Fire suppression p.1 & p.2: “Flame Retardant” & “Building Potential” Inspired by the PEM's ‘Our Time on Earth’ exhibit
I was gladly surprised to see the exhibit’s various optimistic installations, especially the building materials of the future. As a forestry student I am beginning to understand our relationship to our forests differently. In the US, forest policy which aimed to suppress wildfires has contributed to a century-long build up of fuel that would otherwise have been cleared by controlled burns or small spontaneous ground fires. Indigenous peoples shaped the forests of the Americas to require these controlled burns. More and more I realize that indigenous knowledge and collaboration is a necessary part of the stewardship of future. A concept which is present at large at the museum but also specifically within Our Time on Earth. Getting a ‘sustainable’ amount of lumber from our forest still disregards the health and purpose of these trees to a diverse and complex ecosystem. It is essential that we diversify our building material, to include carbon-negative things like mycelium! Natural resources that are close by, and at hand in our local environment, which doesn’t require chopping down a tree 3000 miles away and transporting it to the US. We need local resources whose collective cultivation lead to a sense of community and collaboration. A better future!
My thanks to lane.m.artin for collaborating with me for p.2!
A musician with a secret talent for the banjo..unfortunately he'd rather be known for his skill at French Horn. Which is why he left his job and maxed out his credit to get one. Will it be worth it?! All he has to do is learn it!
So happy to be able to say that Lost Moon Holler is finally published. This is a childrens' book that is based upon the mural me and my Husband painted last summer in Charleston, West Virginia. It was written and published by Jeanne Stevenson, the co-owner of Echo-Literary Arts. It is available now!