[Scpg] WOOD ASH

Mon Nov 12 19:12:41 PST 2007

Hi Jacob rodrig,
       You ask.
        For decades I have heated my home with wood grown on my own 
property. I know there is air pollution but I like the smell of wood 
burning. The ash has minerals. I mix it with manure & old hay & put 
it under trees, in garden---everywhere.
         Other eco-activity: outdoor toilet, solar panels, pigs for 
meat, chickens for eggs, orchard, garden, photovoltaics on roof, 
goats for milk, clothesline, bicycle for transportation and articles 
for our local paper (one below).  EldrSloBill

At 06:22 PM 11/11/07, Jacob rodrig wrote:

>I have a question, what do you do with your old wood ash? Can it be 
>put under trees? If so what kind? Or not to do it at all? Can it be 
>put in your hot compost? Lots of questions but no answers. Help Please.  Jacob

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OAKS
By Bill Denneen
       There was a very large oak just east of Mid-State Bank on 
Tefft. To me it symbolized rural, rustic Nipomo and why I moved 
here.  It is now (Oct. 2nd) gone along with a part of me. If I had 
wanted to live in L.A. I would have moved there.
      The fossil record indicates that the oak woodland habitat has 
been here for around a million years.  The native Chumash depended on 
this oak habitat and its acorns for 9,000 years.  The acorns 
were  their main carbohydrate sources; they venerated these fine trees.
         Our civilization has been here for only about 250 years. The 
impact of our domination has resulted in little oak 
woodland  remaining. As part of my hike into Black Lake Canyon Oct. 
7th  we visited a small portion of  Oak Woodland-----to me it was 
like being in "church". This habitat  exhibits high species diversity 
with 2,000 species of plants, 170 species of birds, 100 species of 
mammals, 60 species of amphibians and reptiles and more than 4,000 
species of insects.  Eagles, owls, raptors, bobcats, foxes and 
coyotes are abundant.
         The coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) is our dominant, 
climax tree -----it belongs here (do we??).  It and the maritime 
chaparral are often covered in lichen-----indicative of the coastal 
fog belt in which we live.  It is well adapted to our specific 
climate.  There are a few other kinds of oaks locally: Blue Oak ( Q. 
douglassi) found to our east on dry slopes.  Valley Oak (Q. lobota) 
the large trees found in valleys to our south.  Santa Barbara and San 
Luis Obispo counties have both attempted to establish an 
oak-protection ordinance---both failed.
         The entire Nipomo Mesa was once covered with 
oak-woodland  habitat.  A 1975 Cal Poly study indicates that about a 
century ago nearly 90 percent of the charcoal used, mainly for 
gunpowder, came from the oaks of the our area.    After the mesa was 
denuded of its oaks the blue gum eucalyptus (E. globulus) was planted 
in rows from Australian seed-----big mistake.
         The ideal time to plant acorns is in the fall after 3 inches 
of rain  (Dec./Jan.)---after collecting them in October (now) and 
store them in your refrigerator under moist conditions 
(stratification).  I do not recommend planting seedlings from a pot 
as this limits the length of the tap-root which needs to reach three 
feet down  in order to reach the water table during the long dry summer.
         Another thing I do is plant in the shade of a coyote bush, 
known to the Chumash as "nurse plants" as they provided shelter from 
the sun for the growing oak seedling.  The native oaks are adapted to 
fire and can easily regenerate after the periodic chaparral 
wildfires.  It always amazes me to see an oak recover following a 
fire.  One problem at hand is the over suppression of fire which 
leads to buildup of fuel and therefore large wildfires which in turn 
kill the mature oaks.
         The next time you enter the oak woodland (like Nipomo Native 
Garden) just sit quietly for a while and listen to all the life , 
plants and animals that oaks support.  Feel the spirit of the Chumash 
that were here for so long.  Plant acorns for your grandchildren. 
Take time to wrap your arms around an oak, you will feel "grounded" 
to Mother Earth - you will then be a true "tree-hugger" like me and 
your life will be enriched.
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
My newsletter. If U want on mail list U have to request (I hate spam).
NIPOMO FREE PRESS:
Hi Enviro-inclined,
      My computer has been "down" for the past 10 days-----now, all 
of a sudden it "works"-----WHY?---magic????
VryConfusdEldrBill
Contents:
1. Evolution
2. Earth
3. Aging
4. Contraceptives
5. Global Warming (proof)
6. Grankids
7. Coreopsis
8. Hikes & Bikes
9. Katcho

# 1. EVOLUTION:
        Excellent letter to editor in Trib. this AM (10th ) by 
W.R.Cole. It amazes me that over 50% of Americans do not believe in 
evolution (probably think the earth is flat too).

