This week, I met with Sandra Barry at Bistro300. She wanted to return a couple of books by Peter Wyman. In return, she gave me Tim Marshall’s The Power of Geography:Ten maps that reveal the future of our world.
To date, I have only read the United Kingdom chapter. The book leaves me thinking about the map of Canada, and then, more specifically Nova Scotia.
Through inter-library loan, I received The Lichen Factor by Jim Lotz. It came from Cape Breton Regional Library. The sub-title is ‘the quest for community development in Canada.’
From Lotz:
‘What I have called the Lichen Factor is elusive and mysterious. It offers a way of restructuring human relationships, providing a basis for mutual aid and co-operation, indicating the potential for generating harmony among diverse peoples.’ p.17.
‘Lichens are not intellectual constructs, theories, concepts, hypotheses, paradigms. They do not exists to teach or preach about better ways of surviving or thriving in harsh environments. They simply are, integral parts of nature. Their symbiotic form, break through the entrenched ‘either/or’ mindset that divides people and communities’. p.18.
Perhaps now is the time to translate the Hope of Geography into the Power of Geography, with a little help from the lichens.
‘The Canadian North harbours over a thousand separate species of lichen. They are symbioses between two different forms of life, algae and fungi. One cannot live without the other.’ p.15.
We have a number of unique lichens in Southwest Nova Scotia.
Postscript
Sandra and I discussed access to information in Annapolis County. We agree that The Bridgetown Reader, published every Thursday is a wonderful resource. Lewes deserves special recognition.
Finally, I see that the End of the Line pub in Bridgetown has changed its name. Junction Sixteen, Kitchen and Bar is opening soon, under new ownership.
Acknowledgements
Sandra Barry shared the books. Edward added the graphics.
References
Tim Marshall, 2021, The Power of Geography, Scrivener.
Jim Lotz, 1998, The Lichen Factor, UCCB Press.
Ernest Blair Experiment 