Spring 2005 Newsletter
From CFI
ORGANIZING FOR POST-CARBON FUTURE
Since the 1950’s geologists have warned that global oil production will peak in the early part of the 21st. century. Rather than heed the warning and prepare by manufacturing more energy efficient automobiles or by establishing renewable energy systems, the US has been relying on overseas sources to fill the ever increasing demand for oil in this country.
Experts such as Richard Heinberg, author of Power Down and The Party’s Over are urging us to make preparations now to alter our lifestyles to be less dependant on petroleum to provide for the basics of life.
Food production and transportation, pharmaceuticals and the medical industry, the heating and cooling of our homes, the commute to our jobs are all dependant on a fuel that is rapidly declining in availability while demand continues to increase.
There is a DIY (Do It Yourself) Movement gaining momentum that is engaging us to take measures that will insure that we can provide for our own needs. Visit our website where WELL, the Willits Economic Localization Links have been posting information about local food, water, transportation, shelter, health and social structure based on their research of the 95490 area. CFI is encouraging bio-regions around the county to begin meeting regularly, to use what they can of the WELL model and to create economic localization movements of their own. We are offering the CFI Wiki website as a tool to post the results of each regions community meetings, inventories of their particular resources and to post information that could serve as a future online inter-regional goods and services exchange center.
CAMBUGÁN WATERSHED WILDLIFE CORRIDER NEEDS YOU!
Help protect the Cambugan Watershed Cloud Forest Institute is partnering with the local Ecuadorian community organization Allpa Janpirina and well known international forest protection organizations Rainforest Information Center (Australia) and Rainforest Concern (UK) to raise funds to purchase and protect parcels of land and create a protected wildlife corridor between the Mindo-Nambillo (where CFI has historically worked) and the Cotocachi Cayapas forest reserves.
Ecuador’s tropical forests are home to the greatest concentration of species on the planet and will be completely destroyed by logging, cattle ranching and mining in less than 35 years unless we act now to raise $35,000 by June.
The 840-acres in two parcels is located in the Paso Alto Range of the Andes in the Cambugán Watershed. It is home to jaguars, spectacled bears and the highest number of amphibian and endemic bird species IN THE WORLD!
For only a $40 tax-deductible donation you can save an entire acre in your name, or in honor of a loved one. There are also ways for businesses to sponsor. For the price of tank of gas, or a pair of shoes, or a couple of CDs, you will be protecting the world’s only home to the plant that might hold the cure for cancer or AIDS.
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER, FREEDA ALIDA BURNSTAD
Many of us are just now breaking out of the post election depression. While the oppressive political environment tends to drain our energy to work for change, it also makes it all the more important that we do continue. After the election I adjusted my own lifestyle as an experiment in local self sufficiency. For six weeks I ate only food produced in Mendocino and neighboring counties and posted weekly updates on our webpage.
The word sustainability is so diluted; the new favored term is regeneration. Regenerating a life that fulfills basic human needs; to be fed, drink clean water, feel love and friendship, and connection with nature and spirit. These are the topics that CFI is teaching in CA as we work with interested people to establish an intentional educational community.
Ecuador has been on the back burner since I’ve been in CA. I’ve been here by neccesity not by choice, working and earning money to buy property in Ecuador. 2005 is the year we will purchase – especially with your help. We imagine that people are considering becoming ex-pat or at least having the option which is exactly what we can offer.
I trust that you will be impressed with all that we have done and are doing and will show your support with generosity. Thank You!
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2004
At the beginning of 2004 the Board revitalized our commitment to establish a Multiversity educational community in N. Ca. and began visiting possible site locations. During the year we visited four properties that offered interesting opportunities, but we’re still looking for the perfect place.
In May 2004 we celebrated the passage of the monumental Measure H, which made Mendocino the first GMO free county in the country.
The first Revolutionary Summer School workshops started in June and successfully continued through August.
In September CFI co-initiated and is now co-coordinating a public outreach, education, and organization campaign for a post-carbon future in Mendocino County.
