And what really is left to talk about Pecha Kucha, Volume 7?

A–5
Another something scientist spoke about the loss of Grasslands in the Okanagan Valley and thus the need for a National Park. As I too believe that it should be a no-brainer to develop a national park at the southern end of the Okanagan, I refilled my beer glass and settled in to listen. The message was basic — too many species are at risk in this part of the world, and in particular the Idaho fescue and the rough fescue are two grasses that we really need to protect, and if possible help bring back. These grasses are vital to the survival of different fauna as well as helping maintain stability in certain soils.

The presenter had a number of interesting slides that pointed to a bonus in all this appeal for more protection of our unique grasslands, many of which are above the valley floor. There are a wide variety of hiking and walking trails that not only help keep you in shape, but offer incredible vistas. All of a sudden I’m thinking that maybe we have been approaching the National Park campaign from the wrong perspective. Since there are great tourist meccas in Europe for the walkers and the hikers, it is obvious to me at least, that people will travel great distances to walk and/or hike. So why not make this National Park a real focal point for these people? Moreover, maybe schools should get more involved in taking their students into these grasslands, and on the well-marked trails they not only can teach them about the importance of preserving our natural heritage, they can also show the young people new moments of scenery that make the valley seem even more spectacular.

A–6
This presenter focused on the opportunity to rescue horses that currently are feral creatures on parts of the Penticton Indian Band’s lands. Many of these horses are not in good shape and could well end up in meat processing plants. She sees herself as speaking for the horses, which is admirable; but since no one actually seems to want these animals, perhaps they don’t have the future that we might envision if we watch lots of horse shows. In the end, I wasn’t really sure what the purpose of the presentation was, particularly as these horses, if not owned by individuals belong to the Penticton Indian Band. Her presentation would be better served by talking directly to the leadership of that community — maybe a rodeo would be interested.

A–7
This presenter address the importance of “perma culture” — a term with which I was not really familiar. He talked about ethical design science and how embracing this would improve the world around us. I was about to go out to the bar and get another beer and maybe even a nap when he caught my attention with the assertion that CO2 is not only not a pollutant, but should be used more than it is to improve “plant growth”. He is not sure why everyone in Canada is running around attacking the production of CO2. He reminded us that forests are growing faster and stronger now because there is more CO2 available and that should tell us something. Why don’t we do more to capture and sequester carbon and redirect it to plants that we need — for example, cherry trees? This would actually support the local economy and make use of one of the necessities of life to produce more necessities of life.

He was very interesting in his assertion that we need to connect ALL the elements so everything promotes resiliency. What a novel approach!! Imagine if, instead of wasting time protesting the oil sands, these same people were out planting trees wherever there is space. In every cloverleaf (flyover) on major highways have schools and their students adopt the spaces for growing trees and eventually there would be a renewable system created wherein the wood could be harvested on an annual, sustainable basis and used in the various woodworking shop classes. Some of the trees could be removed while still young and depending on the species, transplanted in the backyards of students’ homes or used for Christmas trees, etc. In other setting mini-orchards could be established and maintained by different classes, again using the trees either for transplanting or the produce for food either as student snacks or in the cafeteria. The options become endless, especially if the private sector is also invited to come up with some uses. Since there is already some effort being made to transport carbon dioxide by pipeline to certain locales, with some real thoughtful planning, there could be major greenhouse facilities built along major pipeline routes and in addition to the oil pipeline, there could be a CO2 pipeline. All the agricultural projects could then draw off CO2 as allocated and needed. Don’t stuff CO2 into the ground, spread it around the plant world where it can be very helpful.

It all makes so much sense…I just wish I was younger so I could get into business as either a sequester, a transporter or a user of CO2. Certainly got my attention and got me thinking…

g.w.