I. Report from the Third Meeting
of Siempre Sustainable Network:
An Organization of Citizens for Conservation
and Sustainability in Watershed(s)
605 Elm, Seguin, TX 78155
Dec 10, 2007
There is much going on in the Seguin/San Antonio Metropolitan area that could be thought of as very appropriately fitting under the umbrella of “conservation and development of a sustainable community.” For instance the Church Women United, GV Habitat for Humanity, LULAC, NAACP, Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, Seguin Conservation Soc., Soil & Water Conservation Districts., Alamo RDC, TAEX/S, Master Gardeners, NRCS-USDA, health care org., our city/county gov., Citizens Police Academy, SEDC, AACOG, various natural resource conservation societies/charity org./service clubs/non-profits, and many entities fighting for quality life, social justice, humaneness, & positive spirituality, etc. are undertaking actions that might be considered to be appropriate in moving us toward sustainability within the local watershed.
Nevertheless, despite many independent “sustainable” activities (which are hopefully appropriate), we probably aren’t effectively testing our actions through a critically-thinking and holistic decision-making process dealing with short and long-term impacts on life in local watersheds. Through the Siempre Sustainable Network efforts we hope to help local folk connect in their minds what is naturally connected in Nature. Moreover, we hope to learn to holistically test adherence to the principles of these connections (ecological principles/processes), and enforce and reinforce the use of our knowledge of ecological principles and processes in local and global decision-making and actions toward conservation and sustainability.
………………………………
What follows is the first and last stanza of a wonderful poem (Mining the Mother Lode) about the peoples and history of a watershed and vision for it, by Andy Wilkinson www.texaslegacy.org/bb/narrators/wilkinsonandy.html , Copyright June 2002:
“We are the tribe of the mother-lode aquifer.
Twelve hundred centuries, nomads have traveled here,
making their camps in the spring and the fall, seeking
shelter in canyons and washes and swales, building
hearths of caliche, and hunting and gathering
life that collected where water empowered it.
Even when drought plagued the prairie atop of it,
water welled-up from the sweet Ogallala lake
all along Yellowhouse Draw to the canyonland,
nourishing passerby, nomad and animal,
nourishing all who tread lightly and carefully. …
What will we do with this gift of the mother-lode?
Pray that the poets and dreamers remember it,
pray that its guardians hold it in stewardship,
pray that we honor it, pray that we husband it,
pray for the tribe of the mother-lode aquifer,
pray for the water, the sweet Ogallala lake,
nourishing all who tread lightly and carefully,
lightly and carefully, lightly and carefully.”
(Perhaps we might have a short reading of poetry prior to all subsequent meetings?)
Third (Most Recent) Meeting of the Siempre Sustainable Network. After introductions of the meeting attendees [Marvel Maddox, Barbara Effenberger, Nancy Masterson, the Martins, the Cruzes, Gloria Caballero (interested in low input/pragmatic conservation & sustainability), Joe Saenz (Environmental Engineer) and Gloria Saenz (new Seguin citizen wanting to give back to community), Jill Frisbie (health care provider, community activist), Clara Beatriz Pascar (Seguinite esp. interested in reducing consumption & recycling), Mary Holman (teacher/sustainable practitioner, Guad. Co.) and Roland James (retired from Arizona Corporation (Public Utilities and Securities) Commission)]*, we focused on a report from our Vision/Mission/Goals Statements subcommittee (Bobbie Maddox, Betsy Martin & Marvel Maddox).
Consensus was that the vision, mission and goals statements were for the most part very appropriate–after inclusion of some global emphasis and some additional wordsmithing. Nancy Masterson agreed to work towards a draft that uses more appropriate “lay people-language” and is even more succinct, to the point, and effective in communicating with a diversity of people. What follows is a summary of our current draft (a more detailed version begins on page 9 of his report):
“Name for Our Effort:
Siempre Sustainable Network
Vision Statement:
To become an enlightened community that is steeped in the natural world, culture, heritage and family, and that embraces the tenets of sustainability in a dynamic and holistic fashion. A sustainable community is ecologically sound, spiritually rich, socially just and humane.
