Earth Regeneration
Earth Regeneration Committee:
CRICCC’s Earth Regeneration Committee is focusing on how we take care of the land to benefit Nature, and how we can support people who use regenerative practices to grow our food. Regeneration could be loosely defined as restoring what has been degraded. This includes protecting natural areas and allowing ecosystems to come to full health. Regeneration includes inviting nature into whatever outdoor space you take care of, so the ecosystem can better thrive. A network of many such places could help form a path where wildlife can live and move to other ecosystems. Eating food grown regeneratively within 100 miles supports the local economy and preserves land and ecosystems. Regeneration is about the human community working with Nature so that all life can thrive. Regeneration is joyful work in commUnity outdoors, reviving our spirits.
The 2023 US Farm Bill
The Farm Bill is anticipated to be finalized by September 2023, when the previous 5-year Farm Bill expires.
From the website for Regenerate America: “Through the widespread adoption of regenerative agriculture, we can bring prosperity to rural communities for this generation and generations to come, while improving food and water security and strengthening our climate resilience. This is the bipartisan issue of our time. Regenerate America is convened by the national soil health nonprofit organization, "Kiss the Ground.” There are resources at Regenerate America, and sign the online petition HERE.
On September 18, 2023 Jean Howard of Home Earth Alliance presented a talk to CRICCC on Regenerative Farming (PDF HERE).
These photos are of the EcoLandscaping Exhibit of Home Earth Alliance at the Capital Region Flower and Garden Expo in March 2023 at Hudson Valley Community College. Resources for the Home Earth alliance can be found HERE.
Composter Glen Culbertsen, of Capital District Zero Waste explains the ins and outs of vermiculture and composting.
"Yards Belong to the Earth" display, staffed here by Earth Regeneration Committee members Sheree Cammer and Barbara Sinacore.
The Federal Farm Bill every 5 years sets agricultural policy, including supplying food for people who can’t afford it. There is still time for the public to influence lawmakers regarding the Farm Bill, which is anticipated to be voted on this September.
Several organizations (see links below) are advocating the inclusion of several items for regenerative agriculture, which would revitalize local economies and small farms while sequestering carbon in soils, decreasing pollution from synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, among other benefits.
A webinar update on the bill is being offered Tuesday, August 1 by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). To register, go to https://afsc.org/just-farm-bill. You can also watch the recording for Climate Action Party: The Last BIG Climate Bill this Year.
Other advocates for regenerative provisions and a just bill include:
https://kisstheground.com/petition/#/4/
https://nofany.org/advocacy/farmbill/
The following are some useful resources:
Native plants for birds and insects in your garden
Wild Ones is a national non-profit organization with local chapters that promote the many benefits of landscaping using native plants such as wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses. Another site is Wild Things Rescue Nursery.
Company that designs edible and restorative habitat: Thrive Lot.
Stormwater Management for your home
Best Practices for home stormwater management
3:57 minute summary video and full-length video on Stormwater