5/9/08

Let's Tend the Garden





Many times in class, we discussed how antithetical organized religion can be to a scientific and ecological revolution. Primarily Christianity.


I'd like to have an opportunity to invite anyone who may glance at this blog, a chance to reconsider what may be hard feelings towards the Church. Trust me, I have my own issues with it as well...


Right after September 11th, my wife and I sought out a place of refuge. The psychological blow of that day spurred a deep need for a spiritual community within us. We found a very open, tolerant, and beautiful church in Florence called the Vineyard. We have grown to love this Church. The pastor is one of the coolest guys on Earth, who does not preach, but leads by example. His humbleness and his ability to communicate the Word through everyday life is so poignant, that sometimes I do feel the Presence.


It's a special place that welcomes all newcomers.


On the weekend of May 16th and 17th, the Vineyard is proving its progressive message. There will be workshops, presentations, and worship all centered on why and how to serve God by caring for Creation. There will be keynote speakers, leaders in the Green Evangelical Movement, and most importantly food! This conference was originally $35 for a student and $45 regular price. However, the Vineyard has decided to only accept donations, in order to fill as many seats as possible.


This is an important message. The Change that we want to see isn't just going to come from politicians, scientists, environmentalists, etc. If we are to move the masses, there is no larger vector than the Christian Church. This movement must happen in order to build an unbreakable consensus.


So, if you're not too busy and this sounds like something you'd like to check out, please email me at kaeffw@nku.edu or just contact me through the comments.


Go to the Vineyard website to learn more: http://vineyardchristian.org/

Me and mine will be there both days. I'd love to see a familiar face at the conference


Peace,

Chris



4/27/08

Community Project

Reforest Northern Kentucky 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Campbell County Environmental Education Center, AJ Jolly Park
9:30 am -12:30 pm

Northern Kentucky Urban & Community Forestry Council joined Northern Kentucky University to sponsor the tree planting event. Four thousand Kentucky native trees were planted in and around AJ Jolly Park in order to restore our native forest, create new wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and prevent soil loss to erosion.


The event drew close to three hundred volunteers of all ages, from the Northern Kentucky community. Northern Kentucky University provided much of the leadership that was necessary for the successful organization of so many volunteers. I was one of the thirty team leaders who, with the assistance of my little girl, managed a crew of ten. Our crew was responsible for planting 76 trees in six rows 6'X8' apart.








Mark Leopold from CAE giving team leader orientation. My Miss Morgan getting warmed up. Grab a bucket and start digging!



Our crew hard at work.


Mission accomplished!


Obviously, there are numerous benefits to planting thousands of native trees in an area that has been occupied and disturbed by humans. This parcel of land has been given an edge in sustaining a native habitat over the invasive exotic species that wreak havoc on a biological community. This area is now capable of returning to some semblance of its natural state. However, the most important outcome of such an event is an entire community has shared in a life long memory. Children and adults learned that taking action is rewarding and fun, but as always much easier when it's done TOGETHER.


Direct quote from Miss Morgan: "This is the best day ever!"


Next year, contact Jessica Metzger at the Center for Applied Ecology to volunteer for leadership opportunities!

4/19/08

Final Chapter of Plan B 2.0

For presentation and discussion in class on Wednesday 4/23/08.


World Seed Bank in Norway:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/26/norway.seeds/


http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=7529



YouTube mashup on OIF, the media, and the Human Condition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7KHUbuhgpQ

When you bite into Nature

Nature bites back.

~~~

That's just the way

that it is.

A matter of Fact.

-- Peter Wilde