Mission Statement:
The Siempre Sustainable Network is dedicated to the development of dynamic and holistic actions which ensure sustainability of local and global watersheds in terms of quality life, conservation, and natural resource protection through an enlightened and invested community. A sustainable watershed unit includes all peoples, other life that is healthy & diverse, vibrant living topsoil, ethical use of energy, and of course reliable quantities of quality water.
Goals:
>Increase awareness and knowledge of locally relevant environmental issues
>Instill a sense of place – one that values the unique characteristics of the local watershed
>Encourage exploration, investigation, and understanding of the local watershed
>Encourage service projects and model demonstration projects
>Foster an appreciation for conservation and habitat enhancement practices
>Increase awareness and knowledge of global environmental issues
>Organize an effort to address selected global environmental issues in collaboration with appropriate national and international organizations”
In other discussion at this third meeting of the Siempre Sustainable Network, Roland James emphasized his desire to organize a series of film showings and discussions, book discussions, and discussions of essays/articles/poems. His concept could include invited presenters (authors/film-makers), associated readings to complement film, group analysis and discussion, as well as calls-to-action–after reading/viewing. Moreover, the various readings/viewings could focus on a particular sustainability issue for a time period, and deal with social, political, economic, spiritual and ecological aspects of the issue. Finally, we might consider providing summaries of these discussions and calls-to-action through a newsletter.
Nancy Masterson pointed out that Seguin’s mayor is considering joining the Cool Cities movement http://www.coolcities.com . Barbara Effenberger stated that she would like to help our efforts through her involvement in the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. Mary Cruz expressed her opinion that we should seek (grants/other) funding and non-profit status in order to be a viable and effective organization. Robert Cruz commented on his commitment to our efforts, but also on the difficulty of achieving deep and comprehensive sustainability in local community because of formidable and ubiquitous outside forces (federal and international/military non-sustainable spending and actions) that preclude “conservation and sustainability.”
Gloria Caballero voiced her interest in promoting sustainable revegetation of Seguin, and establishment of more parks and Greenspace, especially on the west side of Seguin. Joe and Gloria Saenz expressed an interest in keeping watch on non-sustainable development in Seguin and Guadalupe County. (In other meetings, there was discussion of a need for more robust and sustainable economic activity in the west and south parts of town. Moreover, there is considerable interest in making Seguin more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, and in promoting intra- and inter-city mass transport.)
Jill Frisbie indicated support for our efforts in various ways, including suggesting that we consider using Chiro Java Expresso Bar and Internet Café for certain subsequent gatherings and discussions. And I (p.b. martin) mentioned that I’d given copies of six basic books concerning sustainability to each of the following organizations: TLU Biology Dep./Library, Seguin Library, Chiro Java, and the Seguin Conservation Society. Moreover, I have copies of these books (which are really all great reads for developing a foundation for “conservation and sustainability”—Berry’s The Art of Commonplace, Catton’s Overshoot, Jackson’s Becoming Native to This Place, McDaniel’s Wisdom for a Livable Planet, Worster’s Nature’s Economy, and Miller’s On the Border).
(A short piece on a critical-thinking thought model and a “conservation & sustainable community” decision-making process is at http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC25/Wood.htm . A good link to information on numerous good books on sustainable agriculture and “conservation and sustainability” is http://www.ianr.unl.edu/ianr/csas .)
Some events/processes in which you may wish to participate in the near future include:
Throughout 2008-Development of City of Seguin’s Comprehensive Master Plan—Mesa Design Group, … with “conservation and sustainability” woven all through it!
Pot-luck supper meetings of Siempre Sustainable Network 2nd Mondays of each month at 6:00 pm
2008 and beyond-Walnut Branch project
Master Naturalist Class-The Alamo Area Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists is taking applications for its next training course. Application deadline is Feb. 1. Class 22 will begin Feb. 28 and continue through May 15. Classes are held every Thursday, from 5 till 8:30 p.m., at the Texas Cooperative Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge Dr., San Antonio. Four Saturday-morning field trips will also be conducted. Learn about our local area’s native plants, wildlife, hydrology and geology and enjoy many opportunities to volunteer alongside fellow naturalists.
