Ecolog: I'm not interested in working up a seminar again, and especially not for charging for it. I lost money on the last one I did at USD.
What I might consider doing is setting up a very "tour" of Southern California (where most of my projects are, beginning with 1972 and ending in 2000). No busses, no lectures, no fees (will accept donations in accordance with the participant's ability to pay and what each person thinks they can get out of it. It can be one day or more, depending upon the desire of the group/individuals. I will provide nothing except my presence, and I accept zero liability for anything--each participant will be entirely on their own. I will drive my expedition vehicle, but all of the sites should be reachable by a reasonably sturdy car. The sites extend from San Diego to Los Angeles counties. Participants can suggest other sites in that general area. The idea of the "seminar" will be to foster group discussion of principles and practices, both "good" and "bad." We will follow a "sense of the group" procedure for controlling when each of us starts and stops talking. That is, questions can be asked by anyone of anyone and each participant will be allotted a certain time to speak (determined by the group). When that time is up, if the speaker has anything else to add, the speaker will call for a sense of the group decision regarding whether the speaker should continue and for how long. At any point, anyone can call for a sense of the group vote, and the majority shall rule. However, minority views also will be honored, but no one will be allowed by the group to monopolize or filibuster the discussion. I will try to explain my approach to ecosystem management and restoration. I expect and welcome critical questions. I also welcome alternative approaches. Ongoing or imminent projects will be welcome. Sites vary from Mediterranean to continental climates. When/if I get tired, I may go home, but barring health problems, I expect to hold out longer than the majority of participants. Much of this region is arid to semi-arid, but there are several other life-zones within a half-day's travel. It is not necessary to visit actual ecosystem restoration projects exclusively; much can be learned from simple observation of untreated disturbed sites as well and undisturbed habitats. My guess is that the minimum time required will be at least one day, but two or three days or more is possible, with the group's consent. The maximum might be five or more, depending upon how tired we get. I'm thinking of early spring, say March or April, or maybe May when the weather's nice and winter's over, but if there's interest Here are some of the possible subjects to be covered: -Project description and requirements -Site evaluation -Feasible and infeasible site analysis -Comparable sites -Site modification alternatives -Project performance evaluation -Why no irrigation? -Why no maintenance for 3-5 years? -Pros and cons of different practices -Plant Soil Water Relations -Noseeum plants: Cryptobiotic soil crusts -The costs of overdoing it. -Visit a native plant nursery. (I don't use plants much, and when I do, they're contract grown in special containers and with special media or soil.) I'm open to suggestions concerning subject material and other ideas. Those who are interested can contact me off-list. I'll send a few pix and we can kick around what's really needed and arrange details. WT
