Thought for the Day - July 4, 00

Subject: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: GUEST,Peter T.
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:09 AM

I have embarked on a new project, that I would like, from time to time, to report on here. In North Toronto, in Canada, I sometimes teach at York University, which was created out of what in the 60's was large open fields and is now surrounded by apartment blocks and sprawl. On one side of the University is an ornamental pond, linked into a regional creek called Black Creek, and beside that pond, called Stong Pond, is one of the last open unmanaged spaces in the area. Originally a homestead owned by the Hoover family, it has been left alone -- a stormwater drainage basin runs through it, cutting a side creek. It is not specially exciting -- old orchards, scrub trees, and now covered with wildflowers like Indian paintbrush and enough Queen Anne's lace for a faery wedding dress or two -- but it is an example of what is happening all over.

The University has, in the past month, agreed to turn this site over to the creation of a massive Tennis facility to replace the one that it already has, and so continue to be the home of the Canadian Tennis Championships (a couple of weeks in August). Originally the plans completely ignored all the environmental issues (surprise), but the environmentalists have been able at least to preserve and possibly enhance the pond area and create a wetland, and maybe save some of the forest area.

I am, with the possible help of students this fall, going to document in words and pictures, and paintings, and some video -- maybe some music? -- the existing site through the rest of its soon to be terminated life, and the process of destruction, and possible restoration of a small part of the site over the next couple of years. It is a very, very, very, local issue, already on the road to destruction. but I thought I might share some reports from the space as we go along as part of my nature diary. At some point, I will be posting pictures, and whatever comes along, on a web site. It is an artistic/scientific experiment in what is going on. I will signal these special pieces together somewhat as I go along.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: bbelle
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:44 AM

All in the name of "progress," I suppose. What a shame! I moved to Alaska because of its natural beauty, unfortunately, it won't be there forever ... because of "progress." Now, I live in North Florida, and enjoy the same natural beauty, but, again, it won't be there forever ... because of "progress." Well, water is an issue too ... with everything drying up, it's easier to pave over it.

Good luck with your chronicles, Peter. I'll look forward to hearing about "your" progress ...

moonchild

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 12:01 PM

I would buy it on CD, Peter. I had thought of doing a smiliar project for the county I live in, you know, capture it in multimedia... so I will be watching with great interest to see how you go about this.

Any chance of finding people who have special memories of the place, and add their oral material?

~S~

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: p.j.
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 12:09 PM

Peter,

What a wonderful,wonderful idea. Please keep us posted. Your literary watercolors are a hundred times better than a packet of glossy prints, please tell us more about this little patch of land. I can almost smell the tarweed...

PJ

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: GUEST,Peter T.
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 12:10 PM

Thanks for the good wishes. Great advice, Praise! I will add that to the project list.
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 01:01 PM

I just spent part of the past week at Norris Dam in Tennessee and the progress thing was very close to us there. Karen and I discussed the role of progress and what it meant to that region of this country. Norris was the first dam built by the TVA, finished in 1936.

The CCC and the TVA provided thousands of jobs during the depression and the power provided changed much of the Appalachian region in one of those "mixed blessing" things that I have a lot of trouble sorting out. I still don't know and probably never will know how I feel about it.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 10:02 PM

That would be great Peter. Though it is a very local issue, it is still an important one. Being I did spend much time around that area while attening York University, I can appreciate the loss and I do admire the contribution you are putting forth here.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: Escamillo
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:07 AM

Peter, we'll look forward to hearing from you on this project. When will you come back to Buenos Aires ? The Riachuelo has not been cleaned yet.
Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: Thought for the Day - July 4, 00
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 12:56 AM

Peter, I suppose there is not hope in stopping the Progress? They did soemthing similar here when they cut down hundreds of OLD cottonwoods by the river to build a huge soccer complex. Then, uh-oh, they realised they had endangered all kinds of wildlife and had to go back along the river and replant! Morons!! Why does anyone ever feel it is improvement to pave over nature; esp. for a sports complex? Argghhh!

Whatever happens, Peter, it will be a lasting legacy that you create with much beauty I know, as your words always bring it all so close to heart and mind.

Thank you,

kat