Jan 10-Peter Bella, Environmental Chief AACOG presenting “Envision,” a strategy or moving communities toward conservation and sustainability; Bexar Aud. Soc. Meeting, Cowles Life Sci. Bldg. r. 149, Trinity University, 6:30 pm
Jan 12-Master Naturalist advance training, Headquarters Government Canyon Nat. Area and trails, 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Jan 24-Water Symposium, Texas Tech Satellite Campus, Junction 7:00 pm
Jan 26-San Antonio Environmental Network, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center just outside of 410 south of SA, 8 am birding/11 am-1 pm discussion
Jan 29-Mitchell Lake Wetlands Society Brd Meeting 7:00 pm. Birding opportunity beginning about 5 p.m.
Feb 19-“Managing Energy, Water & Carbon … Communities Responding to Global Climate Change” 19th Annual Southern Plains Conference, Hereford, Texas Community Center (With field tours to small-scale wind turbines, hydrogen production systems, rainwater harvesters, and off-grid homes) I’m hoping enough folk will attend from south central Texas, to justify renting a van for travel and spending some time touring additional “conservation and sustainability sites” and Palo Duro Canyon.
Mar 28-29-Master Naturalist Chapter Development Training, Bamberger Ranch near Johnson City
April-Siempre Sustainable Network will assist Patty Raspino, Samuel Clemens High School with Texans Taking Care of Texas activities (TCEQ)
Apr 11- An Ogallala Common(s) with a Foundation of Conservation and Sustainable Ecological Processes Dr. Darryl Birkenfeld, Executive Director, Ogallala Commons, 1 pm, TLU (specific location TBA) www.texaslegacy.org/bb/narrators/birkenfelddarryl.html
Apr 11 & 12-Annual Meeting of Holistic Resource Management of Texas, Waco
Apr 22-Earth Day–and activities on this date, … and days around it
May 2-4-WildFest San Antonio www.wildfestsanantonio.com/
May 3-Moving Waters Family Day, Blue Star Arts Complex, 11 am – 5 pm I’ve had a booth at this event for several years, Tony Weisman and Sylvia Manning and Nelson Diarte helped me with it last year, and Siempre Sustainable Network will have several representatives at this event this year.
[Of course if you visit web sites dealing with Cibolo Nature Center, Mitchell Lake Wetlands Center, Alamo Chapter of Master Naturalists, Friedrich Wilderness Park, Government Canyon State Natural Area, Medina River Natural Area, San Antonio Botanical Garden, the Witte Museum, the Bexar Chapter of the Audubon Soc., the peaceCenter-SA, Blue Star Contemporary Arts Center, TLU, Trinity U., St. Philip’s College, etc., etc., … you’ll find many more educational opportunities.]
My (p. b. martin) read on some of the strong interests and potential contributions of the folk who have attended our meetings, or otherwise expressed a keen interest in Siempre Sustainable Seguin, follows:
Patty & Darryl Raspino-Community/political activist experience, teacher of geography and international affairs, peace efforts & ecological club, beekeeper; lovers of their children, music and a sustainable lifestyle
Laura & Joaquina Salazar-Community art, sustainable building, community activist, well-read
Gloria Caballero-Interested in pragmatic/low-input real conservation and sustainability, community activist, raised in New Braunfels area with West Coast experience
Nancy Masterson-Much applied ecology experience; local community connections; wordsmithing; Seguin Conservation Society, other local and national organizations; interest in vigorously using sustainability indicators here locally, recycling; etc. etc.
