Posted in biographical sketch

RALP 500

Posted on by maherrv

This week, I received email from Jeff Wentzell. Jeff worked with me at AGRG until 2011. He is now back with the provincial Department of Agriculture, as the RALP Coordinator. Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program (RALP). Programs for this year include reduced tillage equipment, pollinator strips, riparian and shelter belt development and water capacity through ponds.

This raised a number of questions in my mind. At AGRG we were strong proponents of GIS and other geographic technologies. With the RALP initiative in Annapolis County, I can imagine these technologies providing opportunities for detailed land use mapping and monitoring. I can also envisage these results being combined with data from a network of meteorological (weather) stations.

With the College of Geographic Sciences (COGS) in Lawrencetown, students and faculty could demonstrate /facilitate leadership, working with the farming community, within the context of a Resilient Agricultural Landscape.

Yesterday, Heather and I returned to the Gardens in Annapolis Royal, enjoying a light breeze on the dyke walk. Afterwards, we went over to Parker’s Cove, and then the Crow’s Nest at Hillsburn for a chowder lunch. The fog over the Bay of Fundy was a welcome relief.

Postscript

This is my 500th blog.

Edward and I had planned a celebration however he is somewhere, painting plein air with Anne, in Ontario. We will get together later in the Summer.

At the Lawrencetown library Caleb found the book on West Dalhousie, edited by Rachel Brighton.

From Atlantic Books, an interview with Sheree Fitch who received the Order of Canada.

Acknowledgements

Jeff Wentzell provided details on the RALP program.

References

July 2023. Atlantic Books newsletter. Sheree Fitch puts Canada in Order.

Rachel Brighton (Ed.) 2010. Out Home : a step back in time.

Lawrencetown Library (971 633 Out). I expect also, Bridgetown Library.

Posted in Event Review

West Dalhousie

Posted on by maherrv

I love the drive up the Morse Road to West Dalhousie. It offers such ‘a sense of place’.

On the one hand, I remember living up there in 1980, in the Buckler house, next to the O’Neil family : George, Bep, Bill and Ronan.

On Saturday, we hosted the EBLES event at the West Dalhousie Community Hall (site of the school). The fifth event celebrating Ernest Buckler – and his sense of place. Our list of presenters included Elizabeth Hay, Whit Fraser, Ken Maher and Kim Doolittle.

My role was minor, arranging the door prizes.. Heather Stewart, my wife, role was flower arrangements. From our Valley garden in Paradise to South Mountain.

Having time before the event ‘Reading where we live, a Celebration of Local Writing’, I was able to meet members of the West Dalhousie community, who put on a wonderful tradition turkey dinner, with all the fixings, and desserts.

The West Dalhousie community hall (4868 West Dalhousie Road) sits on bedrock. The hall contains a number of posters, describing the history of the community, the schools and the hall. The schools go back 200 years (1818). The last school closed sixty years ago. In 1820, three hundred and fifty people were living in West Dalhousie.

Ernest Buckler, in his youth, was a teacher in the one room school house.

Most of the families worked in the woods. The logs were shipped to Bowater Mersey Paper Company mill in Liverpool between 1945 – 2012. Since 2015, the forests have been managed by WestFor Management.

From the posters, I discovered that Rachel Brighton had put together a book ‘Out Home: a step back in time ‘ (will try to find a copy)

On Saturday evening, Daniel Frost brought a series of paintings by Gerry Spicer to the hall. The eight paintings covered the chapters in Buckler’s ‘The Mountain and the Valley’.

The EBLES event was a success; around a hundred folks made the drive. The location was ‘a big hit’ because of the hospitality shown by the community, its history and local writing. Thank you, Ernest.

Postscript

On Friday, we took the grandchildren, Quinn and Isla Rose, to the Tupperville Museum. We enjoyed hand-made ice cream, the history of the one room school, a poster and books by Ernest Buckler.

Acknowledgements

Jane Borecky, Anne Crossman, John Montgomerie fellow conspirators of EBLES for organizing a stellar program. Heather Stewart for the flower arrangements.

References.

Ernest Buckler. 1954.The Mountain and the Valley.

Rachel Brighton (Ed.) 2011. Out Home: A Step Back in Time. A Community History of West Dalhousie, from Military Settlement to Today. Copy in Lawrencetown Library.

Posted in Book Review

A Troubadour’s Journey

Posted on by maherrv

In 2020, I read Geoff Butler’s book Lullabies for Seniors, illustrated with music notations. Hence, it was a pleasure to be able to pick up his latest self-published book A Troubadour’s Journey from medieval time to the present day and age.

In March 2020, the Kings Theatre presented a film on his art, Off the Beaten Path by DT Siddharhtha Fraser, and a second short film by Tim Wilson. I have checked online, but so far, I have been unable to find a link to either film.

