Native species are those that occur in the region in which they evolved. Plants evolve over geologic time in response to physical and biotic processes characteristic of a region: the climate, soils, timing of rainfall, drought, and frost; and interactions with the other species inhabiting the local community. Thus native plants possess certain traits that make them uniquely adapted to local conditions, providing a practical and ecologically valuable alternative for landscaping, conservation and restoration projects, and as livestock forage. In addition, native plants can match the finest cultivated plants in beauty, while often surpassing non-natives in ruggedness and resistance to drought, insects and disease.
Ex: Mango, Amla, Champka, Arjuna, Jamun, Chandana, bel, Shivani, Guggula etc...
Singpore Cherry tree
Gasagase mara or commonly known as Singapore cherry is native of Central America.
These fast growing trees now commonly adapted on road sides in India due to its wide shade area yet grown shortly up to 30 feet which adapts to various soil conditions and draught resistant . More people like for its car parking shade in Bengaluru :). The fruit attracts sparrows, flower peckers, bee eaters and fruit bats. Children enjoy ripened red fruit throughout the year.
The tree associated with its place and hence the name Singapore cherry or Panama tree or Jamaican cherry
The fruits are commercial crop in South America and used for tea, juice, Jam, antiseptic etc.
These fast growing trees now commonly adapted on road sides in India due to its wide shade area yet grown shortly up to 30 feet which adapts to various soil conditions and draught resistant . More people like for its car parking shade in Bengaluru :). The fruit attracts sparrows, flower peckers, bee eaters and fruit bats. Children enjoy ripened red fruit throughout the year.
The tree associated with its place and hence the name Singapore cherry or Panama tree or Jamaican cherry
The fruits are commercial crop in South America and used for tea, juice, Jam, antiseptic etc.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus or Fever tree or Gum tree is an Australian native and varieties count for 700 and more. Has been used commercially and in medicines since 1800 due to Britishers introducing outside Oz. Introduced in India by Tippu Sultan on basement of Nandi Hills, 1790 and in 1843 introduced at Nilgiri hills, Tamilnadu.
It has excellent remedy for respiratory related illness along with properties of anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-oxidant and expectorant properties. Eucalyptus is used as infusion tea with medical supervision. Children under age 6 should not be consumed internally.
Many Indian state governments promoted during 1960-80 to meet demand for paper industry and replacing low value natural forests. These grow very fast in years and send vast network of roots and used in marshy areas to reduce swamps and thus, Malaria. Wood has great value as fire woods and Australia is famous for its forest fires due to these.
Lots of researches were done in 1984 near Hosakote for beliefs and summarized as
-No depletion in water table due to Eucalyptus
-Does not consume more water than a typical tree
-Slight reduction in soil nutrition
-Due to monoculture, affects bio diversity and wild life.
Contrary to above, Karnataka government has passed bill in 1984 to plant in barren lands only due to concerns by farmers and to plant in area with 500-750mm rainfall.
It has excellent remedy for respiratory related illness along with properties of anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-oxidant and expectorant properties. Eucalyptus is used as infusion tea with medical supervision. Children under age 6 should not be consumed internally.
Many Indian state governments promoted during 1960-80 to meet demand for paper industry and replacing low value natural forests. These grow very fast in years and send vast network of roots and used in marshy areas to reduce swamps and thus, Malaria. Wood has great value as fire woods and Australia is famous for its forest fires due to these.
Lots of researches were done in 1984 near Hosakote for beliefs and summarized as
-No depletion in water table due to Eucalyptus
-Does not consume more water than a typical tree
-Slight reduction in soil nutrition
-Due to monoculture, affects bio diversity and wild life.
Contrary to above, Karnataka government has passed bill in 1984 to plant in barren lands only due to concerns by farmers and to plant in area with 500-750mm rainfall.
ECO Deepavali
Deepavali, the festival light is celebrated with lighting of small lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity.
Made as “Diwali” by Britishers, as they want to have their way. Still South Indians call as Deepavali.
Indian businessmen were starting their financial year in olden days on this date. The 5 day festival also remarks celebrating demon Naraka killed by Krishna, return of Rama to Ayodhya, worshiping goddess Lakshmi and Kaali, Krishna saving living hood by lifting Govardhana Mountain and Vishnu saving earth from King Bali in order.
