Photo by kallerna
With the launch of my new website I am also launching a new blog, entitled the Fireweed. Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a pioneer species found across North America and particularly in the boreal forest, that is among the first plants to establish in recently burned areas (hence the name). The plant is an easy symbol of release, rebirth, and potential for something innovative and new. That the herb thrives across the continent, despite the fact that its habitat requires disturbance, and particularly of entrenched, old-growth forest, makes it a particularly appropriate metaphor in my mind for the kind of sustainability transformation that the world requires.
Those of you who have known me for some time know that I previously maintained a blog with this same name, the texts of which were dedicated (primarily) to my thoughts on small scale food systems in Alaska. I may likely go back and re-post some of these old articles, many of which also appeared in a regional magazine (now defunct) called The Ester Republic.
I have no aggressive plans for frequent publication here, but will use this as a platform to say more than 140 characters will allow. With any luck, I'll also be able to enlist some of my collaborators to make semi-regular contributions to this blog as well.
Note that the header photo of the fireweed is by Alex Vanderstuy and used courtesy of the US National Park Service.