​​Trinity Creation Care Group Studies Regenerative Farming with
Guest Presenter Maya Christopherson

Continuing to fulfill one of its objectives by providing education on the subject of climate care, TECC viewed a film on regenerative farming with Gabe Brown, from my own state of North Dakota, giving a TED talk on the five points of rebuilding the soil to hold more carbon, a farming technique that harkens back to old traditions.
Regenerative farming’s purpose is to restore health, enhance biodiversity, and reverse climate change by capturing carbon in the soil. Farmers who are adopting this approach:
* Farm in context with the natural environment
* Use no mechanical or chemical disturbances
* Keep soil covered at all times in one crop or another
* Build diversity by planting several crops together at the same time
* Add animal/insect integration
The end result is soil receives and holds more rain, the organic make up is increased, and the carbon catch can be measured in tons.
Okay, that was interesting, but what made this study special was a visit from one of Trinity’s own, ALL GROWN UP. Maya Christopherson, daughter of Lyndsey and Andrew, granddaughter of Christina and Chris, joined us via a prerecorded video to make this agricultural movement very personal. Maya recently graduated from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science in sustainable agriculture. She is presently working for Shakefork Community Farm in Carlotta, California, (she lives in a yurt) where she assists in animal care and applies her soil knowledge of amending, sowing, cultivating and harvesting as well as managing the egg pack operation.
She was led on this journey of study first through her education at the Grove School right here in Redlands. Once immersed in her science studies at college, she embraced the sobriety of our farming conditions as well as its impact on our climate. She expressed eloquently her delight in discovering her Trinity family was also diving into this subject. Her presentation revealed a great understanding of soil degradation and its ability to heal. When asked if she had a sense of hope for the future of farming and climate change, she unequivocally supported the vision of more people doing the right thing. It certainly made this old soul ashamed of her waves of discouragement.
We hope Maya will join us for a face-to-face forum when she comes home in the fall.
​

June: Theme of the month is OCEANS

June 7th prepare a church survey “How Are We Doing” a year later

June 14th Film “A Plastic Ocean”

June 21. No meeting camp Sunday/ Father’s Day

June 28th Reflection hour. The Water We Carry in the Garden.

 

Creation Care Tip of the Month

It’s getting hot out there! Time to think about water:
• Instead of pouring kitchen water down the drain while waiting for it to heat up, first fill a watering can! Keep a small one by your sink.
• After boiling pasta or vegetables, let the water cool and use it to water your garden or houseplants. The water is full of nutrients.
• If you drop ice cubes or have leftover ice from a drink, place them in potted plants instead of the sink. They melt slowly, allowing the soil to absorb the water without overflow.
• Commercial car washes recycle water, so they are actually less wasteful then washing your car in your driveway.
• Dishwashers use significantly less water than washing dishes by hand, so go ahead and fill up that dishwasher!
Happy June!
Karen Riesz