UTHRT: ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS- A DAY AT THE SACRED FOREST OF MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK.

 UTHRT: A DAY AT THE SACRED FOREST OF MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK.

On Sunday, May 2, 2021, the US highways were wide, well built, and accessible. They spread their arms in different directions around the country. They reached our cities, suburbs, small towns, and national parks through their hands, fingers, and fingertips. They also allowed us to exchange goods and services, and helped weaken our prejudices. Today, they are the expression of American freedoms- among them, the right to travel.

That day I decided to escape the babel of Chicago and meet Mother Nature at the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hills State Park. As I have learned, each day is a blank canvas given to us by the universe. It permits us to find a pencil, crayons, and draw a masterpiece to our likings. Yet, we can contemplate the blank canvas and do nothing, or we can let others draw what they think is suitable for us. Early on in life, I decided to be the painter of my own days. 

In Africa, our ancestors adopted a healthy relationship with Mother Nature. They created a space in each village where killing animals, cutting trees, or polluting the waters was forbidden. They called those spaces the Sacred Forests. Today, governments worldwide emulate the wisdom of our ancestors by adopting the concept of Sacred Forests and calling them National Parks. For example, In the United States, National Parks are areas set aside by the federal government to preserve the natural environment. 

Moraine Hills State Park is an Illinois State Park, which is located three miles south of the city of McHenry in McHenry County, Illinois. It stands on 2,200 acres of wetlands and lakes and has more than ten miles of trails. There is Lake Defiance and there is the Fox River. In the park, you can see a habitat of diverse wildlife. The vegetation often reflects the season, and the season on the day of my visit was spring.

I arrived at the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hills State Park around 10:00 am. I left my cell phone and my previous and present-day worries in the car. I inhaled and exhaled three times. Then I started my walk on a winding white gravel trail. On both sides of the path, there were carpets of green grass and yellow flowers interspersed among them.

On both sides, there were also diverse species of trees of different sizes that stood along the way, inviting and welcoming walker’s hugs. I took the time to hug the tallest and widest one. I smelled its perfume and felt the beat of my heart against its trunk, and I knew the tree was alive. 

As I continued my walk, I heard the echo of my feet touching the ground. I listened to the sound of the wind caressing the leaves, birds, and hidden animals. The air I inhaled was fresh with healing power, and when it touched my skin, it had a moisturizing effect. I looked around me, and I saw the presence of Mother Nature everywhere.

On the way, I met people walking or on their bikes, and I shared smile with them when our eyes and our hearts met. We continued on our ways with the understanding that we shared something in common-a love for nature. Other people looked down on the ground when our path crossed, and they darted away. I looked at them with compassion, yet I wished not to meet again. The energy that results from fear has a suffocating effect on me, which I try to avoid. 

I also met animals such as white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, and opossums. The dogs were often friendly and wanted to play with me. I took the opportunity to pet them. I inquired about their names and breeds, and I complimented them. Owners took the time to share their dogs’ stories as they recognized my willingness to listen and my genuine love for dogs. Other owners chose to restrain their dogs, and I understood that. I contempt to wave at their dogs if they refrained from barking at me. 

Besides the dogs, I saw birds such as sandhill cranes, great blue herons and green herons, wood ducks, Canada geese standing in grass or swimming in waters. I observed them from afar so as not to infringe on their space and scare them. As I learned, animals deserve a right to privacy just like humans.

The trail at the Moraine Hills State Park is mostly flat reflecting the landscape of the Midwest. Yet it is interrupted in some areas by small hills that test your endurance. For that reason, the park authorities have built benches where you can sit, rest and admire more of the park's beauty. 

They also built a wood T-shape trail on top of Lake Defiance with two high benches on both sides of the T. As you sit on the benches, you can detect a swinging motion caused by the lake's waves. It gives you the impression of sitting in a small boat and floating on waters. 

As you sit on the benches. You can also observe the waves emanating from the middle of the lake, traveling with sparking reflection of the sun, and ending up under the wooden T-shaped platform. The scenery and the spectacle of light are indeed beautiful if you are fortunate enough to see them.

After sitting and looking at Lake Defiance for a while, I continued my walk, not knowing what was ahead of me. Yet, I had faith that I would make it to the end. I kept my head high. Above me, the sky was blue, the clouds were white, and the sun was bright.

Around 2:00 pm, I reached the end of the trail. I found a quiet picnic area. I unfolded my chair, sat, and drank water to quench my thirst. Then I laid on the ground and smelled the grass. I had a sandwich for lunch, ate fruits, and drank more water, which is the source of life. 

After lunch, I laid down, read a book, and fell asleep. Later, I woke up as the temperature went down. I also felt like someone or something was looking at me. As I turned my head to the right, I saw a doe with her fawns looking at me. I looked at them, and we looked at each other. Then they strolled into the woods and disappeared into their habitats. As I was lying on my back, I looked at the clouds and assumed that they were moving. Yet the reality was that the earth was moving. So, I learned not to believe whatever I see or hear as there are many distorted lies out there that can mask the truth.

Around 6:00 pm, I gathered my trash and followed the recycling guidelines. I left the place as clean as I found it - for the next person or next generation. I went to the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hill State Park to meet Mother Nature. Mother Nature welcomed me with open arms and provided me with a healthy environment, beautiful scenery, and a prayer ground where I could communicate with the universe. 

As a result, I encourage you to visit the United States National Parks such as Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains or any US States Parks. As you visit the Parks, you meet Mother Nature and get to know them. As you know them, you love them. Then the desire to protect them will surface, and you will advocate for more National Parks. The truth is that you cannot love what you don’t know. And the best way to know the National Parks and love them is to visit them.

The US highways were unchangeable as I drove back, except for traffic jams and toll fees. Yet, I didn't mind them. They were the price I had to pay to visit Mother Nature at the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hills State Park. As it is said, “Vous ne pouvez pas avoir omelettes sans casser les oeufs”, meaning "you cannot have omelets without breaking the eggs."

Around 8:00 pm, I arrived home, tired. Yet it was a good tired. I showered, moisturized my body, and I felt much better. I hung my day’s painting Under the Human Rights Tree - and called it “A Day at the Sacred Forest of Moraine Hills State Park.” I lay on the bed, and for a while, I contemplated. Then, I slept, dreaming of tomorrow, which is a gift, another blank canvas- if I have the opportunity to wake up and witness it.

Sincerely,

Alpha