Chautauqua Topic Voting

Nature Talk by Nancy Bain

November 2024

AN ENTROPIC STORY

 In case you missed it, 2024 marks the 200-year anniversary of the discovery of the Second Law of Thermal Dynamics—aka entropy. Although science is not my forte, I’m intrigued by the concept of entropy because it tells the story of life on earth. It says that heat always flows hot to cold. In turn, if a cold object is nearby, thermal energy will flow naturally to it until equilibrium is established. At the heart of this narrative is the relationship between Earth and her creatures and transformation.

 I began to think of entropy after the November election and finding myself sapped by all the political conflict and its forces—online, newspaper, TV, on and on. Entropy is about how disorder increases in all things over time and our nation seems to be in this phase. But we can always work toward better relationships and think of ways that will bring better days ahead, can’t we? Well, I needed to get outdoors to find stories that would speak to resilience and endurance

 Since I’m a birdwatcher, when I’m outside I always look skyward. It’s still migration season, and I hope to spot a Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). These large birds (three pounds/six-foot wing span) depend upon entropy to keep alive. Yet, I’m heartened that their numbers are increasing, unlike half of other North American bird species that are in precipitous decline. TVs are an enduring animal. As an ancient species harking back to the Miocene Epoch, they lived alongside the arrival of the earliest hominids. Being around for such a long time certainly tells us they’ve developed a relationship with Homo sapiens and will continue to thrive.

As I looked about, the skies were clear of bird life and I knew I wouldn’t see any TVs. My books say that our local birds have gone south by now (some TVs overwinter in Asheville, NC), although records also show a departure date for some in mid-November. Then a coincidence pops up. Although not a TV, I see an airplane and am reminded of how the Wright brothers worked out one of their biggest airplane-invention problems of achieving stability once airborne. They studied how TVs (they called them buzzards, which TVs are not) used their wings and tails to control their flight. And that was all they needed to solve the problem by inventing wing-warping, a mechanism that controls for yaw. Only from Mother Nature do we learn these things.

 Further research finds TVs’ graceful soaring is due to the entropic principle of thermals—the natural tendency of heat energy to waft up from warm patches of ground. Thus, TVs save energy by flying in tight circles within the thermals so they can scope the landscape for the carrion they seek. A disadvantage is that when it rains, they become grounded. Still, they thrive.

 An interesting fact I never knew is that TVs are related to cranes and storks, which made me think of the fables about storks bringing home newborn babies. Those accounts come to us via ancient Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythologies and later the folklore of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Although we know much more about science and laugh at the naivete, still, we find the stories exciting, absorbing and affirming to read. They warm our imagination and instill in us wonder and awe.

 Energy, Einstein said, can neither be created nor destroyed but only transformed. Studying TVs, we see how they’ve mastered the principle of entropy and kept up an equilibrium that’s simply astonishing. When I look to our nation’s political future, I hope we’re gearing up for a possible transformation. There will be challenges ahead. But I believe that Mother Earth’s resources promise us a better future. Happy birthday, Second Law!

Upcoming Events

Landscapes2024 Juried Art in partnership with the Fairborn Art Association

Landscapes2024 Juried Art Winners: 1st Place Blue Ribbon “Menagerie of Greene” by Renee Hopson, 2nd Place Red Ribbon “Ribbit” and “Autumn Glow” by Marsha Elliot, 3rd Place White Ribbon “Amazing Life” by James Gifford, People’s Choice Purple Ribbon “Four Spotted Pennant” by Sue Seitz

Dear BW-Greenway members,

As a BW-Greenway member, you have demonstrated your support for
environmental sustainability. The Fairborn Environmental Advisory Board
(FEAB) shares that vision and is seeking volunteers to work with two of
its subcommittees: Energy Efficiency and Waste Management (reduce,
reuse, recycle, compost).

See this YouTube video for information about the FEAB:
https://youtu.be/eka-MFtKhu0?si=XjXNksCPLSl79GEt

If you are available to volunteer, please contact Tana Stanton at
stanton.tana@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support and your help,

Tom Duffee
Chair, BW-Greenway Board of Trustees

Partner of the Year Award

On September 20th B-W Greenway was honored by Partners for the Environment as Partner of the Year for our success in protecting sensitive lands and water resources and implementing programs and events focused on environmental issues.

