Thank you for keeping this conversation going and for being such a passionate voice for the natural world. We are all in this together, and no one is coming to save us except us.
I like your focus on the Great Salt Lake because I think in such global matters like the state of the climate, it helps in a backwards sort of way to start local. If we're talking about how to enact change, most of us only really have an impact on the patch of land where we live and spend our days. I grew up, and still live, near Rutland Water in England, which is an artificial reservoir but has become a globally important nature reserve for birds. In fact, the Global Birdfair is held there - that tells you what a significant place it is. Thankfully it isn't under threat, at least for now.
Jack, your comment is so helpful in this community. I appreciate your thoughts, and you know I love your writing. You are the first person to comment from England. When we learn from the international community about the "patches of land where we live and spend our days", our perspective stretches. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
"There's no way 2.6 Million people in Salt Lake City will evacuate due to toxic air "
What an alarming statement and such a terrifying reflection on how much toxicity we are willing to live with - from water poisoned by oil splills; the damaging particulate matter in the air from wildfires; micro plastics in the ocean; assault weapons on the streets, and in our schools; the relentless daming and overuse of river water; habitat loss.
But we also have strong and melodious voices like Rachael Carson and Terry Tempest Williams; pragmatic activists like Bill McKibbrn and millions of concerned people whose love for all life on this planet is holding forth against all the forms of toxicity we face - in the physical environment; politics; and a great culturall divide.
We have a lot of work to do which starts with love and profound respect for all that is at risk. How do we perpetuate that? How do we maintain our presence in the face of such overwhelming odds?
Thank you Katherine for all you do with your voice. I've ordered some Terry Tempest books from my local book shop!
"We have a lot of work to do which starts with love and profound respect for all that is at risk." Special thanks for that sentence and sentiment.
To your question: How do we perpetuate that? One of my favorite replies comes the co-editors of All We Can Save. Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson says, "What if we get this right?" She implores us to imagine the future we want for all beings. Her On Being interview is full of possibility in that realm.
Matters of Kinship has expanded my community work in ways I could not have imagined a year ago. Working with the local watershed group and now the possibility of collaborating with small farms and the greenway initiative make me realize how rich this area is in community work for the ecosystems. I imagine you experience that in your area. What saves me from despair is the sage advice from Elena Brower, "Do your small part."
I am eager to talk with you after you read Terry Tempest Williams!
Kevin, thanks so much for reading and commenting. I especially appreciate your take on the coyotes accessing what was previously safe space for the millions of migratory birds of the Pacific Flyway. These are the details that, perhaps, will bring more people into the conversation.
Today my cousin posted a photo of my great uncle holding two large fish. The year was probably 1940. The fish were easily five feet long, hanging from his shoulders to his ankles. Recently marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson hung out with Jamaican fishermen to study fish populations. The youngest fisherman said, we used to hold the fish vertically, now we hold them horizontally...such is the diminished size.
The line "I immersed myself in her work" really resonated with me. I love how you were inspired to write about and advocate for the wellness of the lake and all that is within and around it not only because of your own convictions, but because other writers' voices inspired you. I think that really speaks to why we need to keep writing about what is important to us.
I loved the heart of unity that you brought into your poem. The birds portrayed in the poem seemed unified with others in their species just you and other writers you mentioned are united in your efforts to save them.
Thank you for keeping this conversation going and for being such a passionate voice for the natural world. We are all in this together, and no one is coming to save us except us.
Good to see you here as always, Patrick. We are all in this together...thank you for being in the know.🌱
I like your focus on the Great Salt Lake because I think in such global matters like the state of the climate, it helps in a backwards sort of way to start local. If we're talking about how to enact change, most of us only really have an impact on the patch of land where we live and spend our days. I grew up, and still live, near Rutland Water in England, which is an artificial reservoir but has become a globally important nature reserve for birds. In fact, the Global Birdfair is held there - that tells you what a significant place it is. Thankfully it isn't under threat, at least for now.
Jack, your comment is so helpful in this community. I appreciate your thoughts, and you know I love your writing. You are the first person to comment from England. When we learn from the international community about the "patches of land where we live and spend our days", our perspective stretches. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
"There's no way 2.6 Million people in Salt Lake City will evacuate due to toxic air "
What an alarming statement and such a terrifying reflection on how much toxicity we are willing to live with - from water poisoned by oil splills; the damaging particulate matter in the air from wildfires; micro plastics in the ocean; assault weapons on the streets, and in our schools; the relentless daming and overuse of river water; habitat loss.
But we also have strong and melodious voices like Rachael Carson and Terry Tempest Williams; pragmatic activists like Bill McKibbrn and millions of concerned people whose love for all life on this planet is holding forth against all the forms of toxicity we face - in the physical environment; politics; and a great culturall divide.
We have a lot of work to do which starts with love and profound respect for all that is at risk. How do we perpetuate that? How do we maintain our presence in the face of such overwhelming odds?
Thank you Katherine for all you do with your voice. I've ordered some Terry Tempest books from my local book shop!
"We have a lot of work to do which starts with love and profound respect for all that is at risk." Special thanks for that sentence and sentiment.
To your question: How do we perpetuate that? One of my favorite replies comes the co-editors of All We Can Save. Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson says, "What if we get this right?" She implores us to imagine the future we want for all beings. Her On Being interview is full of possibility in that realm.
Matters of Kinship has expanded my community work in ways I could not have imagined a year ago. Working with the local watershed group and now the possibility of collaborating with small farms and the greenway initiative make me realize how rich this area is in community work for the ecosystems. I imagine you experience that in your area. What saves me from despair is the sage advice from Elena Brower, "Do your small part."
I am eager to talk with you after you read Terry Tempest Williams!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments! x
Great Salt Lake-"When someone is dying you stay with them."
And what of the “Spiral Getty”, Robert Smithson’s landmark piece. Is is high and dry, does anyone know?
Great question!! I briefly saw some photos yesterday. It looks dry. I will look again and report back.
Struck by the fact that the water is so low coyotes can walk to the islands that used to keep the migratory birds safe.
Kevin, thanks so much for reading and commenting. I especially appreciate your take on the coyotes accessing what was previously safe space for the millions of migratory birds of the Pacific Flyway. These are the details that, perhaps, will bring more people into the conversation.
Today my cousin posted a photo of my great uncle holding two large fish. The year was probably 1940. The fish were easily five feet long, hanging from his shoulders to his ankles. Recently marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson hung out with Jamaican fishermen to study fish populations. The youngest fisherman said, we used to hold the fish vertically, now we hold them horizontally...such is the diminished size.
Kevin,
Would you consider giving us a paragraph about the Swannanoa River, down from Riverside, along with a photo? Your ecosystem is sanctuary space.🌱
Heartfelt comments. I feel your pain1
Thanks for reading, Stephanie!
The line "I immersed myself in her work" really resonated with me. I love how you were inspired to write about and advocate for the wellness of the lake and all that is within and around it not only because of your own convictions, but because other writers' voices inspired you. I think that really speaks to why we need to keep writing about what is important to us.
I loved the heart of unity that you brought into your poem. The birds portrayed in the poem seemed unified with others in their species just you and other writers you mentioned are united in your efforts to save them.