Today volunteers are out all
over Seattle and King County. It's MLK Day, a national Day of Service in memory
of Dr King and his teaching that “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What
are you doing for others?” My friend and co-author Liz
Moore (aka the data whisperer) and I worked with folks fromCityFruit. Since 2008 this group has been promoting cultivation
of urban fruit to nourish people, build comity and protect the climate. Last year they tended,
harvested and distributed 6500 pounds of fruit grown on trees in Seattle city
parks. Liz
and I worked on a hillside up behind the Amy Yee Tennis Center is south
Seattle. It turns out there are 30 some very mature long neglected apple and pear trees there,
perhaps a former orchard. City Fruit's 5 year plan includes rescuing the trees
from ivy, blackberry and underbrush, restoring them to productivity, and
sharing the harvest with neighbors and local food banks, and selling some to Seattle
restaurants to sustain the operation. Liz and I rescued three apple trees nearly strangled
by ivy and blackberry. And we learned something about our city, met some of our
fellow citizens and left the world a little better place. Thanks, Dr. King, for the inspiration and
leadership. Thanks to UW
and United Way of King Countyfor organizing the day of service. Thanks to all who
serve, and all who accept service. ss |