Roland James-Global efforts (Initiative process in other states, good knowledge of “conservation and sustainability” gurus/foundations/issues/policy/strategies/tactics /assessment); film/book discussions for young and old—in homes, churches, etc.; will work with paul martin/the Samples/Bexar Land Trust/Malcolm Beck/Seguin Conservation Society/local Master Gardeners and others in establishing local community gardens esp. for the poor; local sustainability indicators, Vietnam Veterans for Peace
Joe Saenz-Wants to put his extensive environmental engineer/EIS experience to good use
Gloria Saenz-A passion to “give back” to community
Jill & Terry Frisbie-Could possibly use Chiro-Java for discussions/Siempre Sustainable Seguin activities, underground efforts toward conservation & sustainability, targeting imprisoned/disenfranchised/disempowered, spiritual component of a “conserving & sustainable community”, Rotarian
Barbara Effenberger-Local and national political savvy, connections with Silver-Haired Legislature, organizer who makes things happen, years of experience in education, Church Women United
Alicia Helton-Community/political activist, strong interest in social justice, teacher SISD
Robert Cruz-Pragmatic vision of an entrepreneur, political organizer, Vietnam Veteran, experience with sustainable agriculture
Mary Cruz-Organizing, pragmatic administrator, Chamber of Commerce experience, “feels we need to seek funds” and develop toward a structured non-profit status
Sylvia Manning-Recent recipient of Human Rights Award, Church Women United; author of book of poems, “Enough Now”; socio-political activist in the LRGV & elsewhere for many yrs
Tony Weisman-Knowledgeable about Green construction/LEED certification & sustainable agriculture, deep roots in this region, Veteran
Clara Beatriz Pascar-Passion for recycling and ecological knowledge, connections with America do Sul e Asia Oriente
Marvel Maddox-Chair and facilitator, strong passion for justice and protection of our natural resource base, connections with environmental lawyers and folk using “appropriate technologies”, involved in on-going Lutheran Church sustainability initiative, Lion
Bobbie Maddox-Seguin High School journalism department chair for many years, passion for sustainability, environmental lawyer/appropriate technology-practitioner connections
Mary Holman-Passion for realizing ecologically-sound day-care center, and other ways of increasing numbers of “children in the woods,” lives using many traditional sustainable practices, journalism teacher/Gifted and Talented Coordinator Samuel Clemens High
Trine and Ben Daniels-Local, state, national action toward conservation and sustainability; local elections volunteers; deep and unique knowledge of Texas history
Jack and Donna Sample-Taking the poor in spirit and down-trodden in community and empowering with sustainable livelihoods, possible site for Siempre Sustainability Network meetings/community gardens
Tim Synder-Get Talloires Declaration and sustainability mindset and subsequent actions adopted at TLU–and in the greater community, faith and politics
Nelson Diarte-Considerable experience with sustainable agriculture, natural resource protection, renewable energy, Cooperative Extension Service; Latin American connections; yerba matte/terere
Debbie Magin and Cinde Thomas-Jimenez-Years of practical scientific and educational experience with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, deep community roots
Betsy Martin-Rancher’s/cowman’s daughter, family rooted in the Nature, culture, and history of south central Texas (Culebra School/Government Canyon/SA Stock Show & Rodeo), pragmatic conserver and seeker of sustainable systems, teacher of biology/aquatic biology/environmental science, lover of rocks and sticks
paul martin-generalist who wants to leave some significant Land somewhat similar to what it was 10,000 yrs ago and quality life for people and other current biota; will work on enhancing our local REDUCE/Reuse/recycle efforts; will write 1-4 “sustainability” essays/papers per month; acting secretary Siempre Sustainability Network
Brief Summary of the 1st Meeting. During the evening of October 22nd, Seguin citizens Bobbie & Marvel Maddox, Barbara Effenberger, Alicia Helton, and Betsy & Paul Martin; Patty & Darryl Raspino (Teacher/Community Activist Guadalupe Co.), Mary & Robert Cruz (West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce), Laura & Joaquina Salazar (Alamo City Craft Union), and Nelson Diarte (SA Extension Agent-Natural Resources)* discussed key positive aspects and strengths in communities in which we were raised and lived. Chair and facilitator Marvel Maddox wisely anticipated that this would provide insights into a vision of what we desire in a future Seguin, and possibly lead to a mission statement for our group.
Some of these community strengths discussed in the first meeting included:
• Sense of family & community/of belonging/ease of communicating within community,
• Connection with the agriculture base,
• A developing tolerance of differences/of diversity of culture, heritage, traditions, religion, and language,
• Prevalence of abundant “Greenbelts”/”Greenspace”/being in touch with Nature,
• A “feel-good” sense of being frugal and conserving,
• Effective educational systems,
• Active arts programs for everyone,
• Freedom to challenge the status quo and feel you were making a difference,
• Small business–and other functional units being small.
