There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream 'Oppression!'
And the oaks just shake their heads
While Californians are either celebrating or bereaving the Terminator`s Total Recall victory, I have been busy this week, initiating Ecuador`s largest Teak reforestation project.
I obtained the seeds from Quito, and then collaborated with the local municipality`s Sustainable Development Unit at their experimental agriculture station. With the help of two tree nursery workers, we spent three days preparing soil, filling seed bags, and then planting over 2000 teak seeds. Once the seeds become little trees, the plan is to deliver about half to my community, and then sell the other half to the general public.
This is a very promising project, because there are virtually no teak trees in Ecuador, and teak is a highly valuable tree for furniture. More importantly, the trees will be an important natural resource for Ecuador`s rapidly disappearing rainforest.
I am getting to know the flora and fauna in my house. This past week I have encountered two frogs in the living room. Additionally, there is now a small family of rats making lots of noise in the rafters. And the plethora of insects that come into the house at night is amazing. I sleep with a mosquito net to keep from being bit by the mosquitos and other many-legged flying creatures.
Three common questions asked of me by Ecuadorians:
1) Are there cows in the U.S.?
2) Is it true that Americans eat only canned food?
3) Does anybody in the U.S. speak Spanish?
Hasta la vista baby,
Supernova.
"And the trees are all kept equal by hatchet, ax, and saw.............."
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