The term bioregionalism was popularized in the 1970s by California ecologist Raymond Dasmann and activist Peter Berg. The term refers to a geographical area defined by natural characteristics, including watersheds, landforms, soils, native plants and animals, and weather. It includes human beings as a species in the interplay of these features, and promotes an inhabitory attitude by which humans adapt themselves to the region in an appropriate way.
This workshop will engage participants in a variety of activities that will awaken bioregional awareness. These include: 1) map-making for one's own life-place; 2) tour of a small watershed to observe wholistic continuities of natural systems and to contrast native with transformed features; 3) exercises to raise awareness of interplay between season, natural systems, human responses and harmonious interactions; and 4) suggestions for actual volunteer work with ecological restoration and other sustainability-oriented non-profit projects.
This workshop meets quarterly for those who want to deepen their bioregional awareness through attention to seasonal changes.