Hearts and minds
Trathen Heckman’s book Take Heart, Take Action is based upon the same principles as Daily Acts, the Petaluma organization Heckman founded. A big part of that strategy is about nurturing community, finding
Daily Acts is an organization with many ongoing ecological projects that have caught national attention. Heckman says groups around the country have approached Daily Acts for ideas on how they, too, can
inspiration and using it to create action. That action, he says, then feeds more inspiration for oneself and others resulting in benefits for both the person and the community. Heckman hopes to help transform lives as well as neighborhoods and local organizations through his book. He says it can sometimes be hard to find the best way to participate, the action that would be best suited for us. He believes the first step is finding what most inspires us. Heckman says it’s important
build an ecologically and socially successful organization. For both organizations and individuals Take Heart, Take Action aims to provide the answer with effective strategies that lead to successful campaigns and projects. It begins with finding what speaks to your heart and following that to the most fulfilling action, he says. Sustainably printed copies can be purchased from dailyacts. org and all proceeds go to Daily Acts. Copies are also available in Petaluma at Copperfield’s, Jupiter Foods and Lunchette. Non-sustainably printed black and white copies as well as e-books can be purchased from Amazon.— Janet Perry
to understand that small actions and solutions, like a regenerative garden, are important, fulfilling and inspiring to others.
Another kind of restoration work is needed when fire hasn’t come through an area in a long time—resulting in an abundance of shrubs and lower growth that can provide fuel for wildfires. “We’ve had many decades of a hands-off approach to management and we’re realizing that’s maybe not the answer,” she says. “In the absence of a fire coming through and taking out all the shrubs and [underbrush], we go in and we do that,” Claussen says. She says they can create shaded fuel breaks, conduct hand thinning, build burn piles and ove r-all provide managed stewardship of the land. “Restoration can encompass many different things—actual disturbed landscapes and then also areas where you want to have a little bit more management,” Claussen says. Many properties in Sonoma Valley have been affected by fire, and Claussen says SEC has helped numerous private landowners over the last five to 10 years manage their property afterward. That work involves thinning, cutting down dead trees and shrubs and helping do burn piles on the properties. “In many instances we will encourage planting native species, and part of that is planting trees,” Claussen says. “[Sometimes] after a fire, we don’t even have to plant a tree because of the acorn sprouts. But we definitely encourage a healthy number of trees and encourage that new tree growth.” In 2022 and 2023, the ecology center worked with around 20 different landowners across approximately 200 acres of private
land, says Claussen. During that time, SEC also worked on more than 150 acres of public lands in Sonoma and Napa counties, including state, county and city properties. They’ve also worked extensively at the Sonoma Developmental Center, planting trees and conducting invasive species removal, and offered vegetation management at the Montini Preserve down in Sonoma. “At the ecology center, we’re focused on looking at the big picture,” Claussen says. “We’re trying to look at the [Sonoma Valley] as a whole and see how we can make all of these systems work better.” Claussen says when she’s out working in areas like the Montini Preserve, she’s observed people enjoying the natural setting. “We’re constantly talking to people that go walking through there,” she says. “People really have a sense of place and a feel of connection to the outdoors in nature.” To her, the link between a healthy environment and a healthy community is clear. “By promoting a healthy landscape and talking about it and encouraging people to participate in it—whether it’s volunteering for a nonprofit or just going for a hike—I think that all can improve human health.” . J
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February 2024
NorthBaybiz 43
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