It was informal but rewarding to have two evenings with two fine scientists from Oklahoma. The Scientist Talks were led by State Soil Scientist Steve Alspach and Oral Roberts University Biology Professor Dr. Hal C. Reed. What a shame only a select (our designation) handful people participated in the two lectures.
Yes, Soil Health management strategies can ensure the Dust Bowl doesn't happen again; and yes, the insect societies sustain our own communities. Our livelihoods are based on the soil, the land, the water, and the environment. The soil needs to be enriched for generations to harvest food, the flowers need to grow for untold insect species to pollinate; the trees need to grow to improve the air quality; and the water needs to flow to everywhere for a sustainable environment. The key here is that we humans have to enrich the soil, grow flowers, plant trees, distribute water, and support life. Can land continue to be developed? My answer is: NO. Land can neither be developed nor explored for profit until we learn how to put back what we have taken.
I declare my yard is the" Pollinator Sanctuary" and welcome ants, worms, and wasps as well. I will choose the ground cover that can improve the soil quality over a visually "green" lawn (Can I burn my front lawn for a healthier and more diverse piece of land?). The answer my friend, is in the land.
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| Oklahoma State Soil Scientist Steve Alspach |
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| ORU Biology Professor Dr. Hal Reed |