Though the celebration done on different places on different dates, the essence is same- to rejoice in inner light (Atma). Also, celebrated in south east Asian countries.
Crackers were introduced in year 1900 since; with a technical reason of fumes produced by crackers will kill mosquitoes and insects after monsoon. And also, making noise make more of celebration and joy or show off in now a days. Contrary to they original reason of festival, crackers are the big and inevitable part of the festival.
Some of the toxic substances found in crackers are compounds of Lead, sulfur, zinc, Cadmium, Magnesium, Copper and Sodium and their affects.
Suspended Particulate -->Matter Asthma, cancer, restrictive lung diseases, pneumoconiosis
Respirable Particulate -->Matter Respiratory illness (chronic bronchitis and asthma), heart
diseases
Sulfur Dioxide(SO2) -->Eye burning, headache, respiratory problems like pulmonary
emphysema, cancer, heart diseases
Nitrous Oxides --> Lung irritation, chest tightness, viral infection, airway
Resistance
Air and sound pollution prolonged for certain days by using fire crackers. Asthma patients will suffer more and your pets are frightened.
Do your bit to conserve our Mother earth!
Few tips to go eco-friendly:
--Instead of individual celebration with fireworks prefer community celebration, which also bring oneness.
--Select an area far from hospitals and best is the open ground.
--Look out for noise limit on the cartoon. Prefer less than 80 dB.
--Use diyas, instead of using power consuming electricity lit lamps.
--Cut down tempting shopping list. Excess consumerism consumes raw materials.
--Share the excess left over with underprivileged people while in good condition.
--Go for eco-friendly, recycled, re-usable decorations.
--Try eco-friendly, organic gifts.
--Ask for eco-friendly (reduced effect to environment) crackers and buy from licensee. Heard few are selling Indian made, economical and eco-friendly crackers athttp://www.jagrancityplus.com/
--Many firework manufacturer employees child labor, do not support child labor.http://ngopost.org/story/
Some safety tips:
-Keep a pail of water to extinguish fire
-Do not wear loose, synthetic cloths.
-Do not inhale smoke.
-Keep first aid handy.
-A nearest hospital address.
-Supervise children during fireworks
Wishing you Happy and Deepavali
Made as “Diwali” by Britishers, as they want to have their way. Still South Indians call as Deepavali.
Indian businessmen were starting their financial year in olden days on this date. The 5 day festival also remarks celebrating demon Naraka killed by Krishna, return of Rama to Ayodhya, worshiping goddess Lakshmi and Kaali, Krishna saving living hood by lifting Govardhana Mountain and Vishnu saving earth from King Bali in order.
Though the celebration done on different places on different dates, the essence is same- to rejoice in inner light (Atma). Also, celebrated in south east Asian countries.
Crackers were introduced in year 1900 since; with a technical reason of fumes produced by crackers will kill mosquitoes and insects after monsoon. And also, making noise make more of celebration and joy or show off in now a days. Contrary to they original reason of festival, crackers are the big and inevitable part of the festival.
Some of the toxic substances found in crackers are compounds of Lead, sulfur, zinc, Cadmium, Magnesium, Copper and Sodium and their affects.
Suspended Particulate -->Matter Asthma, cancer, restrictive lung diseases, pneumoconiosis
Respirable Particulate -->Matter Respiratory illness (chronic bronchitis and asthma), heart
diseases
Sulfur Dioxide(SO2) -->Eye burning, headache, respiratory problems like pulmonary
emphysema, cancer, heart diseases
Nitrous Oxides --> Lung irritation, chest tightness, viral infection, airway
Resistance
Air and sound pollution prolonged for certain days by using fire crackers. Asthma patients will suffer more and your pets are frightened.
Do your bit to conserve our Mother earth!
Few tips to go eco-friendly:
--Instead of individual celebration with fireworks prefer community celebration, which also bring oneness.
--Select an area far from hospitals and best is the open ground.
--Look out for noise limit on the cartoon. Prefer less than 80 dB.
--Use diyas, instead of using power consuming electricity lit lamps.
--Cut down tempting shopping list. Excess consumerism consumes raw materials.
--Share the excess left over with underprivileged people while in good condition.
--Go for eco-friendly, recycled, re-usable decorations.
--Try eco-friendly, organic gifts.
