In this episode, Forrest engages with the DeJong family, who have been pivotal in the restoration of the Cheasty Greenspace in Seattle, WA. The conversation explores their journey of transforming a neglected urban forest into a thriving community space, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, ecological restoration, and the integration of indigenous knowledge. The DeJongs share their experiences of working together as a family and the impact of their efforts on the local community and environment. They also discuss the challenges posed by climate change and the hope they hold for future generations to connect with and care for nature.

Guests: The Dejong Family

• Mary Dejong
• Joel Dejong

Mentions:

• Earthkeepers Episodes 2, 40, and 78
• Cheasty Greenspace
• Green Seattle Partnership
• Duwamish Tribe
• Check out these photo albums of Cheasty Greenspace/Mt. View and Cheasty trails!

Takeaways

• The DeJong family has been involved in the Cheasty Greenspace restoration for 17 years.
• Community engagement is crucial for successful ecological restoration projects.
• Listening to the land and its history is essential in restoration efforts.
• The project has transformed a neglected space into a vibrant community hub.
• Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in understanding and restoring ecosystems.
• Family involvement in community projects fosters deeper connections and shared values.
• Access to nature is a right that should be available to all communities.
• Climate change poses challenges, but local actions can lead to positive change.
• Building community around shared environmental goals enhances collective action.
• The transformation of the Cheasty Greenspace serves as a model for other urban restoration efforts.

Keywords: environmental restoration, trails, accessibility, recreation, ecosystem, ecology, invasive species, deforestation, settlers, native species, wildlife, nature, spirituality, spiritual ecology, community, cultural restitution, cultural restoration, stewardship, connections, relationships, climate change, Cheasty Greenspace, community restoration, ecology, environmental advocacy, urban nature, indigenous knowledge, climate change, family involvement

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple

This episode considers how much of the current language around nature therapy can actually distance some people, and focuses on the need for better ways to talk about earth care and connection to the earth for men in particular. Jason Lyle shares with Forrest about Adventures in Recovery, an organization in the state of Georgia that uses wilderness experience to facilitate healing and personal growth for men. He discusses the profound impact of wilderness therapy on mental health, the importance of reconnecting with the body and nature, and the evolving landscape of spirituality in modern society. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for individuals to immerse themselves in nature, and highlights the significance of community connection recovery processes.

Adventures in Recovery (soon to be rebranded as AIR Georgia)

Freeology Podcast (soon to be rebranded as Sacred Grit podcast)

BONUS CONTENT: Jason coaches Forrest about cold water immersion

Takeaways

• Jason shares his deep connection to nature and its impact on his life.
• Adventures in Recovery focuses on healing through nature and community.
• The importance of personal experiences in shaping one's purpose.
• Nature immersion helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions.
• Spirituality can be practical and rooted in everyday decisions.
• The body and mind connection is crucial for personal growth.
• Community support plays a vital role in recovery processes.
• Nature teaches resilience and adaptability in challenging situations.
• Practical strategies for reconnecting with nature include immersion and foraging.
• The future of spiritual communities may focus on personal experiences rather than traditional structures.

Keywords

nature, healing, recovery, spirituality, wilderness therapy, personal growth, men's mental health, adventure, community, connection, nature-based therapy, redneck culture, adoption trauma, cold water immersion

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple

Americans are facing a massive crisis in earth care. The stark reality is that we’ve all been witnessing the decimation of multiple government land management agencies, such as the National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife, among many others. And it’s becoming increasingly obvious how the present administration’s drastic cuts to staffing and budgets translates into the wholesale gutting of public services, environmental protections, and critical research for planetary health. But what we don’t hear about so much is the cost of these changes to the actual federal employees on the front lines of these agencies-- in terms of their economic security, their mental health, and even their human dignity.

In this conversation, Mark, a federal worker reflects on his 33-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, discussing his journey in land conservation, the importance of education in fostering environmental values, and the current threats to environmental regulations under political changes. He emphasizes the human cost of these policies and the need for community engagement and honest conversations to resist anti-Earth agendas. Mark also shares his ongoing passion for conservation and the role of education in shaping future generations' relationship with the environment.

Episode 12: Mark's previous episode on Earthkeepers

Episode 14: Children and earthkeeping: The Woodsong Forest School

Takeaways
Mark reflects on his fulfilling career in land conservation.
Education plays a crucial role in valuing the environment.
The dismantling of environmental regulations poses significant risks.
Political changes have drastically affected land management agencies.
Restoring environmental standards will be a long and costly process.
Federal employees are facing unprecedented challenges and trauma.
Community engagement is essential for effective conservation efforts.
Real resistance requires honest conversations and understanding.
Mark emphasizes the importance of native species in restoration.
Everyone has a role in educating others about environmental issues.

Keywords
land conservation, environmental policy, education, native species, public lands, whistleblower, environmental regulations, political impact, community engagement, national parks

Find us on our website: Earthkeepers
Support the Earthkeepers podcast
Check out the Ecological Disciple