In Australian Aboriginal society, a walkabout is a rite of passage for male adolescence. They spend an extended time living in the wilderness and learning traditional ways as they transition into manhood.
On a much shorter scale, one of my favorite activities growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were short excursions into the forest where mother nature was my educator as well. As I got older, my parents allowed these mini “Walkabouts” to be further from home and for extended times. The rugged but beautiful shores of Lake Superior and several scenic rivers were my favorite places to visit. I enjoyed the solitude and adventure but truly relished the education that being in the wood’s classroom taught me.
This desire to expand my outdoor education eventually lead me west to Idaho where I started in Forestry then on to my current career in Agriculture. While I still enjoy my occasional visit to the forest, they have become rare with the demands of running a business. Thankfully, I still get my fix with daily visits to people’s yards. I so enjoy the opportunity to do a mini “Walkabout” with people and share what I have learned over the years from just being a willing and observant student. People who know me can attest to my excitement when talking about trees, shrubs and plants. I am in my element pointing out the silent signs that each is revealing. This quiet language that plants speak if only a person is willing and observant to hear. After a “walkabout” of a yard or wood lot, there is usually an amazement and a newfound appreciation by the customer to all that is happening on their property. Further they now have better understanding and knowledge as what to do to nurture it.
The snow is melting, buds are swelling, and we are busy pruning! If you are interested in a “walkabout” of your entire property, yard or even a single tree, give us a call today.