Max Vanry: We have forgotten our connection to the plants that surround us

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      As winter begins to release its grip on British Columbia and the sounds of spring unfurl, it once again becomes evident that we have forgotten. We marvel at the smells, and the snowdrops and daffodils that appear, evidence of our forgetfulness. What we have forgotten is the lore and knowledge passed down through generations of our ancestors—our profound connection to the plants that begin to renew and reestablish for another season.

      We have been drilled on the intricacies of the English language and tested on our ability to use Pythagorean theorem to solve for C2, and any 11th grade biology student can tell you about the functionality of mitochondria. Yet in the development of our overly intellectual society we have forgotten to continue educating ourselves about local plants: trees, shrubs, and underbrush have become amorphous. Not once during my childhood or teenage years did I learn about the species we live with.

      As a city kid for most of my life the extent of my knowledge about local plants was that we had them. I was 22 the first time I learned about our local plant species. I needed to take an elective in my second year of university, and my good friend suggested that I take class about local flora with him. That one class inspired me to change majors and study botany for the rest of my time at university.

      Names, images, stories, and appreciation now fill me up when ambling through the treed streets of Vancouver, or the underbrush of Squamish. I remember learning about these beautiful species for the first time—humbled by my ignorance. How can we truly appreciate the world around us if we don’t know what is there? With every new piece of knowledge, new story we learn, our surroundings become more alive. Our love for British Columbia can only grow as we begin to remember what we have forgotten.

      Our province has the highest number of species anywhere in Canada. The dynamic landscapes and topography lend themselves to providing habitat to breathtaking species. Many residents—self-proclaimed citizens of B.C.—do not know what lives in our neck of the woods. This lack of knowledge places us in an untenable position. The stewardship of this province is every resident’s responsibility, yet if we do not know, have not experienced our own land, there is little hope that we can preserve it. We need knowledge about local species and the cultures surrounding them, and as this increases so to will our drive to conserve.

      This knowledge also allows us to create new connections with those around us. Sharing my passion and interest for local plants has forged some of the most meaningful relationships of my life. Being in nature with family or friends and sharing the experience of discovery and learning fulfills a deep level of connection often hard to find elsewhere.

      Our unfortunate ignorance hinders our connection to this place. By learning the lore and developing the knowledge to reintegrate these plants into our lives we create powerful connections to the land, creating memories and deeper appreciation. As the new flowers, shoots, and growth begin this season, it is the perfect time to explore our plentiful surroundings. Leaving the botanical knowledge to the botanist will not suffice.

      In B.C. we have numerous distinctive native species. Some are edible, while others have curative properties. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), commonly considered a plant to avoid, is useful for food; their fiber can be woven, and they can be used for treating respiratory illness and other maladies. Other species such as the salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) provide important food for birds, and small animals. The vibrant edible berries can be made into pies, and are delicious. This species is featured prominently in West Coast First Nations myths, and has been traditionally used by many different nations for medicinal purposes. This spring I invite you to take a moment and ask, “What is this plant?”

      This knowledge may not seem necessary for modern day survival, but has intrinsic value. It provides the basis to reconnect with our natural surroundings, engages us in the conservation of British Columbia’s’ ecological treasures, and helps to facilitate connection between individuals. Remembering what we have forgotten will make our lives more whole.

      Comments

      1 Comments

      Jing

      Mar 20, 2015 at 12:43am

      What a very nice article about this plant, thanks Max for writing this and sharing for everyone about the significance of this plant in our lives.

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