Compost is a familiar topic for readers of this column and whether you are a current composter or not yet, this might be a good time to review local resources, to remind current composters of their important contribution for the environment, and to share the latest plans to expand composting on the parish campus.
 
Do you remember that yard waste and food scraps comprise about 30% of what we throw away each week?  When that organic waste goes into the land fill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which fires up atmospheric warming.  If composted, these organics produce a nutritious substance (compost) that enriches the soil and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizer and for watering.  
 
There are many options available for composting, such as home composting, home pick up subscriptions that then deliver the mature compost, and community composting.  You can find reams of information about each type of composting online.  For reliable information, try searching fairfaxcounty.gov and Virginia cooperative extension service.  On the EPA site, you can find all the details you’ll need to set up home composting.  (www.epa.gov/recycle/compost)  All Fairfax County Farmers Markets locations collect food waste for compost through the fall, and year round at the main collection spots.
 
Local vendors that provide curbside pick-up services include Monster Organics, Compost Crew, and Veteran Compost.  It might be fun to check out the list of acceptable materials on their sites – some things might surprise you! (e.g. hair, nail clippings, real cork wine corks and more…)  The subscription services typically include a twice a year delivery of compost for your garden.
 
At the parish, Fr. Guest has been composting his kitchen scraps and Care for Creation Ministry volunteers compost at the Senior Luncheons as well as at the annual Parish Picnic.  This work uses one of the collection services that pick up the scraps.
 
Our new venture will include St. Luke school cafeteria by engaging a collection service to collect scraps from daily lunches at the school.  The Care for Creation Ministry looks forward to starting this project for the upcoming school year.  We just love to see all that food and paper waste converted into nourishing compost for the earth, at the same time, our school children will be engaged and composting will be a normal part of their daily life.
 
Let us pray that the small act of composting will prompt us to a new way of thinking about our relationships with people, society, nature and God, and that we respect and engage with the circular nature of all creation in gratitude for God’s gifts.

6/15/25
​Do pesky mosquitoes keep you from enjoying your own backyard during the summer?
Why not just hire one of the many fogging services?  Because, fogging works by taking down adult mosquitoes that happen to be in the area at the time, but does not stop breeding. Worse, fogging kills the helpful insects needed for a biodiverse and healthy local environment.  We rely on insects who pollinate plants and trees and flowers and vegetables, they include butterflies, bees, and fireflies; fogging also harms frogs, toads and nesting birds who contribute to a balanced healthy environment.  
Our recent rainy spells have given these pesky insects a jump-start on mosquito-rich yards, but don’t start scratching yet!  Mosquito buckets reduce the mosquito population by offering just the right place for mosquitoes to breed and then use a natural bacterium that kills the larvae before they fly and bite.  This method does not harm other pollinators, pets or people and includes an escape route for curious small creatures who may wander into the bucket.
To make a “mosquito bucket of doom”, start with a 5-gallon bucket, first, use markers or paint to decorate your creation, announcing your goal of targeting mosquitoes while protecting helpful wildlife.  Add water and toss in a handful of dead leaves or grass clippings (creating a welcoming environment for the skeeters), add a piece of mosquito dunk containing bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) (found at hardware and garden shops), and a sturdy stick (as an escape route!).  Finally, choose a damp, quiet corner or edge of your property and place your bucket.
For step-by-step instructions, and to join the challenge, search Mosquito Bucket Challenge and select the Homegrownnationalpark.org site.  Making and placing the bucket can be a fun family project to kick off the summer season.  Getting everyone involved and talking with neighbors about promoting pollinators while defeating mosquitoes is a great way to remind us of our responsibility to our local habitat.  
To participate in the challenge, post a photo of your bucket using #mosquitobucketchallenge and tag #HomegrownNationalPark – you’ll be supporting bees, butterflies, fireflies, frogs, toads and birds and spreading the word about Homegrown National Parks!​









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​“The good functioning of ecosystems also requires fungi, algae, worms, insects, reptiles and an innumerable variety of microorganisms.”  (LS’ 34)

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​Blooming flowers and growing plants are magnets pulling us outside to the garden.  The new growth inspires us to get out there, clear away the dead stems, pull those pesky winter weeds and dig into the fresh spring earth.
We are lucky to have a great local resource, Earth Sangha, for advice and information about our Northern Virginia native plants.  The local cultivars provide just the right habitat for our pollinators, songbirds and butterflies, and they are well-suited to our environment, needing little added water or fertilization.  They are a bit different from the mass-produced offerings found in retail outlets but are more likely to establish themselves and return to beautify our landscapes and nourish our wildlife for years.

