Greetings from Africa....
      I'm nearly speechless (and we all know how rare that is :) so much has happened since I was able to connect with the Internet a couple of days ago.
       Let's have a little fun with this...since I last blogged I've seen at least 100 new species that I've never encountered in my life...from dung beetles to rhinos and from lions to Corey Bustards (the largest birds on the planet that can fly),,,not to mention the hoppe bird, gazelles bouncing, baboons and vultures galore...etc., etc, etc.  And if that's not enough...I've bounced down outback roads in a land cruiser, worn enough layers to scare a North Country winter away on night game drives...AND this morning I spent an hour in a little plane flying over the entire conservancy and  research center where we've spent our days.  We were soaring at about 600 feet, so we could clearly see wildlife as well as the ranching strategies that we've been studying.  In a word, SPECTACULAR!!!!
        This region teaches us great lessons about the potential for reducing human/wildlife conflicts.  We've focused much of our travel and meetings with researchers/wildlife managers on the use of bomas, where cattle are herded together for the night, as assets for ecosystems where they're located..  The concentration of cattle in this small area, boosts the nutrients present in that  area signficantly,  making it possible for a more nutritious species of grass to grow.  Meanwhile cattle and wildlife are drawn to these “hotspots to graze!”  We've also seen marked contrasts between conservancy managed lands and community lands and have identified the great work that is being done to involve local people  in environmental improvements.  Whether we're in Africa or in New York it's essential  that people be encouraged,  inspired and supported as they do good things for humanity by making  sustainable decisions.

         This adventure is so incredibly motivating...I cant wait to start implementing cool ideas that we've been developing, and sharing this AMAZING experience with learners one and all!  See  you soon!  M.Watkins

October 30, 2009
The class would love to have a personal responce from you posted (if that is possible). I haven't checked my e-mail yet, it may be there. See you later. Oh, by the way, some really, really, important news that may not have reached you yet: The Yankees and Phillies are tied at one game apiece in the World Series (we must keep our priorities straight, even when we are 1/2 a world apart?!?!?!?

posted 10/30/2009 2:29 PM EST
ESF Class gwidrick@brcsd.org

posted 10/31/2009 8:27 AM EST
Mr. Green tgreen@brcsd.org

posted 10/31/2009 1:16 PM EST
Sharlene lakewoman@hughes.net

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