Strength and Resilience in Times of Drought
The red maple tree outside my office window marks the seasons of the earth and the seasons of my life. Her red bud action in mid-April ignites spring time hope even if it takes another 6 weeks for full delicate leaves to appear. By mid-June, her lush green dress shades the cabin and east side of the house.
Drought Stressed Red Maple
Usually, today, September 3rd, the Christmas like mix of green and crimson leaf jewelry should be sparkling in the sun before the complete blush of red overtakes her and she releases this year’s leaves for next year’s nourishment.
But this year has not been usual. Sometime in early August, the upper leaves turned brown and withered. The hot dry winds swept the shriveled leaves away. The leaves that remain are tiny, still mostly green, and cover the lower two thirds of the branches. In August I thought she was “done,” but no,
she is not dead,
only protecting herself from the heat and drought.
Years from now when the log that was her life reveals her growth rings, this year’s ring will be small. After weeks without rain and too much heat, she photosynthesized what she could and then let go. This is what drought stress does to a tree. It’s a type of contraction. Only this much and no more. She knows her limits.
Are we drought stressed and contracted like the trees? What will our growth ring for this year show? Did we recognize our limits and let go for now?
And for the future, how do we keep building resilience for times like these?
Trees survive harsh conditions best when they grow in rich soil with a diversity of tree species companions, near water, and with deep roots. Since not all trees can grow in optimal conditions, recognizing limits and acting accordingly matters. Bit by bit, we can keep building the soil,cultivate relationships, deepen our roots and search for water.
We at Rise Above Guest House experience ourselves as a small part of a broader community of good people, earth creatures and land-based learners who realize that we need each other for strength and resilience in drought contracted times. Let’s keep finding each other.
Written by Marilyn September 3rd, 2025
