Tanglewood News (Apr. 8)

Tanglewood news Apr. 8th 2020

First, a note from Elaine Spacher, Executive Director:

Hello Tanglewood Friends!

I wanted to give a report about what Tanglewood has been up to the past few weeks. Three words – lots of support. The staff, which I have always known is our absolute best asset, has been working hard and supporting each other during this time. The Tanglewood Board has supported me in my ask to keep everyone employed and fully paid during this month. Everyone on staff has their own role to play and we have all shifted from what we are used to doing to a kind of new flow. Some of us are making educational videos (Bridget has become an expert editor) and working on virtual after-school programs. Some of us are going to seemingly endless Zoom meetings and completing applications for federal assistance. We also continue to pay bills, feed the animals, and talk to each other daily. All of us are preparing for the time when we are open again and can get back to our regular flow.

I am proud to work at an organization that not only pulls together when the going gets tough, but one that gives people the space to get outside, stretch their legs, breathe some fresh air, and listen to spring arriving. I find that hearing the birds sing new songs and watching the grass begin to green and the plants start to bud, despite everything that is going on in the human world, is a good reminder that life does and will, go on. Nature has always been my place to decompress and reset, it has also been the place that reminds me I am just a small part of a very big world. The situation with Covid-19 has cemented the notion that I have always believed – we all NEED nature. That is why Tanglewood exists.

I appreciate those of you that receive this weekly email and follow us on Facebook. Your emails and comments and likes remind me that you are still thinking of us. We are still thinking of all of you too.

Hoping you are safe and healthy and connecting with nature.

Elaine

Second, we are extending the summer camp early bird pricing through this Friday 4/10. Regular pricing will go into effect Saturday 4/11. We are looking forward to summer camp and absolutely hope to see a bunch of happy kids who are ready to play outside and learn together! Registration is online only: http://www.tanglewoodnaturecenter.com/camp

Third, our TRAILS ARE OPEN, so enjoy a hike! The nature center is closed until further notice, which means that there are no restrooms for you to use nor water bottle refilling stations – plan ahead – and please remember to hike only with the people you already live with and to give other hikers a 6′ wide distance as you pass.

What we’re reading and watching this week:

Elaine promised us a bluebird video and she delivered!
The importance of letting your kids be bored.
The Maine man saving our rarest heirloom seeds.

Last week, Jim asked about the impacts of COVID19 on animals – I don’t think any of us would have predicted that a day later, a tiger would be diagnosed with this novel coronavirus. But here are some resources I’ve been reading about how this does (and generally speaking, doesn’t) impact our animals friends:

“It appears that dogs and cats are not readily infected with SARS-CoV-2, we have little to no evidence that they become ill, and no evidence that those that may be naturally infected spread SARS-CoV-2 to other pets or people.” This page also breaks down what we know about COVID19 in other species, including individual cases of animals, including the tiger. (American Veterinary Medical Association)
“At this time, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets.” (Centers for Disease Control) CDC recommendations on how to protect your pets and your family.
If you’ve heard rumors about ferrets and cats, here’s a fantastic breakdown of why those rumors started (ferrets are often used to test flu vaccines) and what the best science is showing us about the diverse family of coronaviruses. (LaFeber Vet, a resource for exotic animal veterinarians.)