(This Post was contributed by Kira Burda, founding member of Restoravore.)

It’s definitely feeling like Fall here in Pleasant Valley! As I watch the beauty of our changing habitat, I am reminded of how much change itself can be miraculous.

I feel I speak for all of my fellow Restoravore members, when I think back on our August outreach event and remember the sense of positive change and closeness that day brought. At our core, we are hoping to build an accessible route for people to engage with their local environment in a noticeable and positive way. This dream really felt achievable with all of the neighbors and supporters with us that day! From the enthusiasm of the early group of bluff hikers, to those that were having such a fun time trying goat meat for the first time – I know I felt so much gratitude in simply being with people who want to be in community with each other.

In looking up the definition of ‘community’ I found this: “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”

What could be more beautiful than that? Fellowship. Not only with other humans, but with our natural surroundings as well. We are trying to have the same goals that our native ecosystem would have… to be in fellowship with our planet by focusing on local community building and goal setting. It all starts with events like this one that simply bring people together to start a conversation, to inform and engage and open channels of involvement. It was a wonderful success and we are so thankful!

As a new non-profit organization, we are trying to learn quickly the best ways to reach our goals. Our hope is that more events, like this one that we held in August, will open avenues for our neighbors to step in and have measurable impact. Human beings can do amazing things when we can come together with a shared purpose. Feeling so much gratitude for the amazing place we call home – both its people and its natural miraculousness.

Editor’s note from Gabe- As Kira described, our Pleasant Valley Summer event on 8/4/2024 was a huge success! It included:

  • Over 200 attendees
  • A morning hike on Pleasant Bluff
  • Food prepared on site with the help of Black & Sons Butcher Co. (Supplied by Paul and Melissa Richards and Blackberry Ridge Farm)
  • An introductory presentation by Restoravore
  • Community networking time
  • Plenty of kids running free