Ecological Literacy

Guidestone is dedicated to strengthening the local food economy through preserving agricultural resources and educating for ecological literacy.

The Upper Arkansas River Valley is a remarkable place in which to live! Within its awe inspiring landscape of mountains, canyons and river valleys, a number of meaningful organizations have taken root. These thriving organizations enhance the quality of life here and nourish us in countless ways through their work.

Recently I attended presentations put on by one such organization, The Collegiate Peaks Forum Series, whose mission is: “to facilitate the intellectual enrichment of The Upper Arkansas Valley residents and their visitors by sponsoring events featuring nationally recognized persons schooled in philosophy, religion or science and hosting other community discussion activities”.

Great work! And a big thank you goes to them for the quality speakers we are continually treated to through their Lecture Series. Temple Grandin, one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world, spoke in two separate presentations: Animal Behavior and Autism (a condition Temple has lived with all her life). Last week Michael Dowd and Connie Barlow spoke at the SteamPlant Theater in Salida. Michael’s most recent book is Thank God for Evolution, and Connie’s book The Ghosts of Evolution was on the list of Amazon’s top recommended science books for a number of months.

I had the opportunity to spend time with Michael and Connie in beautiful Chalk Creek Canyon discussing ecological wonders such as the Chalk Cliffs, moraines in the valley, our natural hot springs, bats and local fauna and flora. It was their first time to visit this area. Their enjoyment and enthusiasm for the natural world is contagious, and through their study and understanding of nature and science, they share a link with Guidestone in this appreciation of ecological literacy.

To be ecologically literate is to understand the basic languages "spoken" by Earth, which are easy to see in natural settings. And it requires more than intellectual understanding. It is to become aware at the deepest level of your consciousness that we share the same story. And, since Earth's story is one chapter in the universe story, you learn to experience yourself in the unfolding drama of the universe. Ecological literacy focuses on process and story and its curriculum is transdisciplinary and experiential. Thomas Berry, earth scholar, author and teacher, devoted much of his life to understanding our place as humans in the whole of the Universe Story, which for him became a mythic and mystical, as well as scientific, narrative. He asserts that, “Earth’s story is our story. We are a product of the universe and in us the universe is becoming conscious of itself…” The Sacred Universe, Thomas Berry.

One of my favorite quotes by Berry is "The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects." Farmers, and those who live close to the land, understand this and know that human economy is inseparable from earth’s own economy. To be truly successful at any endeavor is to live in this larger context.

By Judie Anders, Guidestone Board Member

Showing of Inspiring Film

"The Greenhorns"

Thursday, August 25

Salida SteamPlant Theater

6 pm Appetizers and Drinks

7 pm Film and Discussion

Food and Water Watch, in partnership with Central Colorado Foodshed Alliance, Chaffee Citizens for Sustainability, and Guidestone, is hosting a film screening of The Greenhorns to raise awareness of the 2012 Farm Bill. The event is part of the Fair Farm Bill Road Trip - a month of activities across 20 states to educate consumers about how the federal Farm Bill impacts us all.

From low-income families who need food stamps to survive, to midsized family farmers struggling to stay in business, to shoppers who deserve healthier food choices, everyone has the right to safe, healthy, affordable food that supports independent farmers and producers. But to restore this balance, "voting with our forks" is not enough. We need a fair Farm Bill.

The event will take place on Thursday, August 25 at the Salida SteamPlant Theater starting at 6 pm with "local food" appetizers catered by Michelle Gapp and a cash bar followed by the film screening at 7 pm. "The Greenhorns" is an inspiring documentary about a new generation of farmers. Director and activist Severine von Tscharner Fleming takes her audience on a journey across the United States visiting farms and nurseries urban and rural. Some are operated by children taking over their family businesses and others are start ups by young people attracted to a simpler, more honest way of life. The evening will conclude with a presentation about the Farm Bill by Food and Water Watch senior organizer, Sam Schabacker. This event is free and open to the public, but donations are appreciated.

