EARTH-BASED WISDOM LEVEL 1 (PILOT)
EARTH-BASED WISDOM (EBW Level-1 pilot) is a 20-30 hour guided program for youth aged 12-21, in partnership with host organizations. Activities develop native plant-based ecological restoration skills within a framework of mindfulness. As they explore key ecological concepts, participants can deepen their feelings for the earth, understand their unique relationship to all life, and cultivate a healing capacity for nature and themselves
HOW DOES THE EARTH-BASED WISDOM (EBW) PROGRAM WORK?
The Earth-Based Wisdom Guidebook-Journal is the way to document accomplishments toward Level 1 certification.
Each of the twelve experiences of Level 1 are worth points, totaling 100. The specific ecological restoration activities could begin in the fall with seed collecting and end in the spring with planting seedlings in a restoration area. However, alternative scheduling options may also be considered.
A host organization will coordinate opportunities to participate in the twelve experiences. Some of them can be accomplished independently as well. After writing or drawing about each experience, an adult guardian will sign the guidebook-journal and the participant will receive those points.
EARTH-BASED WISDOM TASKS-LEVEL 1
Completion of the twelve experiences below (totaling 100 points) comprise achievement of Level 1.
- 5 - Collect seed
- 5 - Process and screen seed
- 10 - Prepare a bare ground site and plant seeds
- 10 - Seed flats for greenhouse growing
- 10 - Plant plugs out in a restoration
- 15 - Remove invasive plants
- 10 - Immersing techniques
- 5 - Relating
- 10 - Solo spot (first time)
- 5 - Solo spot (second time)
Broad-based Ecological Concepts
- 5 - Energy flow
- 5 - Cycling of materials
- 5 - Interrelationships that change through time
(Completion of Level 1 is required prior to applying for Level 2.)
EBW HOST ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Source 12 teens who are drawn to the idea of EARTH-BASED WISDOM. Maintain communication with them about scheduling, etc.
- 20-30 hour schedule that works for everyone.
- Ecological restoration site for planting/seeding/maintaining.
- Locations to collect native seed.
- Location to eliminate invasive plants.
- Indoor space with room to conduct activities.
"Restorationists are part of the most important environmental movement in history. Ecological Restoration evokes emotion, speaks of optimism, and involves an act of imagination and power." - Bruce Babbitt, Sec. of Interior - 1998
