Check out the Living Lightly 24:1 website (http://www.livinglightly24-1.org.uk/), a simpler, greener lifestyle commitment from A Rocha UK. “There must be more to life than working, consuming, acquiring and being sucked into a value system that we know is wrong.”

A Rocha International’s Sir Ghillean Prance, a plant taxonomist, an expert on the flora of the Amazon rain forests and the former Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, will be speaking Tuesday evening, February 24, 7:00 PM at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Please join us for this free event.

One of the great things about conservation work is getting to work with other from a broad range of beliefs and motivations. Here is an interesting article that is encouraging to see. For the most part, I have found an openness to have Christians begin participating in conservation work, usually with the cavet of “It’s about time!”, which is true. Before rushing to dismissive judgment, we have an opportunity to build bridges and work toward common goals with those of other faiths and worldviews. While this can feel uncomfortable to some, I encourage prayerfully giving it a try as we steward our natural resources.

Just started reading “Hot, Flat and Crowded”, Thomas Friednman’s latest book. His ideas found in “The World is Flat” had been discussed by several acquaintances and, as a result, made this new title intriguing. I’m interested his is premise that a revitalized country needs to be founded upon a common vision, specifically one that focuses on conservation and better stewardship of our natural resources given the rapid nature of global expansion and development by emerging economies. I’d be interested in hearing if you have read this book and your comments about it.

Took a walk with Steve Palladino and Marty today. We talked about the role of conservation and our world view. Steve is a guru on GIS, software that helps map information spacially (my novice definition), and we were apprecitive of his time as he shared some knowledge about using GIS to better understand habitats. We talked through habitat mapping in hopes of one day beging able to us just such a techinque for our Santa Barbara A Rocha dream - a field study center. A field study center would serve as the hub for our work by providing opporutnities for practical conservation, meaningful educaitonal opportunities, as well as promoting a more just and sustainable world. We are praying for just such an opportunity.

We had the chance to move into new office space in the foothills. We are thankful for the use of this space located on the property of Santa Barbara Community Church.

Several species of birds, including a large roadrunner, were visible. We look forward to providing more updates about this area in the future.

Thanks to those who sent emails regarding our collective safety here in Santa Barbara. The fire was located in the hills and canyons about three miles from us and did not directly impact Santa Barbara A Rocha’s work, but did effect Westmont A Rocha. The college campus sustained damage including some living quarters and offices. Thankfully all students have been reported safe, but several Westmont faculty, including A Rocha supporters Tom Fikes (scheduled to speak February 9 at The Loft) of the Psychology Department and Eileen McMahon of the Westmont Biology Department, lost their homes. Please join us in prayer for these two as well as several hundred area residents who also lost their residences.

For more information about the fire can be found here.

The name “Tea Fire” comes from the location of the origin of the fire - an abandoned Tea Garden, also known as ‘The Arches’.  This area is a popular hiking spot close to the Westmont College campus.

Here is a brief blog post with a list of organizations promoting creation care and justice issues related to the topic.

An interesting article about the growing “creation care” movement within Christian colleges and Universities. A Rocha’s own Ben Lowe is quoted. Go Ben!

We have the opportunity to be involved with a local effort to reduce our waste and promote justice via Clouds of Hope Children’s Christian Centre, a South African charity described as focusing, “primarily on support to HIV/AIDS affected and infected people as well as on AIDS prevention. Beneficiaries of this project include all community members in the KwaSani Local Authority Area, who have been affected in some way by poverty or the AIDS pandemic.” This outreach has become a passion for the Rycrofts, a Santa Barbara family who has connections to Clouds of Hope. Their son, Spencer, came up with the idea to gather 100 used soccer jerseys for the kids at the Underberg orphanage and will be hand delivering them in December. In addition, the family is trying to raise $500 to buy soccer balls and a pair of socks and shoes for each child. We would love to see Spencer and his family reach their goal and we are seeking your help in making it a reality. Here is how:

Save this season’s soccer jersey (or for that matter any season) from sitting unused by donating it and, if possible, a financial gift to help cover the cost of socks and shoes. A pair of shoes costs less than $5 US dollars, so your giving will go a long way to providing a much needed gift.

For info on how to donate, contact the Rycrofts before December 10 via email: rycroft96(at)hotmail.com (use the @ symbol instead of (at)) or at 962-8854

We look forward to being part of this great opportunity.