Three days later, WHO announced the COVID-19 pandemic. In Butler’s Words:

‘Now in 2022, and with the phenomenal speedy development of vaccines, a new day brightens, and we can reflect, with 20/20 vision of hindsight on what we’ve been through since 2020.’ p.5.

‘My troubadour can also paint and draw as well as write songs and sing, not to mention capable of being resurrected from the dead’ p.8

‘Troubadours and like poet-musicians will continue to rise again, for there will always be need of music and rhyme.’ p.8.

Each story includes a painting, a story and a musical score.

Topics include:

A troubadour’s journey

Begone, fiend ! COVID -19

The COVID-19 skate routine

Behing the mask

Behind the glass

Clearcut

The good ship Hope

Butler combines current topics within a three dimensional artistic context: art, poetry and music. A refreshing ‘tour de force’.

Acknowledgements

The Authors Market provided the opportunity to discover self-published books. Thank you to Russell at MareGold.

References

Geoff Butler. 2020. Lullabies for Seniors : illustrated throughout with music notation. Self–published.

Geoff Butler. 2022. A Troubadour’s Journey from medieval times to the present day and age. Self-published.

Posted in biographical sketch

An Authors’ Market

Posted on by maherrv

Saturday was a very ‘bookish’ day. After finding it hard to read in these difficult times, I was determined to finish Whit Fraser ‘Cold Edge of Heaven’, in advance of the EBLES event at West Dalhousie next Saturday (15th.). Besides the story relating the relationship of the RCMP and the Inuit on Devon Island in the 1920’s, I was intrigued by the reference to artists (AY Jackson) and scientists (Banting) in our understanding of Canada’s Northern Geography.

Part of our day was to follow up on door prizes for EBLES. We have had generosity from the nursery community (Bunchberry, Thexton’s and Neily’s) as well as the bookstores (Baintons, Endless Shores, MareGold and Gaspereau).

In Annapolis Royal at MareGold courtyard, there were over twenty authors. Many of them I recognized. The temptation was great. At the end of the day, I came away with Bob Bent’s book Ida Red, describing life in rural Clarence in the 1980’s. This was a time when Heather and I lived with three young children between the vanRoestel’s and the Elliot’s in East Clarence.

My second purchase was Geoff Butler’s latest book A Troubadour’s Journey from medieval times to the present day and age. Geoff is a resident of Granville Ferry, but was born on Fogo Island, Newfoundland. In 2012, he was artist-in-residence on Fogo Island courtesy Fogo Island Arts and the Shorefast Foundation. I have been following Zita Cobb at Shorefast as a model of community economic development that may be applied to the Annapolis Valley.

Returning home, after a stimulating day, I received an email from Edward from Footsteps East, including a couple of videos, as well as an update that they can now reclaim their camping gear. The impact of a severe storm in Quebec.

Acknowledgements

To Russell at MareGold for hosting the first Authors’ Market. It will be repeated in August. His bookstore is a dream for those of us who enjoy non-fiction. It complements the fiction across the road at Baintons.

References

Bob Bent. 2023. Ida Red.A love story. Self-published.

Geoff Butler. 2022. A Troubadour’s Journey from medieval times to the present day and age. Self-published.

Whit Fraser. 2022. Cold Edge of Heaven. Boulder Books.

Postscript.

Special kudos to Geoff Butler who combines art, poetry and music.

On Sundays I receive the Marginalian by Maria Popover. This week ‘How people change, Herman Hesse on wonder and how to be more alive, a tender modern fable about reversing the Anthropocene’.

Posted in biographical sketch

Climate Change

Posted on by maherrv

Today, we experienced a change in weather. After several days of rain, we had a hot, humid day. We escaped from the Valley and took a drive along the Bay of Fundy shore from Hampton to Margaretsville.

In the Reader (July 7), I noticed that the County of Annapolis are seeking citizen interest in the new Climate Change Action Plan review committee. From my perspective, as retired Research Scientist attached to the Centre of Geographic Sciences (COGS) and the Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG), we have excellent Resources in the region..

Here are a couple of examples.

  1. David Colville has established a network of climate stations in the Valley region (Southwest Nova). Interestingly, in the latest issue of the Bras D’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve, there is a template of the value of this type of network.It was only a couple of years ago that David and Sally O’Grady hosted a display on climate change at ArtsPlace in Annapolis Royal.
  2. Tim Webster at AGRG has been applying numerical models to sea level rise across the Maritimes, including the Bay of Fundy and the South shore.

Hopefully, this citizen science perspective, in conjunction with COGS, will be available to the Municipal Review committee.

