This year has brought the CCLC team more unexpected and unique challenges than most of us have faced in our lifetimes, as it has, I’m sure, for most of you. As we have worked through the unprecedented events of 2020, I have tried always to remember that there is tremendous opportunity for growth during times of crisis and discord, or as Khalil Gibran wrote, in The Prophet, “the deeper that sorrow carves into your soul the more joy it can contain.” Our task, then, must be to focus on the possibilities and to work toward joy.
The title for this new blog is based on the simple idea that we are much stronger when we work together. During a time when many of us have been unable to gather in the ways we are accustomed to, we want to focus on the significance and the power of collaboration, whether we are learning together in one room or united, remotely, in our work to affect change, whether our mission is restoring wildlife habitat or overcoming discrimination and inequity in our society. We have learned from experience that partnerships and community are the foundations for success, and today we need them more than ever before.
Importantly, we also intend to use Gathering as a forum for bringing together different perspectives and diverse voices from across the watershed, to connect, and to affirm our commitment to promoting racial equality and inclusion. As we emerge from our cocoons, CCLC remains focused on strengthening and building our community of like-minded landscape professionals and others who work at the intersection of water, flora & fauna, climate, and designed spaces to benefit the environment and protect the health of our local communities and the iconic Chesapeake Bay.
Please join us as we Gather.
Beth Ginter
Executive Director
Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council
