What do Atheists believe in? Nature, Beauty & Hope.
Some people think Atheists don't believe in anything. And they couldn't be more wrong. Nonbelievers are no different than everyone else! And while Atheists are diverse as a demographic, there are many things we do believe in:
Like America, and patriotism and the 4th of July. Which is why wanted to join in on the fun and march in the Bristol Parade this year. Unfortunately, the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration Committee (a group that's not affiliated with the town yet receives taxpayer dollars) rejected our application to join. They made it clear that Atheist Nonprofit Organizations were not welcome in their parade. But that didn't dampen our spirits!
Because Atheists believe in other things too. Like beauty, nature & contributing to our community. So we turned our energies towards Adopting a Spot by Roger Williams University. This past weekend, a group of intrepid gardeners added to the pollinator pathway in Bristol. We were quite literally in traffic, playing metal and jazz and digging holes and waving at supportive honkers. In less than two hours, we dug 72 holes, planted, back-filled with amazing soil donated by one of our amazing botanical professionals, broke a shovel, bought a new one and loaded up all the debris.
Beginning with bulbs (to be added) in early spring, each of the plants will bloom at a different time and in a different color. From early Spring to late Fall, the RIA adopt-a- spot will be in bloom. The planting scheme repeats around our sign, so that no matter the approach, drivers will see the assortment. Starting with the Black-eyed susans closest to the sign and dropping down and forward to the shortest and first to bloom, the moss phlox. And because we planted at the end of the season (ideal), our plants are shutting down for the year and are native, so they will enjoy the cool temps and be ready to welcome back the sun next year!
By adopting a prominent traffic island leading up to the Mt. Hope bridge, RI Atheists is providing a pollinator stopover and an improved view, adding to the Pollinator Pathway Project. This is a great reminder to us that we can come together in small ways to make positive impacts in our communities and other lives, human and not. To quote our dedicated Project Leader:
"As I like to do every Fall, I plant like this and with this Hope and Expectation because it carries me through the darkest days of Winter. We planted a hopeful garden, and we will reap the rewards!"