By Rob Rainer, MMLT Director

As nature lovers know, nature has a music unto itself. Birdsong, ‘frogsong’, ‘cricketsong’, rhythmic waves, the winds that whistle through treetops – all and more are part of the “notes of nature” that help to make time in nature so pleasurable, and necessary.

Marrying the love of nature with the love of music, on June 14th at the Maberly Community Hall in Tay Valley Township, six musicians and singers played their hearts out for a standing-room only audience and to raise money for the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust. On stage were MMLT President Steve Kotze (mandolin, percussion, vocals), MMLT Director Rob Rainer (guitar, vocals), Rob’s wife Mary Lou Carroll (piano, vocals), David Ramsden (guitar, vocals), Doug Barr (bass, guitar, vocals), and Rebecca Worden (vocals, percussion).

“The songs we chose for the first Notes for Nature benefit for MMLT,” explains Rob Rainer, “were carefully chosen for the theme of the event. We included songs that most if not all audience members had never heard before, such as Witchi Tai To, an Indigenous chant set to music, Open Spaces, a piano instrumental, and Common Ground, an ensemble piece celebrating the Earth and community.” Also included were well known and popular tunes such as Black Fly Song, Home From The Forest, and Over The Rainbow.

“The event was superb and not the least because $3,500 was raised for MMLT,” said Stacie Lloyd, Executive Director. “We also gained some new members and at least one new monthly donor. Everyone had a really good time and we look forward to more such events!”

Plans are underway for the next Notes for Nature benefit, tentatively scheduled for June 5th (World Environment Day) at a venue either in Almonte or Carleton Place. Stay tuned (literally and figuratively)!