What is the state of our fish and wildlife? Is our land productive? Are our natural resources sustainable? These are the essential questions that need to be asked in our communities. Only those who live on the land and with the land can provide answers. Increasingly, governments are less able to engage with landowners in meaningful ways, and resources are being managed at regional and provincial scales, often without sufficient local knowledge.
The Land Knowledge Circles project has been launched by The Land Between, Cottage Country’s own conservation organization. This project calls on our farmers, hunters, anglers, foresters, beekeepers, gardeners, naturalists and hikers to participate in local citizens’ Talking Circle events to share first hand observations and concerns, and also to share knowledge through platforms such as FrogCircle and TLB Talks.
Reports from the Circle events have been positive. Participants called it an enriching, supportive experience. One participant said: I went home with optimism. This is a great opportunity to break down barriers and stimulate us to take better care of our future.
The Land Between charity, in partnership with Curve Lake First Nation and Hastings Stewardship Council, invites stakeholders to the Knowledge Circles being held in four areas. (Visit knowledgecircles.ca.)
The project is a pilot funded by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration’s Partnership Grant Program.
