10-10-10 Global Work Party

There was a coordinated global action organized by 350.org to increase the positive impact that people have on our environment.

Transition Cowichan had organized some local tree planting events to help build up the valley's longterm food security and to help build community by bringing together folks that want to make the differences that our Provincial and Federal Governments are not.

I missed the bench building event, but took the lead on the tree planting for October 10th, 2010.

I would like to offer a A BIG Thank you to O.U.R Ecovillage for donating trees and Lynn and Byron of Moondance Arts for taking the first steps to opening their front yard to their neighbours!

This was the first tree planting event for me and I have learned a lot! One lesson is that I must designate a photographer next time because the photos that I took were an after thought.

I am hoping to make this an annual event, so you will be hearing from me in the future. My hope is to meet you all in person, so we can build on this event and work together to get more folks out.

The Wilmot and Dundas site was part of a permaculture design project that I was involved in this summer at O.U.R Ecovillage. This action was the second phase of four for the Shawnigan Lake Arts and Multicultural (SLAM) place making celebration. The first phase was a cob bench that was building during the first annual SLAM festival held on September, 19th 2010. The next phase will be planting the supporting guilds for each tree in spring, and the fourth phase will be a place making street painting / celebration for the intersection of Wilmot and Dundas (September 2011).

If you live in the Shawnigan area, please let me know if you have any thoughts or ideas for future plantings. This includes your front yard if you are interested in building community and inviting your neighbours to help themselves to the bounty!

There were some extra trees that I was able to secure from O.U.R Ecovillage, and I put them in my front yard at 2787 Gregory Road. You are welcome to come by anytime to take a look at "Gregory Gardens" and I would love to meet you!

Peace,
TNT

2010.10.16