Reposted from Portland Protectors:

“A powerful event took place in Portland today. Portland Maine Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department and the Burnurwurbskek Singers of the Penobscot Nation in conjunction with the Bayside Neighborhood Association held a blessing of the sapling forest on the Bayside Trail (part of Portland Trails) along with an immersive forest bathing walk. The Burnurwurbskek Singers, including three generations of drum leader Ron Bear’s family, performed a series of sacred songs, each a prayer. The drumming drew in visitors to the often lonely trail, while others stood behind Trader Joe’s chain link fence listening. The music also drew something surprising and unusual which none present had ever seen soaring over Bayside: A bald eagle. Ron Bear wasn’t surprised, however, saying eagles show up when the group performs. The drumming and singing were followed by a Shinrin-Yoku Forest Bathing experience led by Portland’s Supervising Park Ranger Elizabeth Collado. This event culminated with a tea ceremony using white pine tea. As Ranger Liz reminded the group, the Eastern white pine is the Maine state tree and the Tree of Peace of the Haudenosaunee nations. Those assembled breathed in the here and now and envisioned the area when the young trees are mature and casting shade across a parkway surrounded by hundreds of new apartments. Parks and trees are essential to current and future residents of Portland. Today this baby urban forest was hugged and blessed. We look forward to watching it grow.”