
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Good point, Janet 😉
Somewhere- I’d venture to bet a thesis has been written on the psychology behind littering…
be interesting!
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As a former Oregon State Parks ranger, I can totally relate to this post. I sometimes felt out of place, because I tended to view my job as protecting the park’s natural beauty from the campers, as opposed to catering to the campers to make sure they had a great time. I guess there’s a middle way somewhere, but it takes cooperation on both sides. Good post.
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Maggie, I’d venture to say that you were perfectly “in place.” Your approach is part of informing and educating the public. I think you are absolutely right about cooperation on both sides. It must have been heart-breaking, at times, to see on a regular basis what “Nature Bullies” leave behind.
Thank you for your years as an Oregon State Parks ranger ❤
~Jane
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That is horrible and your call for action is well timed. People litter the forest near my house every day. They toss stuff in off the street. It’s just disgusting how people must be inside to do that. I’m a tree hugger, so there. x
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I appreciate your thoughts, Sabiscuit. It is maddening!
Glad to hear you are a tree hugger 🙂
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