Earth Sangha is a non-profit whose mission is ecological restoration in the greater Washington, D.C. area.  They cultivate plants grown from seeds and spores collected right here in our area.  Earth Sangha sells to individuals at the nursery and supplies stock to area governments, schools, businesses and conservation non-profits. 
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Take a look at the Earth Sangha website, https://www.earthsangha.org, and visit their nursery in Springfield.  The webpage is a wealth of information including a comprehensive list of local native plants available at the nursery, what a plant community looks like, and descriptions of the growing conditions for each plant type.  They offer trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, and ground covers.  Using the website, you can plan for rejuvenating your existing planting areas and get advice for planting a new area or restoring a space where invasives have taken over.  Be sure to check out the Current Inventory page before you get your heart set on those wild columbines only to find them unavailable.
If you take the time to read the detailed articles, you will be rewarded with knowledge to help make choices that will live and grow with you for many years.

Seasonal Note:  Air conditioning season is upon us! Be sure to change your HVAC air filter.  A clean filter will help the system run effectively and save money!  

Invasive vines can smother and strangle trees, killing the tree and leaving a dead tree as a possible hazard.  And, if the tree needs to be taken down to avoid danger or damage, it can be very expensive.  We should all tour our yards on one of our lovely spring days to look for these potential dangers. 
Six of the most common invasive vines that smother and strangle trees in Northern Virginia are:

• Porcelain Berry
• English Ivy
• Asian Wisteria
• Oriental bittersweet
• Wintercreeper
• Japanese Honeysuckle

For help identifying the invasives, search invasive tree vines NOVA or go to https://www.plantnovatrees.org/tree-killing-vines.  Be careful not to remove native vines such as Virginia Creeper, which do not harm trees and are important food sources for wildlife.  The Plant NOVA Trees site is a great resource for identifying harmful invasive vines as well as the beneficial native vines that we want to keep.

Invasive non-native plants grow prolifically in many conditions and can quickly overwhelm a tree along with our desire to remove them.  When the task seems overpowering, you can buy time by clipping the vine to halt growth until the larger job can be tackled.  Cut the vine close to the root and again higher up on the trunk and remove that “window” of vine in between, this will stop growth, and the vines higher up may be left to die and fall off on their own.  Gradually, the  root can be dug out and pulled to eliminate it altogether.
 
The Tree-killing vines webpage has a colorful guide with specific advice for each non-native invasive with pictures, growing habits, control techniques, and native look-alikes.  Be sure to note advice such as “do not compost” for many, as they can re-root from cuttings, or grow from fruits. Likewise, most of these undesirables will resprout from roots that are not completely removed.
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Happy spring hunting and an invasive vine-free summer and fall to all!
I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to enliven us in our efforts to be open to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and, as taught by Pope Francis, to act together to sustain a livable world for all.  May Francis rest in the peace of Christ.

Care for Creation
March 3, 2024
Biodiversity in our backyards
 
In Chapter III, Loss of Biodiversity, Pope Francis says:  “the good functioning of ecosystems also requires fungi, algae, worms, insects, reptiles
and an innumerable variety of microorganisms. Some less numerous species, although generally unseen, nonetheless play a critical role in maintaining the equilibrium of a particular place. Human beings must intervene when a geosystem reaches a critical state.” (LS 34)
 
