Dear Friends,
As you may know, if you live in the Eastern third of the United States, you live on land once occupied (or if you are fortunate, currently occupied!) by the temperate broadleaf forest biome - the most disturbed of the earth’s fourteen biomes. As a consequence of modern lifestyles and technologies, most of our fellow citizens know more about the tropics than the forest of our own backyards. Average citizens, even those who are highly educated and well traveled, struggle to name even a few of our native tree species. And when we "Easterners" try to imagine saving or restoring wilderness, our default is to think of some place far away from home. In other words, for the millions of people living in the East, the magic presence of what could serve as a unifying forest heritage is not a major part of most of our lives and dreams.
The purpose of this new non-profit endeavor, the Appalachian Forest School, is to “re-romance” the East and make the native forest a more conscious part of our lives. We aim to deepen knowledge of Eastern natural history and increase commitment to the stewardship of Eastern landscapes. To accomplish these goals we offer intensive learning opportunities at locations scattered within the Eastern forest's original boundaries. Each course is 5-7 days in length and is led by expert naturalists and field researchers. All courses offer uniquely holistic content that is scientific, conceptual, cross-disciplinary, field-oriented, and GLOBAL in perspective.
The word global is important. What makes America's Eastern Forest unique in the world? What are its keystone species? What are its close botanical connections to China and Europe? What are the global conservation challenges to the entire biome? How can we manage forests in the East for the highest native biodiversity? These courses address these questions and more. They are designed to appeal to curious worldly-minded citizens regardless of academic training, students desiring additional field experiences, and science-trained professionals wanting a broader inter-disciplinary view.
Our first Appalachian Forest School course will take place in March as we travel to the southern boundary of the temperate forest: the Panhandle of Florida. Here participants will witness the arrival of the forest’s first spring flowers, kayak historic ivory billed woodpecker habitat, learn of a rare forest component – the Torreya pines, explore crystal clear springs, witness the giant tupelo swamps and pine flatwoods of southern ecosystems, and learn about the Southeast’s native carnivorous plants.
You can view the School's complete course listings at www.highlandssanctuary.org/WE/AFS.htm. If you wish to receive occasional updates of the Appalachian Forest School's curriculum by email, please make your request to reservations@highlandssanctuary.org.
Sometimes, standing back and taking in the big view results in more than a just new perspective, but a profound change of heart. Remember in the 1970's when humanity saw - for the very first time - a distant view of planet earth, suspended in the dark curve of space? As a result, the first citizen-based ecological movement was thrust forward. We all live on land that once covered by a nearly contiguous forest nearly two thousand miles across. Perhaps if enough of us stand back and take in the big view, even of the forest’s remnants, a new citizen land-based identity will be born. One that is distinctly Eastern. And one that includes the trees.
On behalf of re-membering the forest. Hope to see you in the Panhandle.
Sincerely,
Nancy Stranahan
Arc of Appalachia Preserve System
Headquarters: Highlands Nature Sanctuary
7629 Cave Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612
Labels: Eastern forests, education, Florida, schools
