The Suwanee Creek Greenway, is a beautiful, peaceful multi-use paved trail where exercise enthusiasts and nature lovers can walk, skate, bike and jog. It covers 4 miles of woods, wetlands and wildlife habitat. I like it because even though it is not very long, the scenery is constantly changing. There are sections of very tall hardwoods, winding creeks, along with views of weedy marshes. One night I spotted a beaver swimming in the marsh. I have seen rabbits, deer, woodpeckers, tadpoles and many other creatures while on that trail.
The City of Suwanee, Georgia, has recieved numerous accolades and awards for their Green Space Initiative, including the 2004 and 2005 CREATE Community Award from the Atlanta Regional Commission in the Community Building category for building parks. The city has purchased over 200 acres of greenspace over the past few years. Besides the Greenway, there are 3 new parks, including the Town Center Park with interactive fountain and ampitheatre, and a state-of-the-art playground. The city government has good relationships with its State Senators and Congressman who work to tirelessly to hand grants their way. This is all no doubt due to the charm and persuasive powers of the Mayor of Suwanee, Nick Masino. Everyone loves Mayor Nick Masino! He has got one of these personalities that makes everyone feel relaxed and want to be his friend, and give his city tons of money.
Mayor Nick MasinoThe Suwanee Creek Greenway is such a peaceful, lovely, quiet place it is hard to believe that you are in the middle of suburban sprawl. Since it is only 2 miles from my home, I go there a lot to escape the monotony of working all day in front of a PC.
Last night, while riding my bike when I come upon a man who was sitting on a bench next to the trail lighting some type of firework. He would light it, it would send up smoke from his hand and then he would throw it up over his head into the air, while still sitting down. It made a whistly whir, like a wheeeeeeeeeeew, and then bang. Gee, looked like hordes of fun and excitement. As I passed him on my bike, I shot him a dirty look, because I thought he was an idiot. I was worried at first it might blow up on my head. As I made my way down this mellow and formerly peaceful stretch of trail, I breathed in the smoke from the firework. They kept shooting off, annoying my only chance all day for peace and quiet. Every 2 minutes or so for the next hour, he shot one off. Along with the noise pollution, I noticed all the wrappers and trash just thrown on the ground. I didn't have to the nerve to say anything to him, but I kept thinking "what a loser".
I started worrying about the bunnies. I am sure they heard that sound and got frightened. I worried about all the tadpoles and little insects who he killed. We taught in Boy Scouts to practice Leave No Trace principles when enjoying the great outdoors, which means being careful to have minimal impact on the enviroment, in order not to disturb the natural interaction between plants and animals, no matter how miniscule. Later after I did another loop and the man had finished having so much fun (it sure looked like a blast!), I got off my bike and picked up all the trash he left there. Tonight while walking with the kids over the same spot, I sadly noticed even more firecracker litter.
I do not understand firecrackers. The joy they bring in blowing them off is way over my head. I understand going to see a professional fireworks display. But I don't get why people enjoy blowing off firecrackers. Bang. Woo. Is that exciting? Is it fun? I think it's assinine and dangerous. Let me state for the record that anyone who goes into an of natural beauty to shoot off firecrackers is a moron.
