The Ecosystem Guild is not an institution, it is a community network built of relationships in pursuit of a regenerative bioregional culture. The Guild has been emerging across the Salish Sea and Cascadia for generations.
A website was developed by stewards in the estuary cities of Olympia and Tumwater, where the Deschutes River enters Budd Inlet on the southernmost Salish Sea, an area once tended by the Lushootseed-speaking Steh’chass band, ancestors of the Squaxin Island Tribe.
Below is an excerpt from a post that is part of a standing body of work to capture the seasonal nature of our lives, and how the 8 seasons of the year might apply to the work of the Ecosystem Guild and Restoration Camping. Visit the Ecosystem Guild to read more about this unique approach to restoring watersheds through community.
Budswell and Springtime
Budswell February 1 to March 22
Budswell begins sometime around Brigid’s Day, also called Imbolc or Candlemas, with the Chinese Lunar New Year sometime near. Day length grows rapidly, buds swell, and bulbs push through duff. Budswell ends, and springtime begins with the Spring Equinox, celebrated around the world since time before memory, now remembered as Nawruz, Higan, Easter or Passover.
Winter still holds the land in its wet cold grip, but many creatures, marking the day length, know that the green flush of spring is just around the corner. The mountains are hopefully deep in snow, a vast crystalline reservoir ensuring summer river flow.
Springtime
March 20 to May 1
Springtime begins on the Vernal Equinox in late March. The balance of light and dark has been celebrated around the world since time before memory, and is now remembered as Nawruz, Higan, Easter or Passover. Days lengthen and shoots and flowers spill from swelling buds. By Mayday, the green cloak is renewed and Springtime turns to Bloom.
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