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34 2O24–2O2 5 GU I D E to Y E L LOW S P R I NG S know how to look for it, you’ll see it everywhere,” he said. “I don’t see us clawing ourselves back to a point where we can say it’s under control.” And those are just the most devastating invasives Boutis highlighted; there’s still the known nuisances of honey- suckle, privet, euonymus, garlic mustard, rosa multiflora, knotweed and others — not to mention the growing deer population. “Most of these plant spe- cies were introduced on pur- pose — not necessarily to the Glen, but to the whole region — for erosion control, weed management or ornamental or agricultural reasons,” Boutis said. “It’s a cautionary tale of human hubris.” A COMPLEX COMMUNITY Despite all the challenges inherent in tending to all 1,147 acres, maintaining 15 miles of trails, overseeing the dozens of regular volunteers and staffers, and working with donors to secure operational funds, Boutis remains stead - fast in his devotion to protect - ing the Glen in perpetuity. “We still have a lot to do,” Boutis said with a bittersweet tone. “We are equal parts grateful for everything so many people have done to help the Glen reopen and beyond, but we are also aware of how much is left to do. Always.” This never-ending work, though, doesn’t stop Boutis from stopping from time to time to take in the natural beauty of the preserve. An avid “birder,” Boutis draws regular optimism from the chirping choruses overhead. Although a recent study from Cornell University revealed that the population of all North American birds has dropped by an alarming 30% since 1970, Boutis said the winged populations in the Glen are doing well. “We have approximately 200 species of birds that have been reported in the Glen,” he said. “To put that in context, there’s no place in the county that comes even close to that.” Boutis pointed out that such a thriving bird popula- tion in the Glen has been made possible by the pre- serve’s diversity of healthy habitats — one of which is the new beaver-made wetland. Recently, he heard a rare neotropical prothonotary warbler “singing its heart out” near the dam. “There’s beauty inherent in a complex system,” Boutis waxed. “There may be people who think rows of endless corn are more attractive than the messy complexities in a diverse array of habitats. We have an ecological heritage here, and it’s not always tidy.” The beavers, Boutis said, illustrate that point perfectly. As he noted, they’ve changed the Glen’s habitat in ways that are different from what Boutis or his land manage- ment team would have done. “They’re girdling trees that we wouldn’t have wanted to kill,” he said. “But still, what’s happening is the creation of something more. The beavers allow us to reflect on the conflicts and complexities that can arise in a connected system.” “By recognizing ourselves as more than just neighbors to Glen Helen, but also as intertwined participants in that ecological community,” Boutis said, “we all have the ability to be commu- nity builders — just like the beavers.” His recommendations: Manage non-native species on private residences before they spread to the Glen, get involved in the upkeep of the preserve by volunteer- ing to clear invasives or pick up litter, and, perhaps most importantly, “make better day-to-day decisions with the earth in mind.” “The story of the Glen is the story of Yellow Springs,” Boutis said. “The human communities of one are inseparable from the ecologi- cal communities of the other. Everything is connected.” Visit glenhelen.org to learn more about volunteer opportu - nities, donate to the organiza - tion or read more about the nature preserve’s history. ♦ Located in Kings Yard, Yellow Springs, OH Open Daily • www.YellowSpringsPottery.com Celebrating 50 Years! Nine Local Artists Elegant and Functional Contemporary Pottery 4 Private cabin secluded on 66 rolling acres, stocked fishing pond, hot tub and hiking. 4 Accommodations for two or up to six people. 4 Open year round, just 11 miles from Yellow Springs. 4 Seasonal RV campsite. 4 Working farm with American Bison. 8606 Selma Rd., South Charleston 937-360-4082 www.GreenPlainsCabin.com Green Plains Cabin Bed & Breakfast Music that motivates and inspires our communities towards justice, diversity, inclusion and equality aswe strive for peace and create our web of mutuality. Catherine Roma 513.560.9082 worldhousechoir@gmail.com www. worldhousechoir.org www.facebook.com/ worldhousechoir