This is a collaboration between MEEC and Miami River Valley Wild Church. For information on the Wild Church movement, visit wildchurchnetwork.com. If you would like to be kept informed of changes to the Wild Church schedule and receive reminders for future Wild Church events, click here.
Wild Church is an opportunity to explore nature with others, to slow down, and to renew your spirit, refresh your body and expand your mind. These gatherings are facilitated by Methodist Deaconness Beth Vanoli. We begin with a liturgy of poetry and readings, followed by a time of Centering Prayer. The “homily” is our soul in conversation with the Divine, each in our own way— around the grounds and nature trails at Mount Saint John before gathering back together for a time of sharing.
We will meet at the Deacon Greg Cecere Pavilion on Lot C at Mount Saint John; in case of inclement weather, we will begin in the MEEC meeting room in Saint Joseph Hall. For a map and directions, click the "visit" tab at the top of this page. Bring a reading or a poem about nature and creation to share, if you wish. We love to hear what speaks to your heart in this season. It is helpful if you can arrive a little before 10:00 so we can begin on time. If you have questions, email Beth.
What's going on in nature in June?
June is the peak month to see baby mammals, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and groundhogs. It's the "fruit drop" month when trees drop excess immature fruit, such as walnuts, plums and apples. The sweet fragrance of basswood trees fill the air.
The spring-blooming plants are fading as spiderworts, beardtongues, false indigos, wild strawberries, wild roses, cinquefoils, wild petunias, wild impatiens and many more species set flowers.
The first fireflies emerge, and the first generation of the migrating monarch butterfly born here take flight. The last generation - usually the fourth, depending on the year - will make the trip back to Mexico in the fall.
Common nighthawks and bats put on aerial displays and brown bats give birth.
Turtles are more visible as they travel to ponds to lay eggs. Watch for them on the road; if you see one and it’s safe to stop, gently move it to the side of the road pointing in the direction it was heading.
Waterfowl are molting their flight feathers and aren’t often seen on the wing. They stay busy on the ground and in the water as their young learn to swim and forage.
The overture of what will become the symphony of night-singing insects begins.
If you welcome back orioles and hummingbirds with feeders that restore them post-migration, you may notice far fewer visits as they enter their nesting period. It’s just as important to keep the feeders clean and keep harmful bacteria at bay, though, as they will make quick feeding trips.
Dragonfly and damselfly diversity spikes. Greene county is home to 94 known species - just over half the state total - and many can be seen in June. The most common at MSJ in June are azure bluets, green darners, and widow skimmers.
Hummingbird hawk moths are among the many butterflies and moths that emerge in June; hawk moths are so large they are often mistaken for baby hummingbirds.