Finally, Edward Wedler, and his wife Anne have started their plein air trip exploring the eastern Canadian landscapes that inspired Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. As a result of the hot and humid weather in La Baie, Quebec they are awaiting access to their campsite. Yet, another example of climate change.

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the contribution made by faculty and students at COGS and AGRG, monitoring the climate of Southwest Nova.

Reference

Bras D’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve Newletter. Summer 2023.

Posted in biographical sketch, Book Review

Planting an Idea

Posted on by maherrv

Last Friday, at MareGold bookstore in Annapolis Royal, I found a book by Jerry Apps and Natasha Kassulke entitled Planting an Idea, Critical and Creative Thinking about Environmental Issues.

I also picked up a flier on the Authors Market to be held next Saturday, July 8th at the MareGold bookstore. Over twenty authors will be there in person, with their books, from 12-4 pm in Annapolis Royal.

After reading the Bras D’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve newsletter (www.blbra.ca) I felt that it is time to reconnect with the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve. When we moved to Haida Gwaii, it was not feasible to focus on Southwest Nova.

From my conversations with John Wightman, it seems time to invest in CANMAP. Perhaps we can strengthen the relationship between the COGS Alumni Network and the Mapping Community. One approach would be to encourage past graduates to present a video of their experiences in applying geographic sciences in both industry and government.

From my conversation with Monica Lloyd at COGS, there exists a template produced in 2010 for the Town of Bridgetown. Steve Raftery was able to provide the web link.

This alumni network would reflect current approaches to environmental issues: climate change, agriculture, forest, water, air quality, land use, endangered species, biodiversity. These are all chapters in the book by Apps and Kassulke.

Postscript

Once again, no graphics. Edward and Anne are trying to avoid storms in Quebec.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to John Wightman, Monica Lloyd, Stephen Raftery for helping to develop the idea.

Reference

Jerry Apps and Natasha Kassulke. 2023. Planting an Idea. Fulcrum Publishing.

Posted in Event Review

No Carping

Posted on by maherrv

Edward is away, following in the footsteps of the Group of Seven. Thus, you will miss his handiwork. No graphics.

On Tuesday, Heather and I attended the Clean Annapolis River Project (CARP) annual general meeting held in Annapolis Royal. CARP has been in operation for thirty-three years. Back to the days, when we were seeking Heritage River status.

Besides presentations by Levi Cliche (Executive Director) and Mark Hebert (Board President) staff provided details on several key projects:

Annapolis estuary monitoring and research

Fish passage restoration and habitat enhancement

Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment tool

Living Labs

Annapolis Valley sand barrens stewardship

Wetlands restoration and recreation trail development in the town of Middleton

Natural infrastructure for Stormwater management

Agricultural stewardship

Annapolis River Guardians

CARP has a dozen staff, plus volunteers and numerous partnerships.

Their mission statement :

‘Enhancing the health of the Annapolis River watershed for current and future generations through science, leadership and community engagement.’

It was indeed refreshing to see their focus on the watershed. And to read the Introductory Guide to the Annapolis Valley Sand Barrens. Version 1.
From the Foreword by Sean Basquill.

“ In 1920, Harvard Botanist, M.L.Fernald ( 1873-1950) began the first of two lengthy expeditions to Nova Scotia. As he peered out of the train window from Berwick to Wilmot he noted.

“vast, uncultivated plains carpeted, where dry enough, with a close growth of New Jersey pine barren Corema conradii ; these barrens were the finest we saw.” P.1.

How many of us, have visited this unique habitat ?

Acknowledgements

Heather Stewart and Bill Crossman shared the evening. Edward added the graphics.

References

The Waterstrider Newsletter. http://www.annapolisriver.ca

The Annapolis Valley Sand Barrens. An Introductory Guide. Version 1.published by CARP.

Posted in Book Review

Annapolis County Resources

Posted on by maherrv

Saturday afternoon, I enjoyed my regular beer with John Wightman. John had found a copy of Annapolis County Resources (1990) and thought it might be of interest. Later I checked out the document (74 pages). It contained a good description of the county, based on Statistics Canada census information. At that time Bridgetown was a separate entity.

Reviewing the document with 33 years of hindsight, I was struck by a number of items:

  1. The lack of maps showing the distribution of land use, and land use change.
  2. The lack of references to the role of private industry.

This caused me to check out Dick Groot’s book ‘Closure’. It provided a brief history of BRITEX in Centrelea.

‘In 1970 approximately 240 people were employed’. The company closed in 2004 despite the efforts of Sandy Archibald and his staff.

If the County commissioned a report on resources in 2023, what changes might we see? Would the focus be less on the physical infrastructure and government census data? Would we see a more detailed description of the landscape and its changing use? What about the ‘creative rural economy’? Are there new businesses in the County?