Jack Taylor’s Eagle Scout Project

Jack Taylor took it upon himself to make a lasting impact on our local ecosystem. With unwavering determination and a passion for environmental stewardship, this young scout undertook the challenging task of clearing invasive honeysuckle from Fairborn’s delicate Garland Wetland Reserve. Jack’s commitment to preserving our natural spaces not only showcases the transformative power of individual action but also serves as an inspiring example for our community. Let's celebrate the positive change brought about by this young environmental champion and encourage others to follow in his footsteps towards a more sustainable future.

Juried Art 2023 People’s Choice Award

At the conclusion of the 2023 B-W Greenway/Fairborn Art Association Juried Art Competition, the People’s Choice Award was given to Yuki Hall for her piece ”Winterlude”. During the month of July, visitors viewed 66 pieces of art submitted by 36 artists. B-W Greenway Community Land Trust would like to thank the artists who participated in the juried art competition and look forward to their participation in 2024.

B-W Greenway and the Fairborn Art Association Announce Awards for the Landscape2023 Juried Art Exhibition.

 B-W Greenway and the Fairborn Art Association, for the twelfth year, sponsored a juried art competition to heighten public awareness of local greenspaces and the need to preserve these assets.  Each year, a different location is selected for the artists to visit and be inspired. The 2023 locations were Hebble Creek Reserve and Community Park Reserve. This year, the competition attracted 36 artists and 66 pieces of artwork. The juror for Landscape2023 was Ms. Remy Groh. On July 11, the opening reception was held at the Fairborn Art Association Gallery, awards were presented to the following artists:

 First Place – Elizabeth Beecher, Along the Pond

Second Place – Edmund Merricle – Redwing Blackbird

       Third Place – Julia Roberts – Walk in The Woods

Honorable Mention, nine artists received ribbons: Gene Fabricatore, James Gifford, Kim Ceccarelli, Brendan Higgins, Tessa Kalman, Jane Trame, Shirlee Bauer, Nanci Payne and Suzie King

 The show is open to the public on July 16 and July 23th from 1 to 3pm at the Fairborn Art Association Gallery at 221 Center Street, Fairborn, OH.

Fairborn has Another Protected Wetland

On Thursday, May 25th , the City of Fairborn received ownership of a 4 acre wetland located southwest of the intersection of State Route 235 (E. Xenia Dr.) and Interstate 675. The wetland is a Category 2 (the second highest designation). It is habitat for many plant, animal and bird species. The unofficial name of the wetland is Fairborn’s Welcoming Wetland. It is directly north of the 164 acre Cemex Reserve. Pearl’s Run, a small stream with year-round flow, originates to the north of both sites and flows south through Fairborn’s Welcoming Wetland and Cemex Reserve before diversion to Red Bank Ditch. It is proposed to stop this diversion and reconnect the headwater stream to the Beaver Creek. This acquisition was possible via a Clean Ohio Fund grant awarded to B-W Greenway Community Land Trust (B-WGCLT). The 4 acre wetland will be preserved in perpetuity by a Conservation Easement held by B-WGCLT. This brings to a total of 14 properties of 336 acres conserved in Bath Township and the City of Fairborn by B-WGCLT. The Clean Ohio grant funds will be used for wetland restoration through partnership with Greene County Soil and Water, City of Fairborn, and B-WGCLT. The grant does not provide for boardwalks or an observation deck but they may be applied for in the future.

Garland Wetland Reserve Dedication

What a beautiful day for a dedication 25 years in the making! Thanks to all who attended. This could not have happened without your support and dedication.

B-W Greenway’s 1st Annual Earth Day and 5K

We would like to thank everyone who braved the weather to visit our 1st annual Earth Day and 5K event in Fairborn on April 22 and 23. Thank you to our amazing sponsors: Wagner Subaru, SPARK Fairborn, Village Solar Co, Fairborn City Schools, Nature’s Oil Soaps, Hive Noon, What About Us Financial, S.C. Landscapes, Thank you to the SPARK Speakers, Drive Electric Dayton, Fairborn Fire Fighters, vendors, and food vendors for being with us.

Our 25th Anniversary was a HUGE success!

We would like to thank everyone who attended our 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting this past Thursday! Marilyn Baumer and Ken Dahms (posthumously) received the Green Heart Award. Thank you to Current Cuisine and Partial to Pie for catering. Thank You to Tom Duffee and his fellow musicians. And, a BIG Thank You to Jeff Johnson from ODNR for being our guest speaker!

About B-W Greenway

What is a Land Trust?

A Land Trust permanently protects natural areas by partnering with landowners to place conservation easements on their properties. A conservation easement gives legal assurance that the property's natural quality will be preserved in perpetuity. 

GET INVOLVED AND HELP US PRESERVE OHIO’S WETLANDS