A sign leaning against a tree just as a path leads down into a Hobbit-style valley around a natural pond, past shrubs and trees and into the bushes and trees beyond informs observers to watch out for faeries. And while no one among the 25 people who participated in what has become a popular nature walk with gardener Dylan Muileboon startled one of the legendary creatures amongst the bushes, they were still entranced by what the Chippawa resident explained is a critical connection humans have with nature. “Gardens deepen our knowledge of our place in this world,” said Muileboon, as he talked about goldenrod, ragweed and plants that can be eaten.
“We are not separated from nature. We are nature.” Muileboon said nature should not be a “scary place” for people.
With only three per cent of the Niagara’s land available to diversified plant and animal life – the rest taken up by farms and development – gardening, he said, can “make the world a better place.” Muileboon was one of several “facilitators” who took part in The Magic of Human – Awareness Fair held Aug. 24 at The Promistery, an organic farm at 3428 Eleventh St.
in St. Catharines Carmyn Faye of Thorold and Welland resident Jeff Tessier are the co-creators of the second-year event, which featured wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, an ecstatic dance, a holistic and hand-made market, local food and live music. Faye and Tessier had recently returned from a sixth-month trek through Costa Ri.