Message from the Mountain

June 2025/Issue #12

Adaptability

The soft leafy ferns that we see from time to time, are actually ancient plants whose ancestors first appeared on Earth over 300 million years ago. Fernlike characteristics are known to be combined in numerous fossils coming from geologic strata from as early as the Devonian Period, some 419.2 million years ago. Some references estimate, at one point, ferns grew to over 100 feet tall. Over time, they have adapted to survive in amazing ways. They continue to grow, even in shaded areas, dry climates, and soggy soil.

The adaptability of ferns in hostile environments has been a wonderful example of how nature adapts. We are part of nature, like it or not. We adapt to our surroundings, conditions, and ways of life. It's sort of odd when I hear, "What if it doesn't work out?" I tend to reply, "When has it not worked out?" If we look at that result, it always works out, albeit maybe not the exact procedures or outcome we wanted, but it does work out. Just like the ferns, our surroundings will change, but we can adapt to whatever comes our way. What a great example, the ferns.

Sometimes, when I touch ferns, I can feel the soft history they possess. I can almost see the little leaves curl up in excitement to share their story of longevity and adaptability. I hope that we have plenty of ferns at Mobility Mountain. It would be great to have them as ambassadors in our mission of Making Nature Accessible, don't you think so? I'm sure they would appreciate it.

Target of Opportunity.

By Jeffrey Pryor

I have to share this experience with everyone, as it was a lesson in reality for me. Recently, I was contacted by someone who wanted to donate to our cause. Of course, I became excited, as the amount was going to be enough to cover the cost of a grant writer. I daydreamed about how we would win grants and start Making Nature Accessible. Oh, the possibilities!

The check was mailed out right as I was moving to West Virginia. The post office played around with it for about a week, then it arrived. I was surprised to see the amount was more than I had expected. I thought, "How nice of him to support us like this." After all, the heartfelt emails were genuine.

Almost immediately, he started requesting a refund for the overage, via electronic funds transfer. I responded that I would take action after the donation check clears, I would refund him via check and with a new receipt. The check never cleared, and it was a simple case of fraud. I felt bad because I had been so desperately pumped up to receive a sizable donation, that I did not see the trees for the forest, or however that goes. I had to step back and understand that everything will happen in due time. Not only that, but I withstood the attack on Mobility Mountain and our bank account. So, I am giving myself some credit, and I clearly understand that my paychecks will be covering a grant writer. It was too easy. I keep praying that our mission moves forward, but I seem to forget about the patience part. I am working on that, diligently. Thanks for reading, and believing in our mission of Making Nature Accessible.

#financialfraudhurts #makingnatureaccessible #dobetter