September 2005

September 16th, 2005

September’s fickle weather signals a shift from summer to fall, drought to rain, vacation to school. Our relationship with the sun is literally shifting, the sun no longer favoring the northern latitudes. Coincident with these celestial changes, the jet stream shifts north bringing polar winds our way. And with these winds come change.

At one level, the campus environment is still deep in summer drought. Native trees, adapted to the annual cycle of wet and dry continue to reach deep to acquire life-giving moisture. Soil creatures have burrowed deep in search of loose soil or have put themselves in states of suspended animation. Yellow-jacket colonies are at their peak-- having feasted on the summer’s abundant insect prey and picnic scraps.

But the light rain and cool temperatures portend dramatic changes. Already the campus is filling with the energy of a new year. Soon the rains will come, relieving drought stressed plants and washing away the summer’s detritus. Cool nighttime temperatures will end the heyday of yellow-jackets, but awaken quiescent creatures. Moisture will trigger the transformation of embryos lying protected in their hard seed coats and Northwest autumn plants will thrive.

To each life its own ideal conditions. To every thing there is a season...

Welcome back.

With an eye on nature,

Wally