Would we see the new technologies at COGS being used to give an online picture of the available resources? It would include new start-ups, the contribution from the arts and the sciences. Would we see more emphasis on the history, and the sense of community?

Times have changed. Have we?

The best resource in the County is ‘The Bridgetown Reader ‘. Thank you, Lewis!

Meanwhile, go online and check out the Shorefast Foundation on Fogo Island.

Postscript

From the bookshelf, we have Local Logic: How to get there from Here, published by AIRO in February 2017, with survey results and recommendations on the economic future of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, and its surrounding communities. This is a timely read. We need an update to 2023.

Acknowledgements

John Wightman provided a copy of the Annapolis County Resources. Dick Groot illustrated the changes in the Old Economy. Jane Nicholson’s significant commitment at Annapolis Investments in Rural Opportunity (AIRO). Edward added the graphics.

References

February 1990, Annapolis County Resources, 74 pp.

Dick Groot, 2018, Closure: A Photographer’s Eye on an Old Economy, Cedar Centre, Windsor, NS.

The Bridgetown Reader, www.bridgetownreader.news

Posted in Event Review

As Time Goes By

Posted on by maherrv

Monday evening, we went to ARTSPLACE in Annapolis Royal to hear Ted Lind’s presentation “Kindred Spirits: How Art Transformed Ways to Appreciate the Natural World”.

‘An illustrated talk about three generations of artists who changed public views about wilderness in 19th Century America. Their efforts led to significant new government policies and shifts in public attitudes about nature.’

Lind illustrated his argument with the work of various artists, including Georgia O’Keefe, Emily Carr, and the Group of Seven. Contemporary writers included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Thoreau, and John Muir.

Lind’s thesis was about the significance of artists, writers, and scientists and their influence on public attitudes toward the landscape.

This resonates with both myself and Edward Wedler. Next week, Edward and Anne plan to follow in the footsteps of the Group of Seven (read blog post “When Worlds Collide“). How will their painting reflect the values and technology of present-day society? Do we continue to regard landscape as a resource, whether it is forestry, geology, fisheries, or agriculture,

or do we see it within the context of ‘Doughnut Economics’ (see blog post “Community Interests“)?

My perspective is Geography: the physical landscape as well as the socio-economic landscape — and the recognition that we possess a strong sense of place.

Postscript

On the weekend, in New Glasgow, Heather and I enjoyed watching ‘As Time Goes By’ on Maine PBS. It is a BBC comedy series, starring Judy Dench, set in London, in the 1970s. An opportunity to reflect on ‘simpler’ times.

Acknowledgments.

I am looking forward to hearing about Edward and Anne’s trip, in the footsteps of the Group of Seven. It should provide an interesting counterpoint to Ted Lind’s talk, based on their Plein Air experience.

References

Ted Lind, Kindred Spirits: How Art Transformed Ways to Appreciate the Natural World. ARTSPACE, June 19, 2023.

Hettie O’Brien, The Power of Doughnut Economics, The Guardian Weekly, June 16, 2023, pp 34-39.

Kate Raworth, 2017, Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist, Penguin Random House.

Posted in Art, Event Review, New thinking

When Worlds Collide: Unicycles, Plein Air, and the Ultimate Tenting Expedition

Posted on by Edward Wedler

This time of the year holds immense significance for me.

Fifteen years ago, almost to the day, we held Ride The Lobster — the world’s longest unicycle race in history, run in Nova Scotia — 500 miles and 5 days with the support of COGS, AGRG, Britec, the Government of Nova Scotia, and many, many other groups and individuals. Heather LeBlanc, Andy Cotter, Nathan Hoover, Brian Reid, and Bob Maher were instrumental in believing in this wild adventure and in convincing others to join. Max deMilner’s (Unicycle Max) New England trip triggered the idea.

Starting next week, Anne and I enter the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival (PIPAF) alongside 28 talented artists across North America. This is our third juried entry into this prestigious event. Our painting colleagues are world-class. Not only are we in awe of them but are honoured to be participating with them.

Immediately following PIPAF, we embark on FootstepsEast (FSE), our 5,000 km tenting and painting trip through Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario to Lake Superior, and back. For two months, we log our journey that culminates in an exhibition of 40+ original works from our trip at the Teichert Gallery in Halifax through September.

The next few months will be hectic but exciting. Yes, this time of the year holds immense significance for me.

Acknowledgments

To Bob Maher for his continued moral support and geographic advice. To Anne for both tagging along and leading the way. To the many artists who send their best wishes and who will follow us on our journey. To those at the Teichert Gallery who believe in us. To all those who helped make Ride the Lobster work many years ago.