In the quiet of a night at the end of January 2026, in Whiteside Park, remembering the park as it was in January 1978. That wasn’t long ago in Earth years, but a lot has changed since then. The Earth’s story reaches long before the presence of humans, countries, states, borders, Ely, Whiteside Park or winter festivals.
Within the calm and quiet night in town, time exists to appreciate the moon shadows on the snow as it covers the landscape during the winter months. Although each winter provides expected freezing temperatures, long nights, short days, plowing, shoveling, and winter recreation, all life has developed over time to conditions that may not be the same from year to year.
2026 has just begun and already, plans for the year to consider account for ll that has been learned by listening to the Earth and what can be drawn from experiences living on it over time.
Much of the human development on the landscape is relatively brief in “Earth terms”.
Looking at the uncarved blocks at this time, brings speculation and anticipation of what will appear over the coming week and continues the annual use of snow sculptures in telling the story of life here.
Where are we? What are we? How do we behave?
How do we treat ourselves, community members, visitors, the landscape, other life forms, our society, Earth?
This park changed from what was originally a wetland to a valued community space today. When exploring parts of history, which of those can be celebrated and what parts should be avoided? Earth history includes winter and on Feb. 2 a historic winter low temperature of -60 will be remembered.
Knowing what can happen from history should enable planning for acceptance or preparation for change.
Listening to the Earth and what it says from experience can happen. Everything has a story. Listen to and share stories. Enough stories have been heard to realize that every story should be evaluated. Maybe start with a walk in the park, late at night, among the moon shadows and the sculptures, to collect your thoughts, explore your beliefs, and seek sources to help build the future of this community and collective society.
When a friend tells you that they have been seeing cardinals at their bird feeder, you may discover that the bird in their photo makes them happy to learn is a male pine grosbeak which begins a whole new story.
Your community will grow from your help in defining its nature. Step out of the darkness and help each other realize that some beliefs aren’t always truths.
