exploring the potential of learning to "read" temperate forest landscapes as living stories and history books that tell you about the nature of the human cultures which shaped them
I want to take the time to read it in depth as it adds so much richness and cross cultural context to my own knowledge of ancient woodlands in the UK. We need to protect old growth forests everywhere!
Thank you for this illuminating opportunity to learn so much more. It was a feast for spirit and growth. The weaponization of words I’ve been made aware of given the recent worldwide scam we’ve endured. I often pondered words and names and felt they were so ill fitting and wrong so your dive into this confirms my soul’s discomfort and distress. Much gratitude to you for sharing your gained wisdom.
I want to take the time and read this whole article. It arrived just as I am returning from a trip to Ireland. It has a crazy history regarding its forests, chopping them all down and then growing these strips of Sitka firs which are a disaster.
Thanks for the comment Josie! Yes I have done a bit or research on Ireland's arboreal history and included some of that in the article above (did you see that section?).
I appreciate the info on Sitka firs, it is amazing to think that most of the island was Oak forest at one point.
Thanks for taking the time to read. I am glad what I shared resonates with you.
May the seeds you gather (both of the mind and in the physical) germinate to set down roots in fertile soils, resulting in an abundant harvest of nourishment for the body and food for the soul.
What a read! Thank you for educating me further. I will be on Salt Spring Island visiting soon. I had heard of those old trees on Victoria. I am happy you will be there, greeting them.
I am grateful for you taking the time to read with an open mind.
I would love to explore Salt Spring more in this life. I have only visited a few times briefly.
I spent much time on Galiano Island at my grandparents bed, breakfast and restaurant (helping them tend their gardens, forage for morels, gather oysters and catch rock cod for serving to their guests) when I was young. Their humble cottage and restaurant was surrounded in old growth cedar and fir, lush ferns, moss and so much verdant life. It was nourishing to my spirit, heart and mind to be there. I have a special place in my heart for the Arbutus trees of that area. I used to fish from the sandstone cliffs near my grandparent's where a large arbutus hung over head and a bald eagle would often perch on her branches. I used to jump from that cliff into the ocean and climb back up a ladder to walk barefoot on Rhododendron and Arbutus leaves which has the most sweet and nourishing fragrance. Thanks for evoking the memories..
Do you know if any primary (never logged) old growth forest remains on Salt Spring Island?
I have never been there before and I shall ask if there is any such place…I am happy with one ancient tree. They are so wise and have such presence. Grandparents offer such gifts sometimes. My grandmother taught me to talk to plants and to not step on fairies…and even though I could not see them, I believed her. Your work is so important. Your post is rich. I do believe the energy of one’s intention and words creates a ripple in the world. A positive force that supports things. People need those ripples now. I just spoke to a man who owns a restaurant here in Crete. “Make sure you see the dark side of things,” he tells me—as he knows I have told him I love it here…the beauty, the simplicity, how people still grow their own food and drink from springs... “I drank too much last night. I have a farm.” I ask if he can support himself with his farm as he tells me about how people struggle here, how trust is less, how his restaurant is too empty. He points out that he supports people with his restaurant. His ex wife works with him. He pays his employees well. And he gifted me with sea salt he gathered from the rocks here, that he paid tax on so it will make it through customs. He told me how the olive trees are cut to plant oranges, then avocados…whatever makes people the most money. And I see the world and this transition we are in and read your post about Hickory nuts and tending and it gives me hope…as do your words about your grandparents and their air B&B. So thank you again. Even though I am not familiar with all the trees of which you speak, yet, your connection to them and to the world comes through quite beautifully and although I don’t have an answer for this man and his hung over eyes…I know there is hope. And that someone is headed to visit an ancient forest on Victoria Island…which is a beautiful and meaningful thing.
Thank you so much for this article/ archive!
I want to take the time to read it in depth as it adds so much richness and cross cultural context to my own knowledge of ancient woodlands in the UK. We need to protect old growth forests everywhere!
Thank you for this illuminating opportunity to learn so much more. It was a feast for spirit and growth. The weaponization of words I’ve been made aware of given the recent worldwide scam we’ve endured. I often pondered words and names and felt they were so ill fitting and wrong so your dive into this confirms my soul’s discomfort and distress. Much gratitude to you for sharing your gained wisdom.
You are most welcome, thanks for reading and commenting.
I have now updated the article with some additional content regarding the linguistic artifacts section.
Much gratitude to you for the kind and heartfelt comment.
I want to take the time and read this whole article. It arrived just as I am returning from a trip to Ireland. It has a crazy history regarding its forests, chopping them all down and then growing these strips of Sitka firs which are a disaster.
Thanks for the comment Josie! Yes I have done a bit or research on Ireland's arboreal history and included some of that in the article above (did you see that section?).
I appreciate the info on Sitka firs, it is amazing to think that most of the island was Oak forest at one point.
Yes, I did! It was such a synchronicity reading it just as I returned from the Emerald Isle!
Wonderful posting as always... Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to read. I am glad what I shared resonates with you.
May the seeds you gather (both of the mind and in the physical) germinate to set down roots in fertile soils, resulting in an abundant harvest of nourishment for the body and food for the soul.
What a read! Thank you for educating me further. I will be on Salt Spring Island visiting soon. I had heard of those old trees on Victoria. I am happy you will be there, greeting them.
I am grateful for you taking the time to read with an open mind.
I would love to explore Salt Spring more in this life. I have only visited a few times briefly.
I spent much time on Galiano Island at my grandparents bed, breakfast and restaurant (helping them tend their gardens, forage for morels, gather oysters and catch rock cod for serving to their guests) when I was young. Their humble cottage and restaurant was surrounded in old growth cedar and fir, lush ferns, moss and so much verdant life. It was nourishing to my spirit, heart and mind to be there. I have a special place in my heart for the Arbutus trees of that area. I used to fish from the sandstone cliffs near my grandparent's where a large arbutus hung over head and a bald eagle would often perch on her branches. I used to jump from that cliff into the ocean and climb back up a ladder to walk barefoot on Rhododendron and Arbutus leaves which has the most sweet and nourishing fragrance. Thanks for evoking the memories..
Do you know if any primary (never logged) old growth forest remains on Salt Spring Island?
I have never been there before and I shall ask if there is any such place…I am happy with one ancient tree. They are so wise and have such presence. Grandparents offer such gifts sometimes. My grandmother taught me to talk to plants and to not step on fairies…and even though I could not see them, I believed her. Your work is so important. Your post is rich. I do believe the energy of one’s intention and words creates a ripple in the world. A positive force that supports things. People need those ripples now. I just spoke to a man who owns a restaurant here in Crete. “Make sure you see the dark side of things,” he tells me—as he knows I have told him I love it here…the beauty, the simplicity, how people still grow their own food and drink from springs... “I drank too much last night. I have a farm.” I ask if he can support himself with his farm as he tells me about how people struggle here, how trust is less, how his restaurant is too empty. He points out that he supports people with his restaurant. His ex wife works with him. He pays his employees well. And he gifted me with sea salt he gathered from the rocks here, that he paid tax on so it will make it through customs. He told me how the olive trees are cut to plant oranges, then avocados…whatever makes people the most money. And I see the world and this transition we are in and read your post about Hickory nuts and tending and it gives me hope…as do your words about your grandparents and their air B&B. So thank you again. Even though I am not familiar with all the trees of which you speak, yet, your connection to them and to the world comes through quite beautifully and although I don’t have an answer for this man and his hung over eyes…I know there is hope. And that someone is headed to visit an ancient forest on Victoria Island…which is a beautiful and meaningful thing.