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!
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!