--Ask for eco-friendly (reduced effect to environment) crackers and buy from licensee. Heard few are selling Indian made, economical and eco-friendly crackers athttp://www.jagrancityplus.com/
--Many firework manufacturer employees child labor, do not support child labor.http://ngopost.org/story/
Some safety tips:
-Keep a pail of water to extinguish fire
-Do not wear loose, synthetic cloths.
-Do not inhale smoke.
-Keep first aid handy.
-A nearest hospital address.
-Supervise children during fireworks
Wishing you Happy and Deepavali
Makara sankranthi
Samudhra vasane devi, parvatha sthana mandithe,
Vishnu pathni namasthubhyam pada sparsam kshamasva mae.
Meaning: Salutations to you consort of Lord Vishnu,
Who is clothed by oceans,
And is adorned prettily by the mountains,
Pardon me mother, for setting my foot on you.
Sankranthi is a festival of harvest . Makar Sankranti’ is one of the important festivals celebrated all over India. It is an auspicious occasion which is celebrated with great devotion, enthusiasm and joy.
Acknowledge the sacredness of Earth and all life.
Nature is a creative force worthy of respect, even veneration. Each year
at harvest time, agrarian communities all over India celebrate this festival with enthusiastic abandon. They dance, fly kites, sing and exchange gifts in a grand thanksgiving celebration. It is also a time to thank mother earth and the only way to thank her is to do our part to preserve it for our future.
Sankranti or Sat Kranti which means 'good movement' is the migration of sun from one zodiac to another. Makar Sankranti is the day when the Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayana) and enters the sign of Makar (the Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer. It marks the transition of the Sun from Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to Makar rashi (Capricorn).
The day is also of special significance, because on this day, the day and night are of equal hours.
The increased use of glass coated Manja (string) for kite flying injures & kills several birds every year.
It is harmful for people also.
Race with Ox are common and the question is really need thee kind of cruel sports?
Eco friendly tips for first day celebration
Clean your homes, collect all the unwanted and worn out, broken items. Get crafty and turn the thrash into a funky stuff. Else and drop them at your nearest recycling center.
Clearing house of unwanted stuff clears away stale, negative energy and brings an influx of dynamic blessings into the home. Time for clearing the mind and focus on Refuse Reduce Reuse Recycle Recraft
Have fun on second day too?
Use rice flour to make kolam or rangoli on the floor.Rangoli is meant to feed ants.
Try some designs depicting Moon and the Sun in a chariot. Prayers are offered to the Sun,
who lights our lives and our houses
tooo with offerings of freshly
harvested sugarcane and vegetables.
What happens on the third day?
Hindus offer thanks to cattle, the farmer’s
gracious helpers. Bulls and cows are lovingly
adorned with cowrie shells, embroidered
shawls, colorful ropes and bells.
They are fed sweet rice and sugar cane.
How is the final day celebrated?
"Ancestors and wildlife are venerated.
You can help animals by simply giving a call to the wildlife NGOs working in your city to treat or to relocate them if they are injured.
It is a day for picnic outings and family visits.
Remember never use Plastic or disposable containers, instead use tiffin carriers to pack your lunch
Vishnu pathni namasthubhyam pada sparsam kshamasva mae.
Meaning: Salutations to you consort of Lord Vishnu,
Who is clothed by oceans,
And is adorned prettily by the mountains,
Pardon me mother, for setting my foot on you.
Sankranthi is a festival of harvest . Makar Sankranti’ is one of the important festivals celebrated all over India. It is an auspicious occasion which is celebrated with great devotion, enthusiasm and joy.
Acknowledge the sacredness of Earth and all life.
Nature is a creative force worthy of respect, even veneration. Each year
at harvest time, agrarian communities all over India celebrate this festival with enthusiastic abandon. They dance, fly kites, sing and exchange gifts in a grand thanksgiving celebration. It is also a time to thank mother earth and the only way to thank her is to do our part to preserve it for our future.
Sankranti or Sat Kranti which means 'good movement' is the migration of sun from one zodiac to another. Makar Sankranti is the day when the Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayana) and enters the sign of Makar (the Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer. It marks the transition of the Sun from Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to Makar rashi (Capricorn).
The day is also of special significance, because on this day, the day and night are of equal hours.
The increased use of glass coated Manja (string) for kite flying injures & kills several birds every year.
It is harmful for people also.
Race with Ox are common and the question is really need thee kind of cruel sports?
