c4 March 27, 2005 - April 3, 2005


Civilization is at a critical point; the human species is faced with the great challenge of developing a working, holistic and sustainable relationship to the rest of the natural world. Furthermore, humans must also learn how to live equitably and peacefully with their own species, no small feat! To accomplish these tremendous feats we must consider ecotopian visioning which will be defined as the optimistic and sustainable vision of a sustainable ecologically friendly society, culture and planet. The formulation, critical discussion, and open inclusive dialogue of ecotopian visions in and amongst communities, individuals, governments and organizations is one major, vitally important step towards birthing an ecologically and socially conscious world. Those of us who are serious about reconstructing our worldviews in order to build a sustainable present and future for all life realize the inherent importance of optimism. The environmental movement has been shrouded by too much pessimism for too long. This approach is often likely to lead to apathy rather than motivation. people are motivated by hope, creativity, love, inspiration...People need inspiration like an Oregon ecosystem needs salmon or gently nestled nurse logs. It is something that all life, certainly the human species thrives on, and it is something that is part and parcel in the creation, visioning and discussion of ecotopian visions. So in this fresh faced beautiful time of the year put on your positive boots, walk your talk and get visioning!
Enjoy this week's dirt!

Happy Spring Vernal Equinox Everyone!!
~Zeratha


The Dirt! is a publication of the nonprofit Spreading Roots, Spring Forth
Our mission: to strengthen connections between people and the environment

SPRING GEONOMIST ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE

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Merry Equinox. This world works in wondrous ways. Did you know … Being in the womb can’t protect fetuses from smog? While housing keeps inflating, some places give away land for free? Mel Gibson, multi-millionaire, tried to cut his taxes by claiming to be a farmer? Five states have bills for taxing rents and one nation for paying citizens a dividend? CNBC once had a global news show titled “Geonomics”? Yukos, the Ruski oil monopoly, filed under Chapter 11 in Texas? An insider economist confessed to lying for global lenders to poor nations? The Federal Reserve has found an unfailing indicator of coming recessions? Read all about it and more in the spring issue of The Geonomist at http://www.progress.org/geonomy/geonom134.htm Tell a friend, even a list of them. Let me know if you want a hard copy, complete with the popular cartoons.

VOLUNTEER TO BE A LAND STEWARD AT CAMASSIA NATURAL AREA

03/28/2006 9:00 am
04/30/2006 9:00 am

Ongoing throughout the year

The Nature Conservancy

Camassia Preserve - end of Walnut St. in West Linn

FREE

Willingness to get your hands dirty pulling weeds, and work outside independently

Boots for the mud, and clothes approprate for the weather. Gloves are provided.

Kyle Strauss

(503) 802-8157

ongoing

kstrauss@tnc.org

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/oregon/volunteer/art1549.html

No

Become a volunteer land steward for The Nature Conservancy of Oregon's first nature preserve, the Camassia Natural Area in West Linn, Oregon. Camassia is a place of unique botanic and geologic features, containing the very rare flower the pale larkspur, which grows among Camas lillies and other wildflowers upon the grassy plateaus. Trilliums and Fawn lillies are just a few of the many plants that grow on the forest floor of the preserve. The Conservancy's goal is to assure the health of these rare species by managing the area to protect them. Camassia Natural area is being invaded by several invasive plant species. The primary culprit, English ivy, grows quickly, displacing native plants and therefore the animals that depend on them for food and shelter. A significant number of able hands are needed to protect the bio-diversity of the Camassia natural area. Volunteer stewards will "adopt" a small part of the preserve to caretake. This includes pulling English ivy and other invasive weeds. By pulling ivy, you will be rewarded with native plants appearing in your plot during the Spring and Summer.  An orientation to the preserve will be given to all interested Camassia stewards on a case by case basis. Please contact the Camassia Field Coordinator Kyle Strauss with questions about volunteering with The Nature Conservancy. Thank you!