tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940461714763248452012-02-16T00:32:15.336-08:00Council Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16872706114725253076noreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94046171476324845.post-26873048337777534142009-04-23T08:57:00.000-07:002009-04-23T17:36:20.189-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gnh2Oi4Txoo/SfCvuP4X3TI/AAAAAAAAAAM/FBOQ0mMRHz8/s1600-h/blogearth.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 106px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gnh2Oi4Txoo/SfCvuP4X3TI/AAAAAAAAAAM/FBOQ0mMRHz8/s320/blogearth.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327951568251116850" /></a><div>Yesterday was Earth Day, 2009.  Earth Day gives us all a chance to reflect on our relationship with the Earth and our natural surroundings.  The natural environment of the Earth is an interesting and wondrous thing to observe, as are our perceptions of it.  It seems a fair statement that our views on nature are colored by our experience with it.  <div><div><br /></div><div>Not many people who have lived their life under the sodium lamplights of San Francisco, (or any other city) would see the natural environment in the same light as those who nightly gather around glowing embers of a cooking fire, like the Nukak (or any of the other indigenous peoples of the world).  These differing perspectives, while worlds apart are valuable for the integrity of their unique contributions to our understanding of humanity. </div><div><br /><div>Another interesting perspective on nature comes from farmers.  Farmers respect nature in ways few non-farmers can anticipate.  After all, it is from nature that farmers derive their livelihood and are able to provide for their families, whether they are growing crops or raising livestock. I encourage blog followers to help me expound on this by sharing their personal connection with nature.  How do you interact with nature on a daily basis?  (Is it your consumption behaviors? Is it the challenge of wind erosion on unplanted acres? Do you hike the back trails of Yosemite every weekend?  Are you one of those farmers along our rivers helping to maintain a wild and scenic waterway? Speak up folks, anything goes...)</div><div><br /></div><div>Farmers are quick to remind us that the very basis of healthy crops and livestock is high quality natural resources, like healthy soil and fresh water.   More than merely the importance of having access to these precious resources, farmers are keenly aware of the heavy responsibility to beneficially manage their farms to help maintain the quality of these vital resources.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Farmers, especially here in California have always known that to waste not is to want not. That's a valuable lesson for us all when looking to make every day Earth Day.</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/94046171476324845-2687304833777753414?l=agwatercouncil.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Council Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16872706114725253076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94046171476324845.post-90126061637132453122009-04-22T17:09:00.000-07:002009-04-22T17:26:23.065-07:00New Blog!  This is our first blog entry at the new AWMC (Agricultural Water Management Council) blog, so we will try to be brief.   First, welcome to the AWMC blog, it will provide musings on agriculture and the environment in California.  While the posts may come from staff, we encourage participation from all, and look forward to hearing from all of you.  It is our belief that a meaningful dialogue is beneficial to all parties, and hope that you find value in the exchange.<div><br /></div><div>Just a few housekeeping notes to get out of the way first. </div><div><br /></div><div>1.  While we intend to be somewhat informal in this setting, we ask that you keep any comments you have polite and respectful.  </div><div><br /></div><div>2.  Spammers will be prosecuted.</div><div><br /></div><div>3.  Any opinion opined are those of their authors and may or may not represent the beliefs of all Council Members.  They ARE intended to spark dialogue and conversation.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/94046171476324845-9012606163713245312?l=agwatercouncil.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Council Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16872706114725253076noreply@blogger.com0