Why on earth am I doing this?!

I'm a mom of youngsters who are rapidly discovering the joys of multiple after-school activities. I work in an industry notorious for quick turnaround and even faster burnout. I'm a member of the marketing committee at my kids' school, in charge of public relations. I also volunteer during the occasional party and school-wide event. I'm a member of our city's Neighborhood Preservation Commission and I actively participate in community volunteer projects. Yes, I get to shower but please don't ask me the last time I got a haircut... or the last time my husband Brian and I had uninterrupted sleep. He of course is equally busy. So why on earth did he and I come up with this community initiative, The Native Explorer?

Let's begin with a disclaimer that this isn't a rant. I'm certain many individuals out there have more stuff shoved onto their plate and don't complain about it. I'm actually thankful to be productive and engaged in all these activities. One of the women I follow on Facebook, Maria Kang who became a social media sensation for keeping fit while keeping her calendar full will tell you: There are "no excuses" especially if your hard work produces positive results.

For many years, around the time of my birthday, I'd be anxious. "You're about to wrap up another year," I'd think to myself, "Have you done anything to make your existence worthwhile?" (This may either sound dumb or dramatic to some but hey, this is the advantage of writing your own blog. You get to express yourself in all dramatic glory!) Okay, let's get back on track: The question nagged at me especially after I became pregnant. That was when Brian and I became so conscious of the fact that we were going to be responsible for raising humans who would either strive to make a positive impact in the world-- or do the opposite-- or do absolutely nothing with their life, which is equally disappointing. The nagging stopped after my kids were born and I learned that besides mine, other lives mattered.

Teaching our kids their responsibility as stewards of the environment began early in life. The challenges posed by nursing and changing cloth diapers while on the go didn't deter Brian and I from enjoying our passion for the outdoors. We'd take our toddlers on hikes and hours-long road trips. We all marveled at the sight of Missouri's Elephant Rocks, paddled in a canoe along Kentucky's Green River, and we taught our kids words like "deciduous" while pointing out which colorful tree lost its leaves in the fall. We all loved watching birds in flight, fluttering monarch and swallowtail butterflies, hives with bees hard at work; crayfish, tortoises and worms inching their way along our path; and spying on the tadpoles, guppies and geckos as they thrived in their native habitat. Shaw Nature Reserve became our piece of paradise where we basked in the rainbow of colors showcased by the changing seasons.

At home, we've always had sections in our garden dedicated to wildflowers. Yet when Brian began digging deeper into the topic of conservation and sustainability it dawned on us that we could support the coexistence of humans and helpful wildlife right in our very own yard. A brochure handed out by Project Pollinator (spearheaded by The Butterfly House) claimed, "Every third bite of food we eat is made possible by a pollinator." It was a mind-blowing insight.

We co-founded The Native Explorer because while it's our every right to focus on ourselves, our loved ones, our own set of responsibilities and activities we have to keep the bigger picture in mind: Our shared home, the Earth needs our support. We don't have to be multi-billionaires to do a world of good. Forgive me for the pun but it really is dirt cheap to accomplish the task. If YOU could dedicate at least a square foot of sunny patch in your yard or start a container garden on your balcony and choose to grow a plant (or two) that is native to your locale then wow-- that initial step could go toward supporting other living creatures that share the space we occupy on this planet.

Plants that have evolved to survive in a specific environment and cater to the needs of local wildlife are deemed "native". Through various interactive platforms offered by The Native Explorer we aim to encourage amateur gardeners like us to begin incorporating native plants in their formal/traditional garden. We won't ask you to get rid of that breathtakingly beautiful Japanese maple tree that's been in your family for 30 years. We won't discourage you from planting tulips, zinnias or mums. The Native Explorer website, blog, forum and in-person educational talks and garden tours are tools we wish to provide you for FREE. All we ask is that you keep an open mind and help us establish roots in the local community.

Visit and Like our Facebook page, The Native Explorer to get the latest news and tips on native planting. Email questions or comments to The.Native.Explorer@gmail.com. Leave your feedback and consider becoming a member of this community initiative by signing up through our website https://www.thenativeexplorer@wixsite.com/the-native-explorer.

Go wild!

Aina :)

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