Join Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas for a showing of Green Fire

Join the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas as they present a new feature length documentary on Aldo Leopold. The film, Green Fire, explores Aldo Leopold's life in the early part of the twentieth century and the many ways his land ethic idea continues to be applied all over the world today. Join the Land Trust to watch the film and learn about Leopold's influential ideas and how it relates to our conservation work in the region.

· Salida - July 14th, 7pm, Salida Community Center, 305 F Street

· Buena Vista - July 21st, 7pm, State Highway Building Roadhouse, 402 East Main Street

· August 11th - Leadville, 7pm, Climax Room, Colorado Mountain College - Timberline Campus

· August 24th - Canon City, 7pm, Benedict Room, The Abby Event Center

$3 per person; under 12 free

Please pass this email on to other individuals that might be interested in Aldo Leopold's life and legacy!

Guiding for Conservation

Show your support for land and water conservation in central Colorado by booking a fly fishing, whitewater rafting or mountain biking trip in the Upper Arkansas River valley through the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas on August 15, 2011, the second annual Guiding For Conservation day. Guides from several local fishing, rafting and biking outfitters will donate their guide fee to LTUA in recognition of the conservation work the Trust undertakes to protect riparian habitat, wildlife habitat, water quality, open space and to enhance access to the river and existing trail systems. In a show of support, participating outfitters will match their guides' contribution.

The Upper Arkansas River, from its headwaters near Leadville to the Pueblo Reservoir, has played an important part in the natural and cultural history of the State of Colorado. The River is the lifeblood of the area, important for agricultural water needs, public recreation, biological diversity, and tourism. As one of the major river systems in the State, the Arkansas is the focus of cooperative efforts to promote public recreation and conservation.

Starting in the early 1990's, various interest groups and organizations joined together out of cooperation and mutual respect to reach a balance in the various water needs and uses on the Arkansas, thus providing additional recreational opportunities. That spirit of cooperation lives on, and is embodied in the second annual Guiding For Conservation day on August 15, 2011.

The event is the brainchild of Greg Felt, owner of ArkAnglers Guide Service in Salida, and Hayden Mellsop, guide and board president of the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas.

"The really great thing about this event is that it is guide driven. These guides are committed to protecting the resource that sustains them. They recognize the importance of nurturing the goose that lays the golden egg" said Mellsop. Added Felt, "From an outfitter's perspective, it makes sound business sense for us to be supporting what the Land Trust does. Our goals for a healthy, sustainable river are very much aligned with theirs."

The event is a fun way for people to get out and show their support, both for these guides and owners who care so much, for the communities along the river that depend on it for their economic and social well-being, and for the important work the Land Trust undertakes to help protect this fragile resource.

This is your opportunity to have a fanatic guided trip while contributing to conservation. We need you to book your trip for August 15th and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Here is a list of current companies participating in Guiding For Conservation. For an up-to-date list, click here.

When making your reservation make sure to mention Guiding for Conservation.

• ArkAnglers, www.arkanglers.com, 719-539-4223
• Absolute Bikes Adventures, www.absolutebikes.com, 719-539-9295
• The Adventure Company, www.theadventurecompany.com, 1-800-497-RAFT (7238)
• Canyon Marine Whitewater Expeditions, www.canyonmarine.com, 1-800-539-4447
• Echo Canyon River Expeditions, www.raftecho.com, 1-800-755-ECHO (3246)
• Kokopelli Rafting Adventures, www.kracolorado.com, 1-800-879-9035
• Raft Masters, www.raftmasters.com, 1-800-568-7238
• Rock-N-Row, www.rocknrow.com, 719-942-4125 or 1-877-487-2494
• Royal Gorge Anglers, www.royalgorgeanglers.com, 1-888-994-6743

Urban Agriculture on the Rise

It’s great to see changes taking place supporting local food production and marketing opportunities for producers within the city limits of urban populations. Wheat Ridge City Council approved changes to the City Code that support and encourage urban agricultural uses and activities in the City. The code changes updated the City’s regulations and established three main uses for urban agriculture: community gardens, farmers’ markets, and produce stands which are now allowed in any zone district. A summary of the three uses permitted in each zone district may be found on the City Website at this link.