Did you know that biodiversity is being lost at the alarming rate of 69% decrease since 1970?*
Do you know that every human being on this planet needs diverse highly productive ecosystems to survive? 
Are you interested in being a part of regenerating biodiversity and ecosystem function? **
As a solution to the biodiversity challenge, Doug Tallamy has issued a “call-to-action to restore habitat where we live and work,…extending national parks to our yards and communities.”
He is a well-known Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and popular author and leader in conservation gardening.  Perhaps you have enjoyed one of his books such as Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape or Nature’s Best Hope.
Doug started the Homegrown National Park (HNP) movement (https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ ) as a hub for all who are interested in preserving biodiversity by creating home gardens that support life, sequester carbon, feed pollinators and manage water.
The initial goal is 20 million acres of native plantings in the U.S. This represents approximately ½ of the green lawns of privately-owned properties, thus building connectivity among existing preserves and strengthening our collaboration with natural ecosystems.  
The HNP site provides a practical guide to creating ecosystem-friendly habitats in your yard and answering all the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions.  Why is reducing the area of lawn important? How do I convert my lawn to natives?, How do keystone plants regenerate biodiversity? The best way to kill mosquitoes! and What’s the Rush? 
I think you’ll find something to excite you if you spend a little time on the Homegrown National Park web page; this might be the perfect time to dive in, as the bluebirds are back in town reminding us that spring will arrive before long!
*WWF Living Planet Report 2022
** https://homegrownnationpark.org

​Care for Creation
February 18, 2024
Through the Desert, God Leads us to Freedom
 
The theme of Pope Francis’ Lenten Message is “Through the desert, God leads us to freedom”
(www.vatican.va, or search Pope’s Message for Lent 2024).  Referencing the Exodus story, the Pope says “the exodus from slavery to freedom is no abstract journey. If our celebration of Lent is to be concrete, the first step is to desire to open our eyes to reality.”1  Just as God listened, heard, understood the cry of the people enslaved in Egypt, do we hear the cry of the oppressed today, “does it trouble us? does it move us?”1  Pope Francis recommends that we keep our eyes and hearts and hands open during Lent.  We are called to be hopeful, to confront reality, to recognize what we have done to one another and the world and to proceed in faith and hope during the Lenten season of conversion.
What can I free myself from?  From food waste?  From single use plastic?  What will I turn around in my life?  Will I open my eyes to the way I use or abuse our common home?  Will I take action to support legislation to care for the common good?  Will I find ways to reduce my own demand for fossil fuel? 
As Jesus retreated from the throngs in the Gospel stories, Lent gives me a time to pause in prayer. “The contemplative dimension of life will release new energies”1 to help us look for new “ways we acquire goods, care for creation and strive to include those who go unseen.”1
Let us listen to Pope Francis and make sure our Lenten practices of prayer, abstinence and almsgiving include open-eyed practical actions. Examples of practical actions include:  praying intentionally for refugees, whether they flee war, persecution or poverty; abstaining from meat with the purpose of reducing the greenhouse gas byproducts of the industry; supporting charities that provide infrastructure for those who lack access to clean water.  These are some of my favorites, what are you passionate about, what is right for you and your family?.
LOOK FOR THE LENTEN CREATION CARE CALENDARS IN THE NARTHEX for many good ideas.
 
1 MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2024
Through the Desert God Leads us to Freedom
February 2, 2024
  

 
This is the work by graffiti artist MAUPAL who will produce a piece for the Vatican each week during Lent.
 

​LENTEN CREATION CARE CALENDAR
Look in the narthex for copies of the 2024 Lenten Creation Care Calendar.  This resource begins the Sunday before Lent, February 11, and offers a prayer, reflection, suggested action or interesting fact for each day (for example, did you know that the solar industry employs more women than any other energy sector?).  
The calendar theme for 2024 is “Reclaiming Our Future” – the message encourages us to embrace a spirit of prophetic imagination, as expressed in the words of Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Let us act in line with our belief that our loving God works with us to renew the earth and care for all of creation.
Please help yourself to the calendars and I hope you find them helpful for your Lenten journey.

Care for Creation
February 4, 2024
February 14 is Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday?

​This year’s calendar presents a challenge – how do we express love for one another with sweet and fragrant mementos like flowers and candy while at the same time beginning Lent with Ash Wednesday prayer, fasting and almsgiving -- all while continuing our commitment to caring for one another in creation?
As for me, I’ve decided to observe Valentine’s Eve with my family and friends on Mardi Gras and I’ll put that candy away and start in with Lenten observances on Wednesday.
To continue being faithful to creation care practices, here are a couple suggestions for both Valentine’s and Lent.
For your expressions of Valentine love, look for local chocolates, some even support differently-abled people (e.g. Cameron’s Chocolates), or fair-trade chocolate where small producers are ensured access to wide markets. For flowers, ask your favorite florist if they use locally sourced blooms, so you’re not paying for a plane ride that spews more carbon into the air.  Many do, and the more we ask, the more the market will respond to demand. 
For Lent, an organization I’ve used for a few years to help me develop a creation-conscious Lenten practice is Greener Lent (https://greenerlent.org ). This is a program that invites us to go further than the required Lenten abstinence and consider a sacrificial increase in giving up meat, especially beef and lamb. 
Greener Lent shows us the difference changing our eating choices can make by reporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  Group results are posted on the Greener Lent site; for example, last year’s 536 participants saved the equivalent of 3,854 gallons of gas by eating less meat.  Seeing this tangible result encourages me to be mindful about eating choices.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to observe Lent that recognizes the interconnectedness of everything and honors our duty to care for one another in creation, visit the Greener Lent site and see if it is right for you.
“Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.” (LS 91)
 