Discussion in the 2nd Meeting. In discussing the perfecting of the “Seguin community/watershed and its environs toward being a more “conserving and sustainable community”, i.e., one that is ecologically sound, socially just and humane, attendees [the Maddoxes, Martins, Cruzes, Laura Salazar; Trinidad & Ben Daniel, Sylvia Manning & Tony Weisman, and Nancy Masterson (Seguinites)]* covered lots of ground, and made the following comments, suggestions, or allusions, and/or cried out for the actions which are listed below:
An appropriate sustainable “lifestyle” may be vegetarianism since conventional meat-production systems are water- & energy- intensive and polluting as well as addicted to massive inputs of artificial chemicals–many of them poisons.
However, especially in Texas (land of sustainable plant communities of bunch-grasses like the blue stems, Indian grass and switch grass, and a Land that is a relatively poor candidate for sustainable grain and horticultural crops), a food production system that relies more on “grass-fed beef/bison/etc.” might be a very appropriate and sustainable system to which to transition. (By most measurements, poultry and swine are more efficient converters of grain to meat in conventional high-input/confinement systems. However, swine are competitors with humans for many food stuffs, and neither swine nor poultry can compete with grazers such as cattle or bison in native bunch grass systems.)
What might be our whole; our “management unit”?? Eugene Odum, an early pioneering scientist in ecosystem ecology proposed that a local watershed might be the most appropriate whole to manage socio-politically/economically/ecologically. Since Odum’s historic proposal, many other leaders have agreed.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is the Land (including soil and other minerals below it, the living community that is a part of the soil, and the energy captured by this biota/minerals/water) that captures local/global precipitation. The watershed unit concept for management can be appropriately defined as relatively small (Walnut Branch watershed) or large (Guadalupe-Blanco River watershed).
“The simple definition
It’s the area of land that catches rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater.
You’re sitting in a watershed now.
Homes, farms, ranches, forests, small towns, big cities and more can make up watersheds. Some cross county, state, and even international borders. Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are millions of square miles, others are just a few acres. Just as creeks drain into rivers, watersheds are nearly always part of a larger watershed.” www.conservationinformation.com/?action=learningcenter_kyw_whatisawatershed
What do we as a group really want to accomplish? One quick answer: Educate!!! Motivate! Facilitate! Celebrate! toward conservation and sustainability.
[We need a comprehensive (intensive & extensive) rapid appraisal of the state of our watershed/environs’ capital(s) (after Cornelia Butler Flora www.agriwellness.org/Conference2005/July11Track2/Gutierrez-Flora%20without%20pictures.pdf ) –Human, Natural, Built, Social, Political, Cultural, Financial. Hopefully this is happening through the on-going effort of the Mesa Design Group contracted by the City of Seguin. … The state of Seguin needs to be regularly reported in a user-friendly way (ecological footprint, carbon footprint, water usage, energy usage, acreage of natural lands/agricultural lands/developed lands, etc.]
Learn about good things other watersheds are doing—and how. Bring these appropriate processes, programs, initiatives to Seguin. Don’t reinvent the wheel! (E.g., look into Boulder County-CO’s “Zero Waste by 2025” Initiative www.ecocycle.org/ZeroWaste/Boulder%20County%20Zero%20Waste%20Resolution.pdf )
Learn about, educate others about and improve Seguin’s trash/waste/pollution management programs (Reduce/Reuse/Recycle) (“City might save money by reducing trash to the landfill, etc.”)
We might consider being a “watchdog organization” or a part of a bigger one. … On the other hand, perhaps it would be better to work hard to provide positive rewards/kudos and reinforcement/support those who are truly conserving and sustaining our natural resources/local community!! We need to be instrumental in uplifting the “conserving/sustainability” spirit of the greater Seguin community.
We need some immediate successes toward sustainability in community. This will be self-empowering and demonstrate positively to the community that we are serious about working for and serving this community. (Work with Patty Raspino/her students on environmental/Peace projects? Work with Laura Salazar to get some Green crafts/artwork displayed at Seguin Main Street Program Trade Days? Take on some significant blocks of time on Saturdays to work as a group for Habitat for Humanity? Work as a group on Walnut Creek clean-up projects?)
Seguin Nature Day in local schools?
Truly local organic/generic/”indigenous” arts and crafts programs/initiatives should be promoted/facilitated/financially-supported as sustainable micro-enterprises.
Place informational & rallying signs dealing with conservation and sustainable community in collaborators yards.
Conservation and sustainable community symposium at TLU?
Who/what is our “target (audience)”?