“We’ve seen increased interest in urban agriculture by our residents,” said Mayor Jerry DiTullio. “Wheat Ridge was founded on an agricultural past and it is exciting to see the renewed interest by so many of our residents in a favorite pastime coupled with their desire to access locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. I’m pleased that the amended ordinance creates a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for a resident or business to grow and sell fresh fruits and vegetables with no review fees or oversight by the City.”

“LiveWell Wheat Ridge congratulates the City of Wheat Ridge on making these important changes to the zoning code,” states Molly Hansen, LiveWell Wheat Ridge Coordinator. “Increasing access to locally grown food is a vital step in promoting healthy food options, creating resilient neighborhoods and supporting our local economy. It is exciting to see support from the community and City Council on creating a policy framework that supports these important principles.”

Guidestone salutes efforts to promote urban agriculture in communities. Wheat Ridge is now among the leading municipalities in the State and nation connecting urban dwellers to fresh, healthy food. Cities across the country that have been recognized for adopting zoning codes that support urban agricultural activities are Seattle, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Kansas City.

It is clear that urban agriculture promotes economic and community development, environmental sustainability, and connects people to fresh, healthy food.

Judie Anders, Guidestone

YOGA Charity Fundraiser for

GUIDESTONE

July 1, 2011

Be the Change and Support Local Food!

Please join Kenny Graham and JalaBlu kick off a weekend of Anusara Yoga bliss in Buena Vista, CO with a charity fundraiser benefitting Guidestone.

Guidestone is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the local food economy. Guidestone serves farmers, landowners, educators, youth, and community members in the Upper Arkansas River Valley by providing farm based education programs and by supporting and growing the capacity of agricultural resources to help ensure a secure agricultural future for the region. Two Buena Vista farms - Weathervane Farm and Cottonwood Creek Dairy - currently work with Guidestone and benefit from their work in the community.

"When Kenny Graham suggested doing a charity fundraiser with JalaBlu here in Buena Vista, CO, my heart gravitated towards wanting to do what I could to support my friends at Weathervane Farm and Cottonwood Creek Dairy in their efforts to continue to serve the community with fresh local food," said Jenna Pfingston, owner of JalaBlu.

By helping to build the capacity of organizations like Guidestone, the important work of farmland preservation will be possible in our community and our farmers will root to rise and find long term stability on farmland. Please help support an amazing cause full of organic extension. Say YES to Local Food and Guidestone and help this vision happen!

Where: Buena Vista High School Gym, 559 Railroad Street

$10 Suggested Donation

When: July 1, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

This Yoga workshop will continue July 2 and 3. Please contact jalaBlu for information or visit www.jalabluyoga.com

Initiative Launched to Advance Sustainable Food and Agriculture Policies Worldwide

Earth’s population is expected to pass nine billion by 2050. The availability of food and water is dwindling. Because of this, eight leading foundations, have announced the launch of an initiative designed to address these concerns.

AGree, this collaborative effort, comes at a pivotal moment. Over the next four decades the global population will increase, swelling the ranks of the 925 million people worldwide who currently suffer from under-nutrition or hunger. What's more, the challenges associated with feeding all those people are likely to be exacerbated by limited arable land, increasing pressures on fresh water, and accelerating environmental degradation. AGree will commission research and facilitate discussion among a diverse set of stakeholders, including conventional and organic farmers, ranchers, nutritionists, energy experts, environmentalists, financiers, international aid veterans, and public health specialists.

"AGree will elevate the agriculture and food policy conversation," said Dan Glickman, who served as secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "We will make it clear to leaders and policy makers that, while difficult, solving food and agriculture issues is of utmost importance and can help solve other pressing problems including public health and the need for economic growth."

Read the press release here.

Judie Anders, Guidestone Board Member