Alison Smith’s Post

Eternal Forest is creating a network of protected forest sanctuaries. Why a network? Why not just one or two? A creation of a living breathing network of forest sanctuaries is a dream of living in an interconnected world, teeming with complexity of life, beauty and supporting human and more-than- human kin. And it is also a necessity. From an ecological point of view, our forests ecosystems all around the world are disrupted, partitioned, many of them are disconnected from one another, which creates difficulty for wildlife to move around, to find mates, to find food and survive. Around many little islands of forests are roads, cultivated fields, monocultures of trees and large industrial areas. From a cultural point of view, the loss of connection with wilder nature and increasingly extractive relationship with the wild we have developed over centuries, led us to dismiss how much we rely on the presence of sanctuaries of wilder places in our lives. For spiritual connection, medicine, art, crafts, inspiration. Every little island of biodiversity near a community means a place of retreat, solace, creativity, long-life learning and resilience in times of trouble. We envision a network of communities and projects that are connected bioregionally, that relate to each other and support each other, exchanging knowledge, methodologies, art, practices, seeds. We envision a global movement of forest guardians who carry the vision to be manifested in all parts of the world, be it creation of a forest from scratch or protection of an existing one, supported by an arts and science program and the local community stewarding the forest sanctuary for generations to come. Join Eternal Forest Camp at Gathering Of Tribes 11-15 September https://bit.ly/ef-got #regenerativeculture #regenerativeart #eternalforest #forestnetwork #forestsanctuary #regeneration #forest #community

The unique rock formations in Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site feature natural depressions, commonly known as "huecos," which collect and retain rainwater, creating ephemeral pools. This phenomenon attracts a diverse array of fauna, transforming the rocks into oasis-like habitats. Desert wildlife such as quail, dove, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions visit the huecos for hydration. In addition to supporting desert wildlife, the huecos also provide a haven for insect life, including beetles, ants, and butterflies. Amphibians like frogs and toads breed in the temporary pools, while reptiles such as lizards, snakes, and turtles seek refuge and water in the huecos. The huecos serve as vital food sources, supporting insects, plants, and small animals that thrive in the moist environments. They also offer shelter from extreme temperatures and predators, and function as breeding grounds for various species. This convergence of water, flora, and fauna creates micro-ecosystems within Hueco Tanks, highlighting the park's unique biodiversity and ecological significance.

🌍🐘 Happy World Elephant Day 2024! 🐘🌍 Today, we celebrate the majestic giants of the animal kingdom: elephants. These incredible creatures are not only the largest land mammals but also play a vital role in their ecosystems, helping to shape the environment and support biodiversity. They’re intelligent. They’re family-oriented. They have great memories. They are capable of feeling a wide range of deep emotions, from intense grief to joy bordering on elation, as well as empathy and stunning self-awareness. They create complex, supportive societies much like our own. As we mark World Elephant Day, let's reflect on the importance of protecting these magnificent animals and their habitats. From conservation efforts to anti-poaching initiatives, every action counts in ensuring a future where elephants can roam freely and thrive. #WorldElephantDay #Conservation #ProtectWildlife #Sustainability #ElephantAwareness #ProjectElephant

Good evening everyone ⚡ 🌍🐘 Celebrating World Elephant Day! DATE: AUGUST 12 THEME:“Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental importance.” Today, we honor one of the most majestic and intelligent creatures on our planet—elephants. These gentle giants play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystems they inhabit. However, elephants face significant threats, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. On this World Elephant Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty and importance of these magnificent animals and reflect on how we can contribute to their conservation. Whether through supporting wildlife conservation efforts, spreading awareness, or advocating for stronger protections, we can all play a part in ensuring a future where elephants thrive. Let’s work together to protect and preserve these incredible creatures for generations to come. 🐘💚 "Elephants are not just animals, they are the keepers of our natural heritage." #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #Sustainability #Biodiversity #worldElephantday #nature #saveElephants #Endangeredspecies

Great to read of the success of this project to reintroduce missing marsupials to this arid region in northwestern New South Wales in Australia. Pioneering projects like this are demonstrating the effectiveness of the ecological restoration work that is required everywhere in order to return our planet to a state of natural health and balance from its present overexploited and polluted condition. The 21st Century needs to become the Century of Restoring the Earth! https://lnkd.in/eqS4p_2k