“Logical” to interact with local neighborhoods, service clubs, TLU/other universities in the region, arts community, school districts, Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, Rick Cortes, Asst. City Manager-Seguin, “Take Care of Texas”-TCEQ Program, San Antonio Environmental Network, local environmental organizations such as Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club, Bexar & SA Audubon Society, AGUA, Mitchell Lake Wetlands Soc., etc..
Trade days, school events, Earth Day, football games are ready-made events with “captive audiences”.
We need to target our youth (elementary, Middle School, …). … We’ll need to reach them through parents, teachers, school administrators/superintendent, TEC
……………………………………………….
We need action, not just talk! … However, dialogue/discussion/self-education as an organization/time for effective organizing as a group is very important!!
Suggested goal/mission statement: Seguin–as a viable, healthy community of quality life–to be here forever and ever.
Suggested name for group: !Siempre Seguin! … !Siempre Verde! … !Seguin Verde!
We were asked to submit 1-3 possible names for our “primordial”/developing organization. … Also, Bobbie Maddox, Betsy Martin, and Marvel Maddox were to work on a Mission Statement.
……………………………………………………
*[Others who have expressed interest in attending our meetings–but have had time/scheduling conflicts and constraints–include Gloria Osborn, Jolly Ellis, Cesareo Guadarrama III, Steve Anderson, Jack Linden, Jack Sample & Donna Ewald-Sample, Karen Aufderhaar, Erma Moseley, Linda Gunn, David Bernal, Jim Monkerud, Dottsy Dwyer, Mayor Betty Ann Matthies, Jesse Trinidad, Monta and Debbie Zengerle and Julian Leal, Bill Klingmann, Lynn Campaigne, Anthony Bazan, Tim Snyder, etc.]
paul b.martin
Acting Secretary
605 Elm, Seguin, TX 78155
II. Modified Draft of Complete Report
of the Vision, Mission, Goals Subcommittee,
Siempre Sustainable Network
Bobbie Maddox, Betsy Martin & Marvel Maddox
Name for Our Effort:
Siempre Sustainable Network
Vision Statement:
To become an enlightened community steeped in the natural world, culture, heritage and family, and that embraces the tenets of sustainability in a dynamic and holistic fashion. A sustainable community is ecologically sound, spiritually rich, socially just and humane.
Mission Statement:
The Siempre Sustainable Network is dedicated to the development of dynamic and holistic actions which ensure sustainability of local and global watersheds in terms of quality life, conservation, and natural resource protection through an enlightened and invested community. . A sustainable watershed unit includes all peoples, other life that is healthy & diverse, vibrant living topsoil, ethical use of energy, and of course reliable quantities of quality water.
- Goals:
>Increase awareness and knowledge of locally relevant environmental issues:
? Strategies:
1. Awareness Campaigns:
o Assist Patty Raspino, Geography-Samuel Clemens HS w/ Texans Take Care of Texas activities this April; conduct similar project in April (Earth Day) 2009 in Seguin
o Challenge of outdated computer/technology equipment—recycling, toxicity, etc.
o Promote the Mixed Recycling @ Seguin Fairgrounds/WalMart to lead to reduction in trash/household and energy-/resource- efficient curbside recycling
o Water conservation motivations (MIT Study)
o Work w/ retailers on modifying their use of packaging
• Stores & shops
• Fast food outlets
o Annual “Sustainability Works!!” Rally. Include:
• Art activities of Laura Salazar, Betsy Martin, Kitty Keller, etc. coordinated by Laura
• Hands-on exhibit of topsoil biota for kids and parents—Nelson Diarte, Paul Martin, Mark Gustafson, NRCS coordinated by Paul
• Etc.
o Booth at various Mexican-/African-/German-/English-American, etc. celebrations that educates, celebrates/feeds, & entertains (natural art, homegrown food/homemade ice cream, short educational/entertaining film, etc.)
o Park bench
2. Development of Master Naturalist program
3. Professional Development Seminars:
o Promote Texas Coop-Extension’s 2-hour forums
o Jan 26th: San Antonio Environmental Network, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
o Apr 11th: Darryl Birkenfeld @ TLU @ 1:00PM
o Apr 11/12th: Annual Meeting of Holistic Resource Management of TX
o Host the 20th Annual (or 21st Annual) Southern Plains Conference @ Jackson Auditorium, TLU
o Regularly ck announcements from Cibolo Nature Center, AGUA, Bexar County Master Naturalists, NRCS, TAEX
o Speaker list (bureau)
o Etc.
