Nature Opens Up in Interviews With Spring
Lili Jones | April 25, 2024
Spring is sprung as the semester comes to a close at Warren Wilson College (WWC). The whole campus is alive with a chorus of birdsongs and sneezes, and the hot gossip on the streets is that the April Showers are bringing extra May flowers this year.
“You won’t Bee-lieve the effort we’ve been putting in to pollinate all of the plants around campus.” Said the Western Honey Bee, a first-year resident on the pollination crew, “Everyone’s been buzzing about the Garden Crew’s new pick-your-own beds! What a great opportunity for students and community members to get involved with the garden.”
Over the last few weeks of classes, keep an eye peeled for the handiwork of the bees on Sunderland Lawn and in Sage Circle.
“Everyone always forgets that we’re both edible and medicinal,” Dandelion said, a non-native, but non-invasive species at WWC. “We may not be native to North America, but we are rich in antioxidants and don’t overtake native populations. Plus, we’re named after cats, so we’re pretty much set.”
The Buffalo Clover, a native species often found lounging in grassy areas on campus said, “I’m pretty yummy myself. And once the bees have had their fill of nectar, my blossoms make a tea that almost rivals the Herb Cabin.”
If you’re looking for a substantial salad ingredient, there are several invasive options available across campus. Wood Sorrel, Kudzu Leaves, Onion Grass and Garlic Mustard are all ready to be eaten by hungry students throughout the Spring and Summer.
For those who are currently avoiding the outdoors at all costs for the sake of survival, Pollen, an every-year student on the (un) Wellness crew makes a public apology:
“Y’all, I’m sorry– I’m being bad this year. I just can’t help it! There are so many surfaces for me to land on and the inside of your nose is just so cozy.”
A dip in the Swannanoa, a 12,000-year student on the Student Activities Crew, might help with some of Pollen’s itchiness.
“I’m pretty cold most of the time, but once it gets a little warmer, you come crawling back to me every year. You guys know how much E. Coli I have, right?” Swannanoa said.
The baby Bears, first-year students, mostly just talked about how disappointed they were about the new bear-proof garbage cans on campus.
“Mom told us about all this yummy garbage all winter, and now that we’re here, we can’t even get to it! I hear Liesl Erb is happy about it, but we super aren’t.” Said the Bears, who despite being adorable, are hangry and should be avoided.
The birds are all chatting up a storm about the Mourning Dove’s daily concerts, which students can hear around dawn and dusk. If you listen closely down by the Farm, Ethel the Cow often sings along.
Students may be leaving campus for the summer after next week’s exams, but there are still many fellow Wilsonites that students should get acquainted with before they leave.
Even though you’re busy, bee sure to thank all the pollinators you see across campus, be Bear-ful around Bears and other wildlife, sample the edible plants you come across and don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers.