Fraternity pitches in at Greystone
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On a bright Saturday afternoon, members of the Delta Chi fraternity at SUNY Fredonia spent time giving back to the community by volunteering at Greystone Nature Preserve.
During a roadside cleanup, one fraternity brother made an unusual discovery: the body of a beautiful bird lying just off the main road. The brothers named the bird "Mr. Tweetums" and brought it back to the nature preserve, where they held a mock funeral service in its honor. The bird was respectfully laid to rest beneath a beautiful white oak tree.
The brothers' gesture of respect and compassion for the deceased animal was a touching moment and perhaps an unexpected one for those who might not associate fraternity members with such a thoughtful tribute.
The visit to Greystone was an enjoyable experience for the brothers, who regularly participate in community service projects at the preserve. Bill Moran and Diane Clark welcomed the group by sharing their stories and experiences, teaching them about proper land preservation and providing fruit and snacks.
The afternoon also offered opportunities to share traditions and cultural experiences. Clark told the story of Persephone and the pomegranate, prompting one of the brothers, Ninyo, to share a Jewish tradition of eating pomegranates at the beginning of the new year as a symbol of the sweetness hoped for in the year ahead.
The fraternity members also enjoy helping Moran with various maintenance projects around the property. Their work includes turning over the raised garden beds to renew the soil and help preserve the beds for future use.
For the brothers of Delta Chi, volunteering at Greystone Nature Preserve is about more than completing a community service assignment. It provides genuine satisfaction in helping maintain an important piece of natural land while learning the value of conservation and hard work.
Although the projects can be physically demanding, the brothers have been reminded time and again that good things come to those willing to put in the effort.
That lesson has taken on added meaning as the fraternity faces challenges of its own. The brothers have been working hard to preserve and strengthen their chapter through difficult times, much as they work together to care for the nature preserve. Their continued commitment demonstrates the importance of dedication, teamwork and perseverance in building something that will last.