Ecology steward
From EcoReality
Ecology Steward - Shannon Cowan
Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environments. As the EcoReality Ecology Steward, I stand for the wisdom and intrinsic value of unobstructed energy flows derived from the sun, and the transformation of that energy as nutrients sustaining biological organisms. I stand for the interconnectedness of living flora and fauna with each other and with the non-living cycles of nutrients and water at EcoReality, including the natural timing of processes and cycles of decay as well as creation and maintenance. I will familiarize myself with the existing structure and function of the ecological cycles at EcoReality and also with cycles in adjacent regions. My primary task is to represent the conservation of biological matter and the land-water resource base on which it depends. I will empower and encourage others to help me monitor the ecological cycles so that we may ensure their relatively sustainable conservation during human activities and growth of the ecovillage, which will by definition impact the existing non-human ecological cycles on site, and adjacent to the site.
I have knowledge (theoretical and practical) of the principles of Ecology, especially how they may be applied to agroecosystems, which are ecosystems that include the production of food and the inter-related social and economic human resources on the land. I will follow through on this stewardship by regularly investigating structural information, and collecting data where needed to inform decisions at EcoReality which affect the ecology of the site and its surroundings. I have experience in the teaching of Ecology at a post-secondary level, and have used basic ecological research methods and statistical tools: For example, tools to measure successional stages and the potential for impacting these through human settlement, the important keystone species and their role in habitat conservation and overall ecological health, the degree of relationship of ecosystem components/factors to one another (trophic relationships, population growth, competition, diversity measures), as well as biotic inventories.
The Ecology Steward is distinct from the Permaculture Steward, who shall deal primarily with how human settlements and buildings are incorporated with the land-water ecosystem. The Ecology Steward will have a large role to play in the site Permaculture Design process and any proposals toward permaculture development at EcoReality.
Read the Ecology Steward's Annual Report 2006