Freeda returned to Ecuador the month of September for a visit and to look for land. She found a dichotomy; it is difficult to raise money to purchase land without having a specific piece in mind and you might as well not look until you have cash in hand to negotiate with. She also delivered a donation of two brand new computers to our collaborators CIBT, along with a much needed $8,500 donation for the Los Cedros Bioreserve.
The year ended with a flurry of meetings about Economic Localization, planning the reopening of the MEC and KMEC radio, and another upgrade to our webpage.
CFI’S 2004 All AGES REVOLUTIONARY SUMMER SCHOOL
Last year CFI inaugurated the 2004 All Ages Revolutionary Summer School which offered ten Saturday workshops for a donation of $5-$25 sliding scale.
The workshops offered were: A Strategy for Political Action, Intro to Biodynamic Agriculture, Peyote Stitch Beaded Jewelry, How to Work the Media for a Cause, Micro Power Radio and Webcasting, The SpOILs of War, Understand Medical Marijuana Law, Discover the Magical World of Natural Dyes, Building Low Cost Earth Lodges, How to Home Brew Biodiesel, and, Practical Basket Weaving. The summer school culminated with the Activist Family Jamboree; there was lots of music, food and fun at Low Gap Park in Ukiah.
We’ve already started scheduling workshops for the 2005 All Ages Revolutionary Summer School session. If you are interested in teaching a workshop contact us by March 31st to schedule it. See 2005 All Ages Revolutionary Summer School to find out what’s being offered, where, and how to register.
WWW.CLOUDFOREST.ORG WE’VE GONE WIKI
We are very thankful to Leif Ryge who not only donates our space on his server, but who has also set us up as a Wiki, a very easy interactive web software that allows you (or anyone!) to edit many of the pages on the site, without leaving your web browser.
We highly encourage you to look at our website and to participate on it too. We know you’ll want to book mark it so that you can check back frequently at features like our Community Calendar, News page, and to participate in focus groups like the Willits Economic Localization movement or to access the Sustainable Northern California Links.
We’ve made it easy to donate online through Network for Good and accept donations for our fiscally sponsored organizations this way too.
Course offerings are posted, including an online course on Biodiversity of the Andes, Tropical Cloud Forest Ecology, and Educational Adventures in Ecuador scheduled throughout the year. The site is growing and expanding as we speak and we look forward to providing more services on our website in 2005 like online membership registration, newsletter and action alert sign ups, more online courses, and focus groups to participate with.
Don’t forget to post your events and articles on the web site and to check back to see what’s changed.
Would your organization benefit from a focus group hosted on our site? Contact us to find out how.
MENDO EDUCATION ACTION COOPERATIVE
The long awaited reopening of the Mendocino Environmental Center (MEC) on Standley street in Ukiah is bringing change and promise to the Mendocino activist community.
The building now known as “Mendo Education Action Cooperative” will be the home for not only Cloud Forest Institute and the MEC but also for the new KMEC radio station at 105.1 fm. KMEC is the result of the process started in 1999 to establish a FCC licensed community radio station in the Ukiah Valley. If you are interested in participating with the KMEC radio station you’re welcome to stop by the station or call (707)468-9801 to find out more.
The remodel has opened the space up to allow for meetings, and other group events. The intention is to make the space available as a resource center to other local organizations, providing phone, fax and mail service as well as computer, copying, and printing.
We’re looking forward to a huge blossoming of energy this spring starting with the grand opening inauguration and Earth Day celebration from the 16th—22nd.
This will be a week long event beginning with a concert fundraiser on Saturday the 16th, then featured speakers, workshops, and documentary viewings, open house activities at the MEAC throughout the week and culminating in a mini festival celebrating Earth Day at the Alex Thomas Plaza on Friday. the 22nd.
RESEARCH INITIATIVE FOR NATURAL HEALTH
It is a major focus of this group to initiate herb gardens that are plentiful enough that an individual can find one within walking distance. We will begin planting gardens this spring while simultaneously promoting workshops. We would like to revive the spirit of Victory Gardens and are referring to this as our county wide Victory Herb Garden movement. A somewhat standardized set of plants will be grown to cover as many aliments as practical.
