Yesterday, I made arrangements to have Keystone's field mowed this summer. On my way home from work, I pass the Wittenback Agra/Science Center in Lowell and right their in the front yard they have a community garden. I thought (not for the first time) what a cool idea. Then I thought, (for the first time) what about the field? Is it being used as it was originally intended (soccer, games, etc) and is that good enough...or could it be put to better use growing food?
Got home and didn't think too much more about it until this morning over coffee. I spent a few minutes reading May's edition of Fastcompany and there it was, an article called, "The Promised Land" about a company that transforms business and college campuses green space into "whole human habitats" that provide beauty, refuge and utility. Things like:
- Ponds and wetlands that filter gray water (run off from pavement,etc) that can nuture wild plants providing food for birds and fish
- Fruit bearing trees and crops
- Opportunities for education and study of the environment
- Nitrogen "fixing" plantings
- Sustainable, fossil fuel free energy consumption
It's of course, not a cost free undertaking, one of the biggest long term cost savings comes from the climate-appropriate landscaping/trees. After the upfront costs of plantings, maintenance can be cut (according to the article) to 1/4 to 1/6 of the cost for traditional maintenance/upkeep.
Many of you who know me, know that I am somewhat skeptical of some of the "global warming" who-ha (don't get me started about carbon credits). But this kind of thing appeals to me on many levels.
- My own home is surrounded by wild/untouched woods, trees we planted, very little mowed grass and low water (no underground sprinklers) plantings. We only water if it gets really dry, then we drag hoses around for those few days.
- The field at Keystone is mainly populated by geese and ducks, what they leave behind is not fun to step in. I'd love to see a greater variety of animal life make their home there.
- Who knows where this could go? Opening the area to a community garden, starting a farmers market, going organic???
- And mostly, it seems like a good way to honor God by taking care of and enhancing the things he's given us to look after.
What do you think?
