As a child growing up outside of Spokane, Washington in the 50’s, with depression era parents, I learned and saw many things that are being wisely revisited today. We grew and stored most of our family of four’s food needed. My Dad hunted, deer, elk, pheasant, grouse, and of course fished.  Mom and I canned peaches, pears, apricots, cherries, applesauce. We made jams and jellies, we froze rhubarb, and huckleberries depending on what was in season. Our garden was what is now popularized as ‘organic’; we just called it ‘real’ using composted garden waste and manure from nearby farm and our rabbits. We used everything, we saved everything. Having, lost faith in the American Medical Association long ago, I have been grateful for my skills as a wild crafter that has allowed me to forage and grow my own food and medicine.

When Robert first approached me with his concept for ARK it was easy to get on board… it just made sense to me. Thirty or so years ago there was a “back to nature” movement that is seeing a revival. As inhabitants of the earth, it should be our individual and collective, first and foremost focus to be good steward of the earth. To take care of her, and each other, so she can continue to take care of us. Over the last decade I have watched the organization, and Robert grow and find solid footing on a path to help us all move forward together. While we had the comfort of supporting bold decisions from the board room, Robert was out every day meeting people where they are at in search of the common ground on which to build.

By recycling what we use, by returning what we take, by wisely using the abundance Mother Earth provides for us we honor the gift of life and pass along an enduring legacy. While not ready to be recycled just yet I have sold my land in Fox and am preparing for my next adventure of reconnecting with family and friends and seeing our great nation. My time in Alaska has been amazing as has been my time serving as a board member for ARK. In this new era of humanities journey, I am confident that there is a path forward for us beyond this collective crisis of consciousness and honored to have been a part of this something special.