Eco-cultural restoration project
The Vision
Our goal is to convert a marginal bog back into its original wetland habitat while also integrating a small-scale arts or permaculture element. The project is supported by grant and private funding, grounded in science, and expressed through art.
The label ‘human’ comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘humus’ (the organic part of soil). So, at least since antiquity, and surely long before, humans have held a relic sense of being ‘from the soil’. It therefore seems fitting that my earliest memories emerge from my relationship with dirt.
The glacial sands, fine clays, rounded pebbles and organic detritus that I dumped out of my pockets each night told the story of where I had spent the day playing – in the swamps, woods, cranberry bogs and sand pits of Southeastern Massachusetts. Right now, even as I write these words, I can taste the earthy grit between my teeth, smell the sweetness of the white pine duff, feel the soft humus packed under my fingernails, and I know the damp chill of bog-wet socks in my toes.
-- Rich Blundell from: Experience & Big History Ch. 24, (2016)
Background
I grew up a child of the wetlands in Southeastern Massachusetts. The experience is why I became an ecologist. Today I would like to return the favor by restoring some of these habitats to their productive, wetland states. As I have been searching for a suitable tract of land to restore, much of what attracts me is on the periphery of existing cranberry farms. I propose to restore a small, appropriate section of a cranberry bog complex.
Rooted in Deep Ecological Principles
This project is rooted in the fundamentals of ecosystem science and permaculture. That is, the intentional design of permanent human presence on the land and a respect for creative ecological communication that traverses traditional boundaries of biogeography, cognition and local community. A core aspect of this approach is not to exclude humans from ecologically sensitive areas but to adapt the human presence into a form that is mutually regenerative and beneficial to both -- and permanently so. Only by establishing long-term, sustainable interdependence between local people and the land can we hope to achieve permanent viability of both. This ethos restores “man” as a central term in per”man”ent.
While this project integrates a small-scale organic agricultural component, the term “permaculture” does not imply the project focuses on the agricultural element. Instead of focusing on the “agri” aspect of agriculture, in this case we are focusing on the “cultural” aspect. Thus, the project does not prioritize agriculture but it does prioritize ecological self-sufficiency, systems resilience, energy flows, and especially the more socially communicative aspects of ecologically intelligent design.
Eco-cultural refers to the flow of ideas across domains. This means ecological principles will be extended beyond the usual boundaries of physical, geological and biological domains and into local social and cultural systems. What does this mean in practice? It means each instance of the project will intentionally integrate a permanent human presence with ongoing interaction and participation. This person will perform light land stewardship, ecological education, nature interpretation and advocacy through art, writing, music and other culturally engaged projects.
Larger Version
In addition to the habitat restoration, I would like to build (or restore) a classic Amish Monitor Barn with a New England aesthetic. I intend to use the upper section as an office and writing space and the lower section for equipment and eventually as an art/woodworking studio. I will consider lots with an existing structure to be used temporarily during construction and then removed or renovated. I am comfortable with off-grid and intend to finish construction within 8-weeks of closing on a property. Habitat restoration will happen concurrently and into the future. Public access, education, conservation, and long-term bequeathment would be integral to the project.
Prosper in Place
This project will integrate an artist, storyteller or other cultural creative to educate and advocate for ecological intelligence locally. Thus, each 1-10-acre project will include a small footprint, positive impact dwelling, inhabited by a long-term resident artist, or cultural creative. The building will integrate a small living space, a workshop or artist studio and storage for land management equipment. The pilot project will enlist a self-funded, resident creative. Future residencies and projects may be philanthropic and/or rent subsidized.
Personal/Professional Background
I am a semi-retired scientist now independently developing arts-based ecological education programs. My work is philanthropically supported and requires some travel (postponed for pandemic) but I also write and work virtually. I am also committed to local conservation and ecological restoration projects (cranberry bogs, blueberry barrens, estuaries, wetlands, eel habitat etc.).
I grew up on a small-scale dairy farm and was once a commercial fisherman, you can see my story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vWpVSyRLoQ. I am also an artist who makes wooden surfboards: http://treetosea.org/
Dr. Rich Blundell
617 380 8745
The project includes construction of a small, seasonal cabin and workshop for a resident artist.