Eco friendly tips for first day celebration
Clean your homes, collect all the unwanted and worn out, broken items. Get crafty and turn the thrash into a funky stuff. Else and drop them at your nearest recycling center.
Clearing house of unwanted stuff clears away stale, negative energy and brings an influx of dynamic blessings into the home. Time for clearing the mind and focus on Refuse Reduce Reuse Recycle Recraft
Have fun on second day too?
Use rice flour to make kolam or rangoli on the floor.Rangoli is meant to feed ants.
Try some designs depicting Moon and the Sun in a chariot. Prayers are offered to the Sun,
who lights our lives and our houses
tooo with offerings of freshly
harvested sugarcane and vegetables.
What happens on the third day?
Hindus offer thanks to cattle, the farmer’s
gracious helpers. Bulls and cows are lovingly
adorned with cowrie shells, embroidered
shawls, colorful ropes and bells.
They are fed sweet rice and sugar cane.
How is the final day celebrated?
"Ancestors and wildlife are venerated.
You can help animals by simply giving a call to the wildlife NGOs working in your city to treat or to relocate them if they are injured.
It is a day for picnic outings and family visits.
Remember never use Plastic or disposable containers, instead use tiffin carriers to pack your lunch
ECO Christmas
Holidays brings the best of us every year. But they also bring what seems like an environmentalist's worst nightmare and practically adding more waste to Earth:
-tons of extra garbage,
-millions of chopped-down trees,
-megawatts of flashing lights.
with a little effort, everything from holiday gift-giving to light-stringing can celebrated with minimal impact to environment too.
Growing excess consumerism keeps only few companies happy as you buy what they want you to buy. Rampant advertisements, convincing you to buy their products, no matter if the are relevant to christmas or no. Loads of decoratives sold are cheap disposables and soon find their way to the bins. Challenge yourself to live without it for at least 2 weeks. Believe me you will not even remmeber the stuff you once found useful.
This Christmas, lets make Planet friendly decisions. Start to rethink the way you want to celebrate the spirit of holidays. For it does not come from malls or media but from withing you.
The noise and glitter of the malls have killed the real spirit of festival inside us, we have stopped being creative, you spend the most precious gift in malls shopping and then in the billing counter "a part of your life". The time spent in the malls which keeps you away from your family can never be purchased back.
Shifting to a simpler and Greener Christmas will make you a happy tighter family.
The best thing around any Christmas tree is your family. Its they who make the festival happier.
Greener ideas for Christmas:
1) Lights
2)Tree
-tons of extra garbage,
-millions of chopped-down trees,
-megawatts of flashing lights.
with a little effort, everything from holiday gift-giving to light-stringing can celebrated with minimal impact to environment too.
Growing excess consumerism keeps only few companies happy as you buy what they want you to buy. Rampant advertisements, convincing you to buy their products, no matter if the are relevant to christmas or no. Loads of decoratives sold are cheap disposables and soon find their way to the bins. Challenge yourself to live without it for at least 2 weeks. Believe me you will not even remmeber the stuff you once found useful.
This Christmas, lets make Planet friendly decisions. Start to rethink the way you want to celebrate the spirit of holidays. For it does not come from malls or media but from withing you.
The noise and glitter of the malls have killed the real spirit of festival inside us, we have stopped being creative, you spend the most precious gift in malls shopping and then in the billing counter "a part of your life". The time spent in the malls which keeps you away from your family can never be purchased back.
Shifting to a simpler and Greener Christmas will make you a happy tighter family.
The best thing around any Christmas tree is your family. Its they who make the festival happier.
Greener ideas for Christmas:
1) Lights
- Use LED lights on year Christmas tree, they consumes less electricity and still looks nicer and good for environment and inexpensive. Also when you go to bed, remember to turn off the Christmas lights to conserve energy.
- Many people light candles during the holidays, instead of using a regular petroleum wax candle, get a soy wax candle, it last 3 times as long, is 90% better for the environment, and if you spill the melted wax it is easier to clean.
2)Tree
- Use a potted Christmas tree- Rather than buying a real tree thats been cut down, transported and then thrown away, purchase a large potted plant or small tree that can be used each year as your evergreen Christmas tree.Once it grows too big for the pot, just plant it.
- Rent a tree-Find a place to rent the trees.These trees are grown in pots, you can rent them and then return them when you are finished. Once the tree has grown big enough it is planted.
- Purchase an artificial tree that can be reused for many years.
