Our Common Home, in anticipation of Earth Day, has compiled resources for us in the parish community to better appreciate the beautiful nature all around us.
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 and Beyond
“For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and the trees in the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
Experience God’s wondrous creations by taking the time to go outdoors. If we are to become “stewards of the Earth” we must experience all that is good. “God saw everything that he made, and indeed, it was very good” Genesis 1:31.
Our community is blessed with so many natural areas to explore.
Southbury Land Trust protects and cares for over 2,000 acres of open space and farmland in Southbury. As a private, non-profit organization they are dedicated to the preservation of farmland, open spaces, and natural resources for the benefit of present and future residents of Southbury. Their six preserves are open from sunrise to sunset. From the Phillips-Lovdal Farm Preserve at 155 acres to the Fox Hollow Preserve at 23 acres, there are many gorgeous areas to visit.
Bent of the River Audubon Center and Sanctuary rests on approximately 700 acres. The pollinator and wildlife plantings on the property provide a beautiful natural habitat for pollinating insects, birds, and other wildlife to live, and for people to enjoy.
Kettletown State Park, located on the picturesque Lake Zoar on the Housatonic River, this 605 acre park has over six miles of hiking trails. Due to the flood of 2024 currently only the nearly 2 mile Miller Trail, on the west side of the park, is available for hiking.
Southford Falls State Park, 169 acres where you will discover a waterfall, a covered bridge, observation tower, picnic gazebo, two-mile trail network, and Paper Mill Pond. Designated a trout park, it also contains the foundation remnants of the Diamond Match Company.
Larkin State Park Trail, this 10.3 mile trail stretches across four towns, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford and Southbury. Although a large section of the trail remains closed due to the 2024 flooding, there are many scenic areas to explore whether by foot, bike or horseback. Along this former railroad bed you might catch a glimpse of wildlife in the streams, wetlands, ponds and deciduous woodlands.
Our Common Home Earth Day Reading Suggestions
Loving God’s creation & God’s most vulnerable is at the heart of who we are.
Books have been chosen for children and adults to help build ecological and environmental awareness within our community in celebration of the 56th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22.
Earth Day Adult Books
“Raising Hare; A Memoir” by Chloe Dalton (2024)
A meditation on freedom, trust, loss and our relationship with the natural world. The hare becomes a companion that teaches patience and appreciation for the natural world. “A reminder that the best things, and most beautiful experiences, arise when we least expect them.”
“The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees” by Douglas W. Tallamy (2021)
Reveals the ecological importance of oaks with both scientific and anecdotal information. Food, habitat for creatures of all sizes, champions of enhancing soil stability and moisture. The mighty oak is a welcome addition to our landscape!
“The Breath of the Gods: The History and Future of the Wind” by Simon Winchester (2025)
Wind as a malevolent force and wind as a savior of our planet. Winchester explores a world of fascination, history, literature, science, poetry and engineering. Seen as a heavenly creation and a thing of essential goodness, this force respects no national boundaries,
“Black Bear: A Story of Siblinghood and Survival” by Trina Moyles (2026)
A story of grief and peaceful existence in a divided world. Moyles’ lifelong fascination with black bears examined along with fragile relationships and the imperative to protect our wild ecosystems.
“How Flowers Made Our World: The Story of Nature’s Revolutionaries” by David George Haskell (2026)
Flowers are beautiful revolutionaries. Without flowers human beings would not exist. Haskell shows how we are dependent on flowers for food, habitats; for beauty, scent and culturally important rituals.
“Come, Have Breakfast: Meditations on God and the Earth” by Elizabeth A. Johnson, CSJ (2024)
Meditations on God’s expansive creation, by theologian Elizabeth Johnson, that inspires our hearts and moves us to action on behalf of our created kin and our uncommon common home.
Earth Day Children’s Books
“Little Bird’s Day” by Sally Morgan, Illustrated by Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr (2019)
A day in the life of Little Bird, who sings the world alive, flies with Cloud, travels with Wind, nestles with Moon and dreams of flying among the stars. A read-aloud story that pays tribute to nature.
“Berry Song” by Michaela Goade (2022)
A girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the Earth, brimming with joy and gratitude as they sing to the land the land sings to them. We are part of the land as the land is part of us.
“Remember” by Us Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (2023)
Renowned poem that urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how everyone on Earth is connected.
“The Three Questions” by Jon J Muth (2002)
“When is the best time to do things?”, “Who is the most important?” and “What is the right thing to do?”. Based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy, a boy named Nikolai seeks answers from his animal friends. Perfect questions to ask yourself as we celebrate Earth Day!
“Dear Earth…from Your Friends in Room 5” by Erin Dealey (2020)
A classroom starts a pen-pal relationship with planet Earth. A celebration of every child’s ability to connect with the environment and make a positive impact. Fun and interactive year-round activities.
“Safe Crossing” by Kari Percival (2025)
As frogs and salamanders make their way to vernal pools to breed, citizen scientists act as crossing guards. Perfect for curious, nature-loving young readers to understand how they can make a difference.
Prayer (“Stewardship of the Earth” by Stephen J. Binz)
Passionate Creator, your heart grieves when you see destruction and violence within your creation. Make me a person who sees the world with your eyes and give me a heart that cares about the earth. Help me always seek to preserve the variety, abundance, and fertility of your creation.
Prayer (“Stewardship of the Earth” by Stephen J. Binz)