>Instill a sense of place – one that values the unique characteristics of the local watershed:
? Strategies:
1. Annual “river” activity event (similar to Penelope Speier’s 04ARTS Foundation Moving Waters Family Day)
2. Utilize programs @ Seguin Outdoor Learning Center
3. Involvement with the Walnut Branch restoration project
(Greenbelt walks from TLU to Starcke Park East, etc.)
4. Network w/ other groups
>Encourage exploration, investigation, and understanding of the local watershed**:
? Strategies:
1. Gather statistics, information, and study reports on the various aspects of the Guadalupe River watershed:
o Water quality in the river—and in associated waters
o Air quality
o Soil quality
o Flora & fauna
o Local industry emissions
o Peak energy usage
o Landfill usage
o Recycling capacity & usage
o Etc.
2. Publicize the above information once gathered and studied
>Encourage service projects and model demonstration projects:
? Strategies:
1. Energy conserving homes, businesses, and institutions
2. Xeriscaping, composting
3. Water conservation initiatives
4. Develop “shop local” campaigns:
o Expand Farmers’ Market offerings & venues
o “Stop buying ‘crap’” campaign (a model for the world)
>Foster an appreciation for conservation and habitat enhancement practices:
? Strategies:
1. Encourage local landowners to place property into conservation easements
2. Encourage the donation of land to the Nature Conservancy or similar organizations
>Increase awareness and knowledge of global environmental issues
? Strategies:
1. Present film, books, and articles on relevant issues and possibilities for action,
discuss, and begin to decide on action from our local community
2. Discuss the Initiative Process or other socio-political/economic actions we might
take to address major and “minor” global environmental issues
>Organize an effort to address selected global environmental issues in collaboration with appropriate national and international organizations
……………………………..
**In order to realize critical thinking and appropriate decision-making concerning “conservation and development of sustainable community in our local watersheds, we must first know our current state with respect to energy usage, arable land and topsoil, quantity & quality of water, and biotic diversity!!!
III. A Few Excerpts from the UN Universal Declaration
of Human Rights, 1948; the Rio UN Conference Declaration on Environment & Development, 1992; and
the Talloires Declaration–with Suggested Connections
In late 1948 the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which began with the recognition that “the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” Then in subsequent meetings–and especially in the1992 summit in Rio de Janeiro–is was recognized that “peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and indivisible.”
The Rio summit also recognized that:
• People are entitled to healthy productive lives in harmony with nature (i.e., entitled to Sustainable Livelihoods http://www.livelihoods.org/ ),
• Environmental protection shall be an integral part of development (the Kyoto Convention later focused on protection through reduction of greenhouse gases),
• We must eradicate poverty (this was strengthened and made more credible by targeting poor children in the 2002 UN Earth Summit) in order to have real freedom, justice and peace,
• It is imperative that we eliminate unsustainable production and consumption and “promote appropriate demographic policies”,
• Indigenous people/communities have a vital role for sustainability because of their wealth of knowledge concerning conservation and sustainability–and their sustainable traditions,
• The environment & natural resources of people under oppression, domination, occupation shall be protected,
• “Warfare is inherently destructive of sustainable development.” States shall protect the environment when at war.
Through the Talloires Declaration, universities and other institutions of higher learning recognize “the unprecedented scale and speed of environmental degradation, and the depletion of natural resources.” Moreover this needed and necessary declaration (that must be followed up with action) points out prevalent conventional “unsustainable production and consumption patterns that aggravate poverty in many regions of the world.”
These cutting-edge institutions of higher learning “believe that urgent actions are needed to address these fundamental problems and reverse the trends.” They agree to take the following actions among others:
• “Educate for environmentally responsible citizenship”,
• “Foster environmental literacy for all”,
• “Practice institutional ecology”,
• “Involve all stakeholders”,
• “Collaborate for interdisciplinary approaches”,
• “Enhance capacity of primary and secondary schools”,
• “Broaden service and outreach nationally and internationally”.
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pbm (2007)
[ 7Ss / VV->^^ ]
