PLANET IN PERIL

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives This Wednesday, February 13, the six unions operating on the University of Manitoba campus will unite with one voice. Details here.

Perennial polycultures and Managed Intensive Rotational Grazing (MIRG) By Lydia Carpenter - Manitoba Eco-Journal Permanent Pasture stands can be maintained by use of perennial polycultures that imitate the diversity of natural ecosystems. A diverse grouping of plants consisting of grasses, forbs, and woody species can make up a perenni- al polyculture and be used as pasture for grazing animals (ruminants), including cattle, sheep and goats. Animals on a perennial polyculture can contribute to nutrient cycling and an increase in soil organic matter. Established, maintained and healthy perennial pastures have also been shown to have a large capacity for carbon sequestration. On our farm in Western Manitoba, we have counted over 30 different species of both native and non-native perennials and biennial forages, including nitrogen-fixing legumes such as alfalfa, pea-vine and various species of clover. These plants populate our permanent pasture that maintains a flock of sheep, a

Manitoba Eco-Network The largest remaining undammed river in this province's north, the wild, unspoiled essence of the Seal and the lands that feed it, hold a mythic quality in the hearts and minds of those aware of it natural richness. Details here.  Another Manitoba river which, to me, evokes similar sentiments, is the Waterhen, above. PLT photo.

World Watch Institute It is said that the US alone wastes enough food to fill every empty stomach in Africa! Details here.  PLT: This is sooo outrageous! When will something be done? Organic salad. PLT photo

Great Plains Tar Sands Resistance A youth pastor locked himself to machinery being used to build the  Keystone XL tar sands pipeline near  Schoolton, Oklahoma this morning. He's taking action to protect the North Canadian River  and  the health of the towns and land it runs through from being irreversibly  damaged by leaks and spills... Details here.  

'This is the red flag'           CBC News Lake Winnipeg has earned a disturbing new title from the Global Nature Fund (GNF), as the Threatened Lake of 2013. "That this huge Canadian lake is faced with problems similar to those of lakes in more densely populated countries is hard to believe," stated the organization, which is based in Berlin, Germany. Details here. Please also read:  " Of Parrots and Parables. The Silent Majority Must Speak Out." (PLT: Beautiful, if you don't look too close.)