Locals Share Green Action GOGREENLOCALLY ORG, 501c3 nonprofit

Join us for an illuminating episode of the “Locals Share Green Living” podcast as we delve into the transformative realm of eco-restoration through the lens of Miyawaki forests. In this episode, we are privileged to be joined by Maya Dutta, a trailblazer in ecological restoration, as she shares insights from her pioneering journey in establishing the first Miyawaki forest in the northeast region of the United States with her work with Biodiversity for a Livable Climate and community partners.
Miyawaki forests, inspired by the visionary Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, offer a potent solution to combatting biodiversity loss and climate change while fostering resilient ecosystems. Maya Dutta takes us on a captivating journey, unraveling the intricate process of planning, organizing, and fostering partnerships with local organizations to bring this innovative concept to fruition.
Through Maya's expertise and dedication, we gain invaluable perspectives on the intricacies of implementing Miyawaki forests as a sustainable strategy for ecological regeneration. From selecting native plant species to cultivating community engagement, Maya shares profound insights illuminating the path toward a more biodiverse and livable planet.
Tune in as we explore the profound impact of Miyawaki forests on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and the collective efforts needed to usher in a future where nature thrives alongside human civilization.
 
Biodiversity for a Livable Climate:  https://bio4climate.org/
More about the Miyawaki forest program:  https://bio4climate.org/miyawaki-forest-program/
Volunteering in the Boston area:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBwSH4G8PQ16rBAsZHxwjyGNDWWS4nZepAmZovAJOsXGzPAw/viewform

In this episode, we sit down with Richard, affectionately known as Rick, whose career in environmental protection and public service spans over three decades. Starting in 1988 with RKR Hess Associates, Rick's expertise in percolation testing and more led him to establish Fisher Environmental Services. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey, from his role as a Sewage Enforcement Officer to managing townships and finally retiring in 2022. This is a conversation about a life dedicated to service, and environmental advocacy.

William Wildcat Coakee is the founder and Executive Director of Mother Tree Food & Forest, drawing upon a rich background that began in the Oklahoma Seminole Nation. His lifelong commitment to organic gardening since childhood, followed by extensive experience in organic farming and a decade of dedicated work in regenerative horticulture, food forestry, and wildland restoration, has provided him with a comprehensive foundation.
Coakee's expertise encompasses a wide range of fields, including Western science disciplines such as soil biology, mycology, botany, ecology, and zoology. He also delves into ecological anthropology, history, ethnobotany, herbalism, and the intricate realms of plant and fungi medicine. In addition, his knowledge extends to conventional regenerative agriculture, ancient Indigenous agroecology, and traditional ecological wisdom. He is well-versed in practices like landscape water retention, wetland restoration, syntropic agroforestry, food forestry, desert reforestation, Miyawaki reforestation, and ecology/climate physics.
Coakee's remarkable ability lies in his skillful integration of these diverse studies and systems of knowledge, creating a cohesive vision of humanity's relationship with the Earth as responsible stewards. He resides within the Mimbres River watershed on the unceded lands of the Tci-he-nde band of the Chiricahua peoples, where he honors the Brown Bear, Jaguar, Beaver, and the Forests and Wetlands that vanished with colonization.

Samantha Waldron, an unwavering champion of environmental causes and a dynamic member of her community, has woven her passion for nature into the very fabric of her life's journey. Her profound connection with the natural world took root in her formative years, nurtured by the profound influence of her father. This early bond propelled her into the fold of the high school environmental club, where her focus on safeguarding the fragile horseshoe crab populations of Cape May flourished.
Recognizing that environmental issues are inextricably linked to broader social and economic inequalities, Samantha embarked on a quest for knowledge. Engrossing documentaries like "The Story of Stuff" and "Plastic: a Toxic Love Story" became her enlightening guides, illuminating the intricate interplay between environmental sustainability and the human experience.
During her high school tenure, Samantha's commitment to service bloomed further through her involvement with Rotary International. Assuming the mantle of Interact president, she not only exemplified leadership but also secured a Coca-Cola scholarship—a testament to her dedication and impact. Her academic journey led her to Rutgers University, where she embraced her studies with vigor. However, her commitment to service remained steadfast. This devotion culminated in her receipt of the International Humanitarian Award, a testament to her striving to make a difference in the lives of others.
Post-graduation, Samantha's heart remained intertwined with the ethos of service. Her altruistic spirit led her to volunteer in Nepal, extending her impact across borders and cultures. As the Vice President of Rotaract New Jersey, she continues to be a driving force in steering positive change within her local community. Her involvement with Rotary and United Way/United Way of Northern New Jersey underscores her unswerving dedication to forging a brighter, more equitable world.
Beyond her roles as a community leader, Samantha possesses the credentials of a certified Environmental Remediation Scientist, harnessing her expertise to catalyze environmental conservation efforts.
In every facet of her life, Samantha Waldron stands as a living testament to the power of passion, dedication, and service. Her journey, marked by both individual achievement and collective betterment, serves as an inspiring narrative of what can be accomplished when one person dares to be a catalyst for positive change.

Sam Parker Davies has worked in every climate worldwide, with a variety of people including billionaires, refugees, and government officials, working in deserts and forests. As an educator, designer, aid worker, project manager, and farmer, he is on the front line of planetary regeneration creating some of the best of Permaculture Designs for large farm projects, residential properties, refugee camps, and eco-villages.
Sam has been working closely with Geoff Lawton, a well-known and respected Permaculture designer, for over five years. Sam has a primary residence at Zaytuna Farm which is the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia, and currently lives at the Greening the Desert Site in Jordan. He has practiced Permaculture as his sole profession for almost a decade while coming from a family of farmers, gardeners, and eco-village builders.
Luca Kerschhackl is Sam's student and has been gaining worldwide experience learning permaculture, in Australia, Portugal, Austria, and Greece.  Luca, at only 20 years of age, Italian born and bred is passionate about bringing this revolutionary design science to Italy.
https://www.zaytunafarm.com/courses-events/
https://www.greeningthedesertproject.org/
https://www.instagram.com/sam.parkerdavies/
https://www.instagram.com/lucakerschhackl/
 
 

Carla Brown is a creative reuse artist who had a podcast called Trashmagination, where she produced, recorded, and hosted 125 episodes on how to creatively reuse a huge number of different recycled materials. The podcast is on hiatus, but past episodes are still being accessed, and she is actively continuing to post her own artistic reuse creations on social media.
Her goal for the Trashmagination podcast was to have it be a creative reuse peptalk. She wants to help people who are on a journey to zero waste. Today she continues that journey to make beautiful, useful items.  Her current focus is on creatively reusing t-shirts and turning them into woven rugs and turning upholstery samples into storage containers. 
Carla offers some great advice to other reuse artists on how to approach projects, choose what and how much to collect for reuse, and find time for your art.    
Check out her beautiful creations at:
https://trashmagination.com/
https://www.instagram.com/trashmagination/?hl=en