We would like to establish a healing center with a research laboratory /apothecary to preserve and patent herbal blends but then make them open source and in the public domain. We aim to produce enough to supply ourselves in the country as well as people in the city, if need be. Contingent with this "manufacturing" activity will be coordinated contract growing by active participants. We will work with the Mendocino Organic Network to certify strict compliance with meaningful organic standards. Besides herbs we will be researching the healing properties of mushrooms.
We will be networking with Natural Health care providers in the county and posting our research and resources to the CFI website. Check out the Calendar to find out when meetings are held.
It is envisioned that these natural medicines will not only be the traditional European herbs; but, will include herbs from other cultures like medicinal mushrooms.
Ecuadorian Educational Adventures
JUNE 2ND-25TH, JULY 7TH-30TH, AUG. 4TH-27TH & DEC. 1ST-24TH 2005
Quito Cultural and Historical Studies Activities: Welcome orientation and briefing on cultural mores and course expectations. Visit areas of cultural and historic significance in Old Town Quito including the House of Congress, Independence Square, Government Palace, and La Compania and San Francisco churches. Also the beautiful colonial neighborhood of Guapulo and the Middle of the World monument to the equator. Duration: two days.
Spanish Language Intensive Course and Amazonian Indigenous Peoples & Nature Conservation Studies Activities: Morning s taking Spanish lessons on a one to one basis. Afternoons with your teacher and a native guide visiting lakes to see caiman and fish for piranhas, canoeing along river tributaries, hiking in the jungle to see and learn about the flora and fauna, or visit a Shaman to learn about natural medicine. Duration: one week.
Service Learning Intro to Cloud Forest Conservation, Biology, and Sustainability Studies Activities: Volunteer and learn at Los Cedros Bio-Reserve in Cotocachi. Work with community sustainable economic development projects and in the experimental permaculture gardens. Learn from dedicated activist, who’ve worked in the field for over 20 years, about their use of hydro-power and what struggling for environmentally sustainable economic development entails. Duration: two weeks. See our webpage for the book list, registration and fees information.
BIODIVERSITY OF THE CLOUD FOREST ONLINE COURSE
Tropical cloud forests include some of the most captivating, and still unexplored regions of our planet. Though rare on a global scale, a large fraction of Earth’s biodiversity can be found in these habitats.
Their beauty and intrigue draw ecotourists and researchers. To local people, they are sacred mountains, places of retreat, and critical sources of water during dry seasons.
This course will introduce the geographic and climatic conditions that produce cloud forests, present current scientific views on their biodiversity, and discuss their conservation in the context of global environmental change.
The main content will be presented as PowerPoint slides syncronized with audio and notes. Questions and discussions will take place in an easy to use on-line environment.
This course was developed by Dr. Jason Bradford of the Missouri Botanical Garden on behalf of the Andes Biodiversity Consortium, with the support of the College of Exploration, Florida Institute of Technology, Wake Forest University and University of California, Davis.
You can register for this course from the CFI web site. From the home page go to courses, then online courses, click on the link, and follow the directions.
SERVICE LEARNING IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
If you live in Mendocino County you can enroll in Independent Service Learning opportunities available with CFI, and projects that we work with.
CFI will work with you to create a learning plan and link you with the projects of your interest. Current projects include KMEC Radio and the Youth Radio Project. Get on the air and behind the scenes to learn about radio journalism and station management.
Serve as an intern with CFI or the MEC in our Ukiah offices and learn about organizational development and management, volunteer coordination, fundraising, and campaigning for a cause. Learn the process and produce Biodiesel with the Willits Energy Park, a biodiesel collective. If you already serve with other organizations then create a Learning Plan with them and CFI and get more from your experience!