- REFUSE to buy ornaments
- REUSE the ones you have, or even better
- RECREATE ... Make some. A fun family project to do, make it out of materials which was going to thrash can or out of nature it's always fun to make things at a family time.
- Last with ornaments, if you feel you MUST buy some ornaments, buy recycled material ornaments from stores near you.
- Recycle all that is not reusable, if its natural decoration its even better they will not go to bin instead yo your garden compost.
- Wrap LESS or just don't wrap. If you wrap less presents it reduce the amount of trash.
- Use recycled wrapping paper, brown paper (which you can recycle), or newspaper to wrap your presents.
- Careful when you you unwrap your presents, as we will use the wrapping paper,box, ribbons next year. Keep them in a box safe in your home until next Christmas.
- Try Furoshiki an eco-friendly wrapping cloth, versatile wraps almost everything. Using techniques similar to origami, it can be used for gift wrapping, grocery shopping or simply as decor. Choose from a wide variety of sizes and designs to complement your lifestyle. It is reusable and multipurpose.
- When cooking Christmas lunch, keep lids on your saucepans - your sprouts will cook quicker and you will be saving energy too.
- Avoid keeping the oven door open when you check your food.
- Don't cook too much, let the spare food coll before going to fridge as this will help save energy.
- Christmas dishes can be a nightmare but waiting until you have a full load in the dishwasher and using a low energy or economy programme will help keep costs down.
- E-cards are an inexpensive way to holiday greetings.
- If you really need to buy one, then buy the cards made out of recycled paper and soy ink.
- Look for your local shops or supermarkets for recycling trees, fancy gift wraps, decorative's etc.
8)Shopping
- Santa's aren't suggesting you don’t give your loved ones presents this year. But why not make one or two of them, trade with friends, or buy locally. Think about the products you’re buying – what they’re made of, where they came from, how they got from there to here… and whether they’re actually going to make someone any happier.
Introduction on Environment Education to Tiny Twinklers
Conducted at Tiny Twinkers School
Date: 3 Dec 2011
Students: ~ 60 Middle school
Attended by few school staff
Event was conducted by Harsha, with the formalities of
introducing each party, an overview of LIFE trust was presented with a glimpse
of previous events conducted like tree plantation and awareness programs for
schools, offices and college and other variety of programs were briefed.
Further videos were watched to learn;
1. Story narration: Impacts of waste, segregation and
benefits.
2. Animated movie: Current issues on global warming in
India, impacts, reasons, and global warming
A quiz program were organized for 4 houses on the topics
related to above watched movie, day to day environment related activities.
Green house won with 20 points, Red and Yellow tied with 10
points for 2nd place. Blue were 3rd with 0 points.
A demonstration was given on reusing a plastic bottle to
make bird feeder, Diya cover and a cup for holding water for birds.
An interactive discussion held on environment elated topics
and in facts the interested shown by students was fantastic.
Inauguration of ECO club at Twinklers Vidyaniketan
Conducted at Twinkers Vidyaniketan
Date: Oct 15 2011
Students: ~ 70 of High school
Attended by few school staff and parents.
Event was conducted by Harsha, with the formalities of introducing each party, an overview of LIFE trust was presented with a glimpse of previous events conducted like tree plantation and awareness programs for schools, offices and college and other variety of programs were briefed.
Later explained importance of Environment education was discussed with various benefits to human and society which will be carried over to future generations by young kids.
Other main feature of these programs is through DITCH THE DESK, majority of the eco club programs are conducted with the interaction of environment and thus not just limited to classrooms. This provides more opportunity for children to explore in a guided way.
Further videos were watched to learn;
1. Documentary: How the waste is being generated, impacts, handling issues, few solutions.
2. Documentary: Contribution by school children on self reliable for their school needs.
Further a Neem sapling was planted for marking the event day.
Event was concluded with open discussions with children on environment related topics.
Date: Oct 15 2011
Students: ~ 70 of High school
Attended by few school staff and parents.
Event was conducted by Harsha, with the formalities of introducing each party, an overview of LIFE trust was presented with a glimpse of previous events conducted like tree plantation and awareness programs for schools, offices and college and other variety of programs were briefed.
Later explained importance of Environment education was discussed with various benefits to human and society which will be carried over to future generations by young kids.
