As smoke fills my valley home
from distant fires
traveling almost 1000 miles
creating a seasonal smog in the desert.
It’s time to question
Why
Of course those directly affected suffer far more
but this does not get to the issue: California burns.
Start with what the 1988 Yellowstone National Park fire demonstrated.
Where once a fire raged
the land has more than recovered.
Succession of fire-weed and serotinous cones
grew into a healthy lodgepole pine forest.
A natural reshuffling of animal species occurred while
ash from the burnt trees nourished the soil.
Imagine how much less severe today’s wildfires would if we applied that knowledge,
far different than today, yet with fire remaining an integral part of nature’s cycle.
Question the greater human ability to make tough choices.
Eighteen years ago John headed west, settling in Heber, Utah. Focusing on the environment and giving back to community soon became as natural as his beautiful surroundings. Departing the corporate world in 2006 John immersed himself in a year of graduate studies at the Teton Science School, Jackson, Wyoming. Place-based education opened new perspectives on nature and spirituality. After graduation several seasons were spent as a wilderness therapy guide and conservation corps crew leader. Mentoring to these “kids” remains one of his proudest achievements.
Today John saunters throughout much of Wyoming and the Colorado Plateau migrating seasonally between deserts and mountains. Priorities include living in the moment and understanding/reflecting on the natural world.