I grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia near George Washington’s home of Mount Vernon. Our new subdivision homes were built on farmland with some farms still operating at that time with many dairy cows. It took awhile to get accustomed to the loud “Mooo” sounds.

On the back of our home was grass, a vegetable and flower garden, and then a bamboo thicket where kids could play and observe wildlife like a family of rabbits. I did not know at that time bamboo came from Asia as an invasive species.

I also liked to lay on my back and stare up at the clouds in the sky. Big pillows floating in the bright blue sky, I would dream they were cotton candy!

The main road Sherwood Hall Lane at that time was small and winding around huge oak trees. We played Robin Hood thinking about Sherwood forest and other games outside.

There were creeks nearby, including Little Hunting Creek, that flowed into the Potomac River where we could splash and swing on vines and ropes playing like Tarzan. We’d find frogs, turtles, and water skeeters along with shiny and moss-covered rocks.

Going on family picnics to the river or parks was a fun weekend activity. A bike path was built along the river for people to get exercise outside. I feel fortunate to have spent my childhood finding a love for nature! They say people will protect what and who they love.