A Special Issue of Leaf Litter

The Winter Solstice is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere. The polar tilt has lengthened the night and lowered temperatures, and many of us find ourselves hunkering down in a period of introspection and reflection. As we think back on the extreme weather events and extreme societal polarization that seem to increasingly dominate global headlines, we might begin to feel enveloped in another kind of darkness.

It is for this reason that we decided to do something different with this issue of Leaf Litter. Instead of exploring a topic relevant to our fields, we are sending you a “care package”—something we hope comforts you while also inspiring the hope and courage to carry on with your work despite changing climates and political landscapes.

In this package, you’ll find:

• A heartfelt Guidebook to Action from Biohabitats People and Culture Leader, Katherine Bartter
• Inspiring Insights from changemakers in other fields who are working to create a more just, biodiverse, and climate resilient world. They include the Executive Director of Project Drawdown, an Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker, a content creator, a glaciologist, a psychologist, and a grassroots climate activist.
• A Gallery of Hope curated by Biohabitats team members for you to explore.
• Recommended literature, films, and other resources for finding courage, inspiration, and hope.
• Some good news about Biohabitats Projects, Places, and People.

In our part of the world, on the Winter Solstice, the height of the sun’s arc is so low that if you stand outside at noon, you will see the longest shadow you will cast the entire year. We hope that this special issue of Leaf Litter—this care package—reminds you that there is no shadow without light. And perhaps the size of that shadow is nature’s way of reminding you just how powerful you are, how worthy you are of love and care, and how large an impact you have on the world around you.