Meet the Friends of H.O.M.E.
Susan Werner
Sign painted by J. Dame
For 20 years I have annually traveled from Berkeley, CA to Mount Shasta to commune with Panther Meadows – eager to experience renewal in nature and revelations of my inner nature.
I felt initiated into a profound connection with Panther Meadows when I met the campground host, Johnny Dame, in 2003. Johnny, a naturalist and interpreter, welcomed me and imparted knowledge about the ecology of the Meadows and respect for the Native American heritage. I was “all ears” while I walked the trail with Johnny from the campground to the Spring and the path of all life as connected and sacred. Johnny exuded Meadow life: his vibrant smile reflected the colorfully blooming alpine wildflowers, his words softly spoken vibrated snow-melt moistened ground, and his whistling echoed bird songs that graced the way.
While the babbling stream accompanied our footsteps, I learned about the intricate interdependency of Meadow life. Johnny spoke about the Heather Vole that burrowed underground, which aerated soil around the Heather plants, and allowed the plants to breathe, hold the meadow together, and insure habitat for the Vole. I implicitly understood “step only on trails,” as stepping off-trail would compress soil close to the roots of the Heather, and potentially kill the plants.
At the Spring I slipped into silence. Johnny humbly spoke about the longstanding significance of the Mountain to Native Americans, and their ongoing relationship with Panther Meadows and the Spring. I learned that at this Native American ceremonial site it is considered respectful to sing, say prayers and leave no offerings.
Johnny illuminated the Meadow’s delicate ecosystem. He described the erosion that occurred when people camped and rode horses on the land. He highlighted that people were working diligently to restore the Meadows, and the effective collaboration among the Ecology Center H.O.M.E. program, the US Forest Service, Native Americans, and local volunteers. I understood ongoing collaboration as necessary to preserve both the Meadows’ fragile ecology and the integrity of this Native American traditional cultural property.
Over the past 5 years, I have experienced the impact of decreased monitoring of the campground and Meadows. Sounds of people at night have muddled the silence of star-sparkled skies. Along the trails, interpretive signs have disappeared, and at the Spring, people have collected water close to its mouth. Over the past 4 years I have spoken with US Forest Service staff about the need for and ways to effectively care for Panther Meadows, and I increased my donations to the Ecology Center. I have longed to contribute to the stewardship of precious Panther Meadows.
Serendipitously, in August 2020 I was introduced to Shanti by a mutual friend when we met on the trail to South Gate Meadows. I felt camaraderie with Shanti as we shared concern about the increase of visitors to the Mountain and when she said she wanted to raise funds to care for the Mountain. That exchange sparked our ongoing contact and creation of the GoFundMe for H.O.M.E.
I hope the GoFundMe for H.O.M.E. serves to catalyze and effectively channel care for the Mountain. Investing in H.O.M.E.’s activities will provide interpretive signage and ensure that well-trained volunteers and trailhead hosts are available to share the wisdom of the Mountain and the Meadows. Conscientious efforts are needed to familiarize visitors with the delicate ecology of the Meadows and Mountain and the Native American cultural heritage of Mount Shasta. May love of Mount Shasta’s splendor and the imperative to preserve its integrity invigorate our good stewardship of this beloved Mountain.
–Susan Werner