# 2.  PLANET EARTH:
               Human caused ecosystem destruction has progressed well beyond
the Earth's carrying capacity -- its ability to provide goods  and 
services, and to regenerate. Global heating is occurring
at a rate and extent far exceeding expectations. There are too  many 
people to meet basic needs for all based upon further  habitat 
destruction for resources, much less making possible  Western 
lifestyles. Ecological crises have progressed to the  point where 
global ecological, economic and social upheavals  are guaranteed. 
This is ecological fact, truth, knowledge -- it is what it is, and no 
value is gained by stating otherwise.
http://earthmeanders.blogspot.com/ October 28, 2007  (rest of article 
on request)

# 3.  AGING:
           Population ageing is without parallel in the history of 
humanity. The number of older persons is expected to exceed the 
number of children for the first time in 2047. In the more developed 
regions, the number of children dropped below that of older persons 
in 1998. Population ageing results from reductions of fertility that 
have become virtually universal. Population ageing has profound 
consequences for all facets of human life. In the economic area, 
ageing will have an impact on economic growth, savings, investment, 
consumption, labour markets, pensions, taxation and intergenerational 
transfers. In the social sphere, population ageing influences family 
composition and living arrangements, housing demand, migration 
trends, epidemiology and the need for health-care services. In the 
political arena, population ageing may shape voting patterns and 
political representation. Since 1950 the proportion of older persons 
has been passed from 8% in 1950 to 11% in 2007, and is expected to 
reach 22% in 2050. Karen Gaia says: This article says nothing about 
the solutions to population ageing. My advice would be to plan ahead 
for baby booms so that the population is productive and can provide a 
future for themselves, including their older years. One of the ways a 
family can have a better future is to have a smaller family and to 
educate the children that the family does have.
http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/WPA2007/wpp2007.htm 
(rest of  article on request)

# 4. CONTRACEPTION:
                  More than 100 million married women in developing 
countries have a need for contraception, and yet are not using a 
method of contraception. About 15% of married women and 7% of 
never-married women in developing countries have an unmet need for 
contraception; but that proportion varies by region, country and 
socioeconomic characteristics. A study says that one-third of 
pregnancies in developing countries are unintended. Young women and 
married women in rural areas are most likely to have unmet need. 
Reasons include concerns about possible health and side effects and 
the belief that they are not at risk of getting pregnant. Few are 
unaware of family planning options. The proportion of women with 
unmet need is greatest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Family planning 
programs have made strides in reducing unmet need and educating women 
about contraception, but there is a long way to 
go.   http://www.guttmacher.org/media/nr/2007/07/09/index.html

# 5.  GLOBAL WARMING (proof):

[]

# 6.  BLACK LAKE  (3 generations)

[]
<file:///c:\program%20files\qualcomm\eudora\attach\PC2501982.jpg>
PC2501982.jpg

  # 7.  COREOPSIS HILL:
        While attending Bill's full moon bluff-side fire, I asked him 
where his next hike would go. He asked where I would like to go. I 
thought about it for a while and then remembered that I hadn't been 
to Big Coriopsis Hill for more than 30 years when Kathy Jones took me 
there. We agreed on a meeting time and place and the following Sunday 
Bill, his son Steve and grandson Devon joined me to head for the 
hill. On the way, we passed a monument placed in honor of Lena Enos 
by Kathy and Gaylord Jones in 1994. She thought of the place as her 
garden, and I could see why. Bill pointed out that it was yellow 
season, with many yellow flowers brilliantly blooming. The wildlife 
refuge we passed through was recently washed by an unexpected rain 
and was especially beautiful. We discovered that the invasive thin 
bladed ice plant was being systematically eaten, probably by deer. 
Thanks deer! Bill and family decided to give Devon a rest and headed 
back before reaching the hill. I proceeded through the thick brush, 
reflecting that the last time I was here, off highway vehicles had 
denuded much of the dunes in the area. As I approached the top of the 
hill, I spotted a large coyote sitting, contemplating the ocean and 
not hearing me approach. He was beautiful, many colors and a big 
bushy tail. When I was about ten feet from him, I said, "Hi dog," and 
he jumped in surprise. Looking over his shoulder as he trotted away, 
he gave me a dirty look. I sat and watched him trot at least a mile 
away, over the dunes, finally disappearing in the trees near Oso 
Flaco Lake. On the way back, about half way down the hill, I came 
across a frog, 2-3 inches in length, sitting in a small hole. I guess 
the rain woke him up. I looked over to where Hidden Willow Canyon 
lay, inviting me for an overnight stay. What a special place! Thanks Bill.
David 
Georgi,    <mailto:dgeorgi at csub.edu>dgeorgi at csub.edu 
http://www.csub.edu/~dgeorgi