Care for Creation
January 21, 2024
Be Winter Salt-Wise
 
Long range winter weather forecasts predict everything from many snow storms this year, to warmer than usual temperatures.  I guess we’ll know when it happens!
Wanting to be prepared for whatever occurs, I looked for local advice on ice and snow.  The Northern Virginia Regional Commission talks about safety and winter weather at www.wintersaltsmart.com ; here you can find a flyer describing the proper use of salt to treat slippery surfaces.
We are reminded that even though using salt can make it safer to walk and drive when there is ice and snow on the ground, there is no easy way to remove salt once it has been added to the environment.  And “it only takes one teaspoon of salt to permanently pollute five gallons of water.”  That surprised me! 
Once it has entered the environment, salt can:

• Raise sodium levels in our drinking water and increase treatment costs.
• Harm fish, insects and other wildlife; amphibians are particularly endangered.
• Damage plants and grasses in landscapes and roadsides.
• Create road hazards when wildlife attracted to salt come lick the roads.
• Corrode vehicles, roads, bridges, and parking lots.

 
Tips for safer outcomes at home include:

• Shovel as it falls – to both protect your back and keep the precipitation from building up into a thick ice layer.
• Scatter don’t clump – a 12 oz. mug of rock salt will cover a 20 ft. drive or 10 sidewalk squares; for calcium chloride, use 1/3 of that amount.
• Be patient, give it time to work and watch the temp, if it’s too cold adding more won’t help.

 
Considering how we respond to weather for safety and convenience reminds me that our every action has an impact on our environment and the plants and creatures who dwell here.  Laudato Si’ teaches that we should always be aware of how we impact our interconnected brothers and sisters, human and otherwise.  
“These ancient stories (in the Bible), full of symbolism, bear witness to a conviction which we today share, that everything is interconnected, and that genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature is inseparable from fraternity, justice and faithfulness to others. “ (LS 70)
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​Care for Creation
January 7, 2024
Organizations that Accelerate Creation Care Progress
 
Are you pondering what you can do in 2024 to protect the poor and future generations?  Pope Francis urges our world’s 1.3 billion Catholics to take serious action to address ecological crisis.  His message in Laudate Deum amplifies the compelling call of Laudato Si’ to care for our Common Home and all who dwell here.  Joining groups that are taking action can accelerate progress.  
 
Being part of an organization helps keep our attention on how what we do as individuals and communities affects our world and how we can impact change.  Here are a sampling of organizations that may interest you:
 
At the local level, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions is an advocacy group who work with local governments.  A current project is the 2024 NOVA to Zero Campaign, urging action across local government departments that move toward zero emissions.  You can take a look at www.faithforclimate.org .
 
Virginia Interfaith Power and Light works to advance climate and environmental justice at the state level.  To explore their projects, go to https://vaipl.org .
 
Nationally, the Catholic Climate Covenant may be one that you are familiar with; their mission is “to inspire and mobilize the U.S. Catholic Community to care for creation and achieve climate justice through the lens of integral ecology.” Look for information about programs and events at https://catholicclimatecovenant.org , a wealth of resources can be found on the site.
 
An international group you likely know of is the Laudato Si’ Movement; together with the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, the movement inspires, educates and encourages people around the world to take action at their own level and spread the embrace of integral ecology among all.  Webinairs have been one way that these organizations share both messages from international experts and projects that are successfully being implemented at parishes, schools and institutions around the world.  https://laudatosimovement.org/  and https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/
 
These are just a few of the many organizations whose innovative ideas might help make a difference!