If you are enrolled in a High School, College, or University with a Service Learning requirement this could be a way to fulfill it. You may also be able to receive independent study credit.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Total Income for 2004 amounted to $22,140. Granting sources included $3,000 from The Rose Foundation restricted for use by KMEC Radio and $8,550 to CFI from the Trees Foundation restricted for use by CIBT of the Los Cedros Bio-Reserve in Ecuador. In total, $16, 718 was allocated by CFI to the educational programs of the groups we fiscally sponsor and cloud forest conservation efforts. Office expenses and overhead comprised less than 10% of the total income. The assets at the beginning of 2005 amount to $10,863. This amount is the total of four separate funds restricted for use by the MEC Environmental Education Programs, Mendocino Organic Network, Mendocino Alliance for a Community Based Economy and the Cloud Forest Institute Land Acquisition Fund which is currently at $3,440 and growing. Our Activist Family Jamboree fundraiser that was held in August brought in $1,431. Thanks to all of you who came out to support us on that hot afternoon and to our sponsors, Ukiah Brewing Company, Frey Vineyards, Three Sisters and the generous musicians, Sabrosa and Linda Lou & Michael Ryge and Friends.
Since our inception in 1994 CFI has functioned with very small overhead costs and voluntary labor. In 2005 our costs of operation will increase as we share the expenses of maintaining the office at 106 W. Standley St. in Ukiah.
The current breadth and depth of our activities requires an evolution to become a member supported organization. We are asking you to consider making a $10/month credit card pledge to give CFI the financial security to help propel us through the financial challenges of the upcoming year. Please contact us at 707-463-2482 to talk about how your tax deductible donation will be used to help further environmental education programs locally and in Ecuador and to purchase cloud forest land for conservation.
THREE GREAT WAYS TO BE A PART CFI IN ECUADOR
$500 Adventurer Membership When you become a member at this level you will feel good knowing that your donation will be used to purchase between five and ten acres of land that will be part of the future home of the Cloud Forest Institute campus in Ecuador.
You will also enjoy the privileges of an Adventurer Membership which include the ability to visit our site and camp there whenever you like. Of course we do ask that if you plan on staying for more than two weeks that you participate as either a student, teacher or volunteer. Other benefits include receiving a certificate suitable for framing honoring your status as a Adventurer Member, our periodic newsletters, and special invitations to CFI fundraising events, classes and workshops.
All of this for only $500, $300 of which is tax deductible.
$5,000 Community Builder Membership When you become a member at the Community Builder level you will enjoy most of the benefits of an Adventurer Member and more!
Rather than being able to just camp at the CFI campus you will be to stay in our communal housing facilities. the very facilities that your donation will help to pay for constructing. You will be able to do so as a tourist for up to a week per year.
Even more exciting is that you will have the privilege of being a long term Community Builder as long as you are participating either as a student, teacher, or volunteer.
This a great prospect for anyone who can imagine spending time living in the cloud forests of Ecuador.
All of the benefits of having a home in the tropics without the hassle and $4,000 of your donation is tax deductible.
$10,000 Ecuadorian Horizons Membership Becoming an Ecuadorian Horizons Member is a great option for anybody seriously thinking about living long term or permanently in South America.
You will receive all of the general membership benefits and you will be invited to build a private dwelling within the CFI Educational Community. Of course we would require you to participate in the community as a student, teacher, or volunteer for stays lasting longer than one week.
Your dwelling would be occupied by other students, teachers, staff, or volunteers while you are not occupying it.
This is an opportunity for a dedicated person interested in living in a sustainable educational community in Ecuador for an extended period of time. This is a limited time offer. $7,000 of your donation is tax deductible.
YOU CHOOSE HOW WE USE YOUR DONATION
Basic Membership Donations are used to cover overhead including office costs, contracted services, printing, and projects. If you donate over $25 we want you to designate which of our projects you would like to support:
- CFI in Ecuador
- Multiversity in CA
- Earth Cycles Radio
- Natural Medicines Research Institute
- Education for a Survivable Future
- You decide how to allocate your donation!
We also encourage you to consider supporting the organizations we fiscally sponsor. This list of groups sponsored by CFI’s fiscal umbrella is in chronological order of affiliation. Tax deductible donations for these groups can be made to CFI online or by mail with a memo indicating which project it is for.
- Mendocino Environmental Center
- KMEC Radio 105.1
- Earth Cycles Radio
- Mariposa Center f Biodynamic Agriculture
- MACBE - Mendocino Alliance for a Community Based Economy.
- Cleveland Lane Community Garden in Ukiah.