 >^,,^<    >^,,^<   >^,,^<   >^..^<   >^,,^<   >^,,^<   >^,,^<

# 8.  EldrBill's   HIKEs & BIKEs:  NOV.& DEC.
*******************************************NOV. 11, 0930, Sun,  POINT 
SAL.  Meet at the end of Brown Rd. at locked gate, hike up PS road to 
see what military has done on the ridge, 1,000 ft elevation change, 
dogs welcome.
********************************************NOV. 18, 0930, Sun. 
BIKE  WOODLANDS .
A bicycle tour of the "instant city' with many stops. Meet at 
junction of Willow Rd. & Albert Way. Must wear helmet. On bikes we 
can go on golf cart trails with many stops----very easy ride.
**********************************************NOV. 22,  THANKSGIVING 
HIKE to BLACK LAKE
Details for Land Conservancy at 544-9096 for their hike.  I am 
thinking about having a Turkey Feast at my Hostel, if interested let 
me know----but soon. Needed  is someone to cook the turkey.
**********************************************NOV. 24, Sat. NIPOMO 
LUNA GROUP,  7:30PM  Meet around fire on the full moon to play drums 
& talk on edge of bluff overlooking Santa Maria Valley.
***********************************************NOV. 25. 0930, 
Sun,  BIKE TOUR of NIPOMO  See Nipomo on an easy bike ride with many 
stops. We'll probably stop at Nipomo Native Garden , Creekside 
Preserve. Meet at Nipomo Library.
******************************************DEC. 2, 0930, Sun. 
CREEKSIDE PRESERVE   Meet behind Adobe Plaza, hike new trail on 
Haystack  & Nipomo Creeks, Dogs welcome. Easy hike. Some poison oak.
****************************************DEC. 9.  0930, Sun. 
BIKE  WOODLANDS   A bicycle tour of the "instant city' with many 
stops. Meet at junction of Willow Rd. & Albert Way. Must wear helmet. 
On bikes we can go on golf cart trails
********************************************DEC. 16, 0930   COAST 
HIKE  See a remote area of dunes, 4 miles, dogs OK, check 
for  details just before at <bdenneen at kcbx.net> or 929-3547
******************************************DEC. 23, 0930  OCEANO DUNES 
HIKE:  Meet at melodrama in Oceano. See levee, creek, dunes,SVRA. 
Kids welcome. Bring water & windbreaker
**********************************************DEC. 24, 7:30 
PM,  CHRISTMAS EVE  NIPOMO LUNA GROUP,   Meet around fire on the full 
moon to play drums & talk on edge of bluff overlooking Santa Maria 
Valley. Dogs welcome
**********************************************DEC. 25,  CHRISTMAS DAY 
HIKE  Details not firm yet---suggestions?????
***********************************************JAN. 1, Tuesday  30th 
Annual  NEW YEAR's  DAY-HIKE TO MUSSEL ROCK  Meet at 0930 on 
Guadalupe Beach to hike to the top of Mussel Rock to start the new 
year off right . No dogs.

# 9. KATCHO:
      If you are NOT  in his district------delete now..
      I am attempting to come up with  20 potential candidates to run 
in the next election for Supervisor .  I am open to suggestions. If 
your name is on the list & U will in no way be a candidate let me 
know & U R gone but you will never in the future get on my list. If U 
R thinking about running  let me know & I'll add U.
        My goal is at least 20 potential candidates----already I have 
found some "potentials" are not valid (not even in the district)  I 
am deleting the below----if U disagree let me know ASAP why that 
person should NOT be deleted:
Jennifer Brown, Patti Andreen, Tony Ferrera , Nancy Graves
         Katcho in my opinion will be moving on to higher office but 
who knows what or WHEN. First is as a Presidential Candidate  but 
.that is out because he wasn't born here ( Arnold likewise). Maybe to 
replace Sam, Able or Lois but it is too early as no one knows what 
their  plans are (e.g. Abel to Gov??, Sam to Congress??, Lois to President.??).
       Twenty potential Supervisors to replace Katcho when he moves on:
David Angelo
Larry Vierheilig
Donna Mills
  Mike Eisner
Barbara Mann
Jim Guthrie
Paul Teixeira
Sam Nunez
Nick Alter
Charlie Gulyash
Ed Eby
Greg Doudna
Donna Kandel
Ed Arnold
Mike Winn
Ken Shamordola
Guy Murray
Steph Wald
Patti Duron
Lucia Casalinouvo
Joe Costello
Peg Heathcote
Adrienne Dickinson  
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