Letting In the Jungle

In mid-Spring, AmeriCorps NCCC members strewed several bales of old straw and other organic matter onto the steep section of road that runs between Calvinwood and the dining hall. Closing that road addressed some safety and erosion problems. By allowing the hillside to regrow and eventually absorb rainwater, the hope was that the waterfront road would not experience its annual washout. AmeriCorps members also created the wonderful new trail system to replace the need for campers to walk on the road.

I was amazed that even through the very dry summer, grass and other vegetation starting peeking out through the straw. Once the fall rains began, the growth has become more profound. I often think of Kipling’s short story Letting in the Jungle where Mowgli used his jungle buddies and the power of nature to eradicate a village which wronged him. I am anxious to see what happens next. Autumn leaves now trapped in the new grass will decay and add nutrients; persistent grass roots will loosen packed gravel; ferns will begin to grow; perhaps in a year one will never know there was road there at all.

This project, like many at camp, needs few resources - only volunteers and a commitment to see it happen. Some projects, such as rebuilding the ropes course, require significant funding and outside expertise. Sound View hopes to raise $50,000 to refresh and reopen the high ropes course in time for spring. If you are able, please help make this happen.