- Mendocino Organic Network
See our web page under Services for a current list and description of groups sponsored by CFI’s fiscal umbrella. Also find out how to apply for sponsorship. To qualify the project purpose must help further the educational and public benefit mission of CFI
WELCOME TO NEW BOD MEMBERS & THANK YOU TO OLD
On August 29th 2004 CFI welcomed Dr. Jim Matthews, Laura Hamburg, Sid Cooperrider and Govinda Dalton to our Board of Directors. The current BOD are charismatic people who show all the signs of being the group capable of guiding CFI into this next, very important, year of development and expansion. We wished a fond farewell to Valerie Plummer and Bruce Haldane who will continue on as members of our Advisory Board.
Valerie has offered to work on grant writing from afar as she now lives in Portland . Bruce is now living in Belize and helping to start a sustainable community there.
Current BOD members are:
- Derek Dahlen, President
- Patrick Burnstad, V.P.
- Dr. Jim Matthews, Secretary
- Laura Hamburg, Treasurer
- Sid Cooperrider
- Govinda Dalton
- Dr. Urmas Kaldveer
- Auriah Milanes
- Dara Zimmerman
Volunteer Staff:
- Jenny Burnstad, E.D.
- Freeda Burnstad, Program Director.
Advisory Board:
- Valerie Plummer
- Bruce Haldane
- Allan & Els Cooperrider
- Carl Sundberg
- Jonathan Frey
- Dan Hamburg
The public is always invited to attend our quarterly board meetings which take place at the Mendo Education Action Cooperative (home of the MEC) at 106 W. Standley St. in Ukiah.
The board meetings dates in 2005 are: Sunday February 20th Sunday May 15th Sunday August 14th Sunday November 20th
Please contact us to find out when they start, and inform us of your attendance.
CFI records are available to the public upon written request as is required by law.
LOS CEDROS CLOUD FOREST RESERVE BATTLES LAND GRAB
The rugged geology in the cloud forest and high biodiversity create ecological nooks with high levels of endemism, adaptation, and symbiotic relationships. Many of the species exist only in small areas, one mountain, or canyon, that once gone are gone forever. That’s just one reason why it is so important that it be protected and stay protected.
The Los Cedros Reserve is being challenged by some members of a group of land speculators formerly known as Association La Florida or Madrigal. In 1994 they received a land grant that superimposed itself on 400 hectares of the Reserve.
Since 1996 Los Cedros has been aware of this problem and has made many petitions to the land grant agency for the rectification of this error on the agency's part. No answers were ever received until now. After two years of administrative silence Los Cedros has been notified that the entire land title is being challenged by this group of land speculators.
Members of Association La Florida, after changing their name and reason for incorporation, have newly emerged as the Corporacion Rio Manduraco, an environmental organization dedicated to conservation and construction of the Choco/Manabi ecological corridor. This new image is hard to reconcile with their efforts to destroy the Los Cedros Reserve. Their objective is to increase the land under their control not conservation.
Los Cedros has assembled a legal team that will go into action if and when the first notification of title annullment is ratified and executed. You can help! Please contact Jose D’Coux, loscedros@ecuanex.net.ec for more information.
MOTIVATED, CAPABLE AND ACTIVE MINDS WANTED
Cloud Forest Institute is actively searching for potential teachers and community members to be a part of our educational programs in, California, Ecuador or online.
If you have skills to share and knowledge to impart, we want to hear from you.
If you currently offer workshops or retreats and feel that they fall in line with the CFI mission and want to coordinate in promoting the experience then we want to hear from you!
Whether you have academic training or just extensive life experience, we want to hear from you.
If you want to offer a course, have internet access, and an interest in developing an online course; we want to hear from you.
Perhaps you don’t feel ready to lead an educational experience but you want to participate in the educational community as a volunteer, student , or coordinator. We want to hear from you.
This could be a way to earn a bit of income, is definitely a way for you to share the good you have to offer, and could be a fabulous way to be a part of an affective, proactive educational community.
We want to hear from you and we hope that you will spread the word to others who might be interested.
Contact us by March 31st so that your educational offering can be included in the 2005 Revolutionary Summer School Schedule.
