JBLM...Nisqually meets the Army meets the environment...

So yesterday's field trip to Joint Base Lewis McCord was hosted by a slew of Evergreen Alumni...if ever I doubted my education at TESC would not produce work (like I thought that) here is proof positive that a bunch of so called hippies could work professionally and productively with the Feds, specifically the military feds...well there you are...

Great group of people dedicated to their work...most of them at their positions over 10 years each, one with a doctorate in biology. 

We saw the Earthworks recycling station that is built on a land fill and actually helps monitor the gasses coming out of what is left of the space created in the 70s. They recycle just about everything from the JBLM base including: asphalt, cement, buildings, materials from revamped buildings, food waste that is compost-able, building waste, machines, timber and either reuse or recycle it back to the base or sell it for $$$ for schools. They are ISO 14001 silver working on gold and some platinum EPA standards.

An amazing meeting/lecture from one of Nisqually Tribes' best advocate Joe Kalama. He filled in some of the connection to place that words on paper cannot. According to Joe Kalama JBLM is one of the best relationships in the region to help protect Nisqually land and good stewards to boot.

We saw Muck Creek, King Cemetery where Joe performed an ancestor ceremony letting them know we were here with respect. I have to tell you that I picked up on their energy before we got there and my walk through with instructions from Joe was intense. Joe is an amazing person, someone who I would like to listen to more.  I will say that the area was bordered by Oregon white oak and on a knoll right next to the "impact" area of JBLM. We learned that the Checkerspot Butterfly and the Oregon Spotted Frog and the Western Grey Squirrel are being re-introduced to the area. While back a the creek we were able to draw and reflect on the day.

We also learned earlier about the re-veg program utilizing 8 species of rare plants to reveg the impact zone and provide restoration on base all the while in other areas the military are training.

Here is to all who participate in the solution, no matter where you stand or how open your heart is...woot, hoorah, rock on...

Remember Campers the goundhog does not come out for a few more days, hold onto your socks, we may have an early spring!

Cheers and peace out!