TREES OF LIFE:FORESTS IN PERIL
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February 23rd, 2017

2/23/2017

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Exciting things are beginning to happen as we approach the spring season and get ready to return to Michigan. We have been corresponding with a film/video company in Michigan that prepares video documentaries on a variety of issues. They have expressed great interest in working together on a 1 hour documentary to present our concerns about current management of our natural resources and needed changes that can provide methods for future management of our remaining forested lands. This could be a fantastic opportunity, so keep your figures crossed!

I am currently reading a book by Peter Wohllenben, entitled " The Hidden Life of Trees", in which he presents a detailed discussion on the social networking of trees within a forest community. Trees truly come to life within the pages of this book, and leave you with a completely different understanding and appreciation for trees. Science, today, even suggests that trees can adjust their processes to adapt to different conditions, thereby indicating the ability to learn and remember. The detail of this book is outstanding and helps convey the complexity of the relationships I have been suggesting exist within each unique forest community. It is this detailed understanding of relationships that is required of scientists involved in managing our remaining forested lands. Many of the relationships, and even organisms, are not visible to the human eye but, they exist and are important in maintaining the bio-diversity of the community.

In addition to our filming possibilities and expanding our knowledge thru other sources, we have renewed and expanded our contacts this winter, with people who share our interests and are willing to assist in efforts to reach out to the public. One of our contacts is working on becoming certified in a new learning process called "Heartmath". This is a new concept that suggests the heart has cells similar to those found in the brain and transmits more messages than does the brain. Another, is a consultant and author of environmental education material for school teachers in the public school systems, with a focus on the natural world. We have had some very interesting discussions this winter on where we are and where we need to advance too. All takes time but, as I started out, these are very exciting times and we look forward to the next step!             

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February 06th, 2017

2/6/2017

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I just had the opportunity to read a paper by Dr. Ruth Wilson, entitled "Care of the Commons, Care of the Soul". It was an excellent presentation that helped me better understand the concerns I have been presenting about our relationship to our natural world and the science of forestry.
The theory of the "Commons" comes from Garrett Hardin's essay entitled, " The Tragedy of the Common's ". My interpretation of the use of the word Commons, describes a way of life in the early development of humanity. It was a life style that brought people together in communities to provide security and a sharing of resources to benefit the group rather than the individual. It was a way of sharing that provided an increased opportunity to survive the harsh elements of nature. The word "Commons" refers to the shared use of the natural resources required by the people. They might graze their livestock in a common pasture, raise vegetables in a shared garden or work together gathering  and sharing foods from their natural surroundings.
With the inevitable growth in population, life began to change. Individuals began to see opportunities to expand their wealth and affluence by increasing the size of their livestock herds or entering into "capitalistic enterprises" to sell their over abundance of resources. Gradually, the focus on the community began to change to a focus on the individual. Dr. Thomas Berry, points out that today most all institutions in our Western society are focused on the individual. 
It has been suggested that this change from the community to the individual has played a major role in the increased "selfishness" that has permeated our society. I have heard psychologists state that human behavior is totally focused on selfishness. Even actions intended to help others are motivated by the desire to make one's self feel good.
My concerns are related to the demands we are placing on the natural resources we require for life on this planet. Our focus on the needs of the individual currently has us demanding five times more land to support our affluent life style, then is available per person worldwide. The concept of the "Commons" has become a distant memory and the demands of the individual has resulted in selfishness and greed that must be reversed.
Intensive management of our resources from the natural world is the only way for the future. I personally believe the science of forestry should take the lead as deforestation is the number 3 most important environmental issue confronting us worldwide. I also believe that if we take the time to retrace our footsteps we will find the wisdom to correct the impact humans have had on the natural world! WE can and must make a difference!

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