dhirschman – Page 5 – Hirschman Water & Environment, LLC

Little Bobby & Big Bobby: An Erosion Control Drama

Little Bobby & Big Bobby: An Erosion Control Drama

Little Bobby and Big Bobby were standing about four feet apart, work boots rooted in the construction mud. Excavation contractor Big Bobby, a mountain of a man, was swinging a shovel above his head like a helicopter blade in motion, cursing loudly as he swung. The County erosion control inspector Little Bobby, small of stature but stiff of spine, was holding his ground, growling his reaction to the shovel blade spinning just above head level. What was the argument about? Inlet protection.

Lament for the bag of dog doo left upon my sidewalk

23Augustdhirschman

Lament for the bag of dog poo left upon my sidewalk

I find them on my sidewalk, I find them on the trail

The production of a canine from just under the tail

Neatly tucked and tied in a plastic sack

But left there, alone, and they aren’t coming back

Hackberry: Very Small Persons’ Climbing Wall

24Julydhirschman

Hackberry: Very Small Persons’ Climbing Wall

The Hackberry tree (Celtis occidentalis) is also known as sugarberry, beaverwood, nettetree, or false elm. The spreading canopy of the Hackberry has been compared to Einstein’s hair. It derives its name from the Scottish “hag” (witch) or hagberry tree, and some refer to the drooping bushy branches as “witches’ brooms.” However, rather than creepy, the Hackberry is hard-working and has an uncomplaining nature. This blog will explain why and also reveal a little secret about this corky-barked floodplain friend.

Environmentalism & White Supremacy

10Junedhirschman

Environmentalism & White Supremacy

The connection between environmentalism and white supremacy hadn’t crossed my mind, and I’m sure that holds true to many of you. However, a couple of months ago – before George Floyd’s murder and the current national outcry – I stumbled across an astonishing passage in a book that my son gave to me: Charles Mann’s The Wizard and the Prophet (Mann, 2018).

A Good Walk Unspoiled

28Maydhirschman

A Good Walk Unspoiled

The game of golf has been described as a good walk spoiled, with the quote attributed, likely incorrectly, to Mark Twain. The implication is that, without having to worry over the trajectory of the little white ball, it would be a most pleasant experience. The main ingredient of that experience is the landscape through which one traverses. Our local municipal golf course has been closed to golfers during COVID, but somewhat mysteriously available for walkers, most of whom, present company included, have been seeking places to walk that are not crowded cheek to jowl with others seeking a similar experience.