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The Sassy Sandpiper: The Greenway Is Making Friends!

Wilson | Sassy Sandpiper | Columnist

By M.R. Wilson, TB Reporter

“Morning is my spirit time. I see the world through poet’s eyes…All things are possible.CANAL DIARY: A Hymn to Urban Wilderness

LEALMAN – Those of us who love Joe’s Creek Greenway Park also know it as “Lealman’s Eden.” Here, we find peace and refuge in a world torn by political discord and terrorism on both domestic and foreign fronts. Here, the Natural Order prevails.

As July breathes the last of its hot, humid breath over flora and fauna, many choose to make an appearance early, including the marsh rabbits. They must be having a good year, making lots of marsh bunnies. Just shortly after 8 a.m., I’ve seen five to 10 of them nibbling fresh, dew-drenched grass.

Marsh Rabbits | Bunnies | AnimalsRichard Adams, in his epic story Watership Down, called this morning repast “silflay.” The sun glows pink through their delicate ears. They may freeze on the spot and let you pass, their watchful gazes unflinching. More often than not, a marsh rabbit disappears, literally in the blink of an eye, under the chain-link fence and into the cover of dark vines and dense shrubbery.

Dogs tugging along their two-legged companions notice the marsh rabbits and the squirrels skittering everywhere on urgent squirrel errands. Runners dash by like gazelles. The chalky cry of a gallinule bounces over the water; a pig frog answers in a farting noise.

People wave and call greetings to one another. They pause a moment and kneel to pet dog-friends and exchange snippets of conversation. They relish precious moments of real connection with kindred pirits. For a while, they leave the technology-crazed world behind.

Joe's Creek Greenway Park | Lealman | Parks
Sue Fortenbery and her Jack Russell terriers enjoy Joe’s Creek Greenway Park in Lealman.

These are the Friends of Joe’s Creek Greenway and they now have their own Facebook page. Yes, that means back to technology. Some folks prefer to stay out of the Fabooverse, and possibly avoid computers altogether. That’s fine and dandy. They might change their minds. Everyone is welcome to stop by and “LIKE” the page, post photos and make comments.

“Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold.” — Traditional Girl Scouts song

Photo of Sue Fortenbery with her Jack Russell terriers at Joe’s Creek Greenway Park by M.R. Wilson, TB Reporter
Photo of marsh rabbits from TB Reporter files.

Sassy Sandpiper | Joe’s Creek Greenway Park | Lealman | Marsh Rabbits | M.R. Wilson | TB Reporter

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