This week, we have been celebrating National Hedgerow Week, organised by the Tree Council. 🌳 The unsung heroes of our landscapes, here are just some of the benefits planting hedgerows can provide: - Hedgerows provide essential habitats for wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals, supporting biodiversity in urban and rural areas alike.🐛🐦 - They act as natural windbreaks, helping to reduce wind erosion and create microclimates, this can be particularly beneficial in Scotland's varied landscape.🌳 - Hedgerows also serve as corridors for wildlife, allowing species to move safely between fragmented habitats, aiding in conservation efforts and maintaining genetic diversity.🦔 At Elsoms Trees, we're passionate about supporting initiatives like National Hedgerow Week. That's why we offer a variety of hedgerow mixes tailored to suit any location. We work with you to ensure your project receives the correct mix of species. Some of our favorite species for hedges include Blackthorn, Rose, Green Beech, and Hornbeam. Burnet rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia) is an excellent choice for hedging due to its dense growth habit, prickly stems, and fragrant flowers, making it an effective barrier plant that also adds beauty to the landscape. Its resilience in various soil types and ability to tolerate coastal conditions make it a great choice for many locations. Let's celebrate the invaluable role of hedgerows in our environment! 🌿 #NationalHedgerowWeek #TreeCouncil #ElsomsTrees

Happy International Day of Forests to all of our woodland companions! 🐿 🌲To celebrate, here are some interesting facts about forests that might surprise you: - The species of tree in the Amazon known as Socratea exorrhiza has the ability to walk. This tree can move towards sunlight a few centimetres annually, by sprouting new roots and shedding old ones. - A healthy 100-foot-tall tree can boast around 200,000 leaves, and in just a single growing season, can take 11,000 gallons of water from the soil and release it into the air again as purified oxygen and water vapor. - Forests are biodiversity powerhouses, housing over 80% of the world's terrestrial species, and are essential for ecosystem balance. - Deep in the Amazon Rainforest, there's a fascinating creature known as the pink river dolphin or "boto", which can turn its head a full 180 degrees 🤯🐬 I hope this International Day of Forests we can all take a moment to cherish our leafy friends and the vast biodiversity of forest wildlife. And remember, as Bob Ross once said: 'There's nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend.' 🌳👫

🌍 Celebrating the Majestic Guardians of Our Ecosystems 🐘 On this World Elephant Day, we honour these incredible creatures who play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our planet's ecosystems. Elephants are more than just the largest land animals; they are keystone species whose presence ensures the survival of countless other species. 🔍 Did you know? There are three recognized species of elephants: the African savanna elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant. African elephants have seen their population decline by over 60% in the past 50 years due to poaching and habitat loss, with approximately 415,000 left in the wild. Asian elephants are classified as "Endangered," with only 40,000 to 50,000 remaining. As we reflect on the beauty and intelligence of these magnificent creatures, let's commit to protecting them and their habitats. The future of our ecosystems depends on it. #WorldElephantDay #Conservation #Biodiversity #WildlifeProtection #Sustainability #EcosystemGuardians

On August 12, we are proud to celebrate World Elephant Day with the theme “Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental importance.” Elephants are symbols of ancient beauty, hold deep cultural and religious significance, and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However, these majestic creatures face threats like poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. On this World Elephant Day, let’s raise our voices to protect them. Share this post, spread awareness, and support conservation efforts to ensure a safe and thriving fut#wildlifeprotection Why Elephants Matter: Ecosystem Engineers: Elephants play a critical role in shaping their environment by creating waterholes and clearing pathways, which benefits other wildlife. Cultural Significance: In many cultures, elephants are revered as symbols of wisdom, power, and good fortune. How We Can Help: Support Conservation Efforts: Contribute to organizations working to protect elephants and their habitats. Raise Awareness: Share information about the challenges elephants face and the importance of preserving their environment. Adopt Sustainable Practices: Reduce your ecological footprint to help protect natural habitats. Every action counts when it comes to protecting these incredible creatures. Let’s join hands to ensure a future where elephants continue to roam the wild in freedom and safety. Happy World Elephant Day! #WorldElephantDay #SaveTheElephants #WildlifeConservation #ProtectOurPlanet #ElephantConservation #WildlifeProtection

"Discover the playful world of monkeys as they thrive in their natural habitat! In this video, you'll witness the unique behaviors and community dynamics of these incredible creatures as they forage, interact, and enjoy nature's bounty. Monkeys are highly social animals, often living in groups where cooperation and communication are essential. Watch as they skillfully gather fruits, using their sharp instincts and agility to navigate their surroundings. The variety of fruits in their diet not only provides essential nutrients but also supports the health of their ecosystems. By dispersing seeds, these animals play a crucial role in sustaining the flora around them. This interaction between species reminds us of the delicate balance within ecosystems and the importance of preserving wildlife habitats. Every action we take can help protect these animals and their environment. Let's celebrate the beauty of nature and commit to its conservation. 🐒🌿🍊 #WildlifeConservation #AnimalBehavior #EcosystemBalance #Sustainability #Biodiversity #NatureLovers #WildlifePhotography #Monkeys #ConservationMatters"