“In singing birds and opening blossoms, in rain and sunshine, in summer breeze and gentle dew, in ten thousand objects in nature, from the oak of the forest to the violet that blossoms at its root, is seen the love that restores. And nature still speaks to us of God’s goodness.”
Visiting Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Ridgefield, WA is like visiting our ancestors from long ago who still speak to us today. The usual lifespan of oak trees is about 200 years, but some live over 1,000 years. The Adventure Days group was among oaks over 400 years old, planted possibly by native americans whose tribe communities are still with us today–The Chinook and Cowlitzs to name two.
In 1805, Lewis and Clark explored the rivers and valleys around what is now the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, a refuge protecting more than 5,200 acres of marshes, grasslands, and woodlands. What is most breathtaking in the refuge–along with the eagles and expansive sky, and more–are the oak trees.
Oak trees represent strength, grandeur, and incredibly long lifespan. The Celts across the ocean believed oaks to be sacred because of their size, durability, and nourishing acorns. The Celts named the oak the King of Trees. However, every oak tree started its life as a tiny acorn.
There are so many life lessons enriching our lives found in one visit to God’s classroom–the great outdoors! Adventure Days of Highest Education captures these moments, to expose our children to the light of Heaven. Why? Because “nature still speaks to us of God’s goodness.”
