Susan Grace
Time is the ingredient woven through all stories and all natural processes. On a field trip to Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest, I was able to hold a core drilled from the permafrost. It was so exciting to hold that frozen piece of time! The core contained material compressed over centuries, including decomposed vegetation, a bit of charcoal, and even mastodon poop. I felt a connection to all who have come before us in this place…ancient taiga, all the beings who walked this land, and years of season upon seasons of stories.
After reading Thomas Berry’s book The Universe Story, I was reminded of the fact that we humans have only been on the planet for a very short time compared to other living things. We are the baby sisters and brothers of all other beings who have walked this planet much longer than we have. We have a great deal to learn!
Opening to the wonder and awe of how the boreal forest came to be, I wrote a song and titled it “Time.” The boreal forest is a place I am privileged to call home.
Susan Grace
Susan Grace Stoltz (Susan Grace) has lived and treasured life in the boreal forest of the Interior of Alaska for almost 40 years. An accomplished folk singer and songwriter known as an Environmental Troubadour, she toured nationally for many years, speaking out for wild places and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Susan has also worked for years as an Environmental Educator, creating curricula and natural history programs. She has worked with the International Crane Foundation in Russia and South Korea, helping with youth and cranes and creating the International Crane Camp in Cherwon, South Korea.