Other main feature of these programs is through DITCH THE DESK, majority of the eco club programs are conducted with the interaction of environment and thus not just limited to classrooms. This provides more opportunity for children to explore in a guided way.
Further videos were watched to learn;
1. Documentary: How the waste is being generated, impacts, handling issues, few solutions.
2. Documentary: Contribution by school children on self reliable for their school needs.
Further a Neem sapling was planted for marking the event day.
Event was concluded with open discussions with children on environment related topics.
Awareness program on Environment sustainability and Drawing competition
LIFE and Colour hands has conducted an awareness event on Environment sustainability and conducted drawing competition for Motherland Public school on Sep 17th at Bhashyam park, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru as full day event.
LIFE provided introduction to school kids about environment, and identifying the waste, source and its problems in a daily life. With help of children alternates were identified for the potential issues and created a road map to implement. The event included story telling and providing example of real cases on environment impact and with demonstration examples. Out door activities like identifying the variety of parts of trees, flowers in the park premises. This gave an insight on what they study in school with fun based exercises. Events like scavenger hunt and game web of life were played to learn the importance of dependency of food chain.
Children were motivated to draw drawing on the above theme with creating interest on nature. Colour Hands has organized the event and provided all items for drawings. After the event a small demonstration was given on few skills of painting and sketches.
Eco friendly ganesha festival
It takes several months to be dissolved.Even if it dissolves, it poisons the water and makes it unsuitable.
2)Chemical paint:-chemical paints are used to decorate the idols, these paints contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which seep into the water as the idol dissolves.
So what's the alternatives:-
1)1. Immersing the idol in a water tan constructed by the government, instead of directly into natural water bodies.
2. Using only a natural clay idol and immersing it either in the tank or in a bucket of water at home.
3. Immersing a 'betel nut' which symbolises the idol and reusing the same idol every year.
4. If one is using a PoP idol, simply sprinkling a few drops of water on it as a symbolic immersion and donating the idol to be recycled for the following year.
1. Avoiding the use of non biodegradable material such as thermocole altogether.
2. Composting all bio degradable material.
3. Distributing food itmes such as coconuts and fruits among the poor.
4. Recycling flowers to make hand made paper or dried flower products.
Tree plantation at Kadugodi Bus stop
After along time, the fist tree planantion event in 2011.
Tree planantion was done near Kadugodi Bus stop. 16 plants were planted with varietes like Neem, Champaka, Takoma, Singapore cherry, Tabebuia, basavana pada and Honge. Local residents were involved and Whitefield traffic Inspector Mr Nagesh ingurated the event.
Participants and thanks to: Prasanna, Devidas pai, Aravind S and Harsha.
Tree planantion was done near Kadugodi Bus stop. 16 plants were planted with varietes like Neem, Champaka, Takoma, Singapore cherry, Tabebuia, basavana pada and Honge. Local residents were involved and Whitefield traffic Inspector Mr Nagesh ingurated the event.
Participants and thanks to: Prasanna, Devidas pai, Aravind S and Harsha.
Kaggaladu, 2011, Jan 26
On another round to building friendliness with Kaggaladu we were invited for Republic day celebration for the Kaggaladu Government School.
The kids are being the big link to create interest on birds, environment, retaining the atmosphere to arrive birds and provide safety atmosphere.
Well, attended the school cultural program and enjoyedthe famous Kaggaladu song. The programs went till noon. Met Village Panchayath and members to discussions on speeding up the compound construction around school. Near school vicinity three trees provides shelter for Painted storks.
At the same time various Government schemes were shared for the benefit of farmers and villagers.
Found various Painted storks, a quick bird count down made an estimation of 200 in numbers. Though the chicks were not yet hatched but soon will be.
No injured birds found.
Saw few Black ibis, the common green bee eater etc..,
Watch more pic at https://picasaweb.google.com/
Watch more pic at https://picasaweb.google.com/
Tree plantation at Ambadagatti
Shrishail, our volunteer at LIFE drove a tree plantation on the occasion of Independence day, Aug 15th, 2010 At Amabadagatti, Kittur, his home town.
Various trees were planted along the roadsides and fenced for protection.
Around 25 trees were planted.
Fun at an organic farm
We offered a unique opportunity for children through our various outdoor learning program.
Kids between 7th to 9th standard in Bangalore from SPS School were taken to a field trip to an organic farm. One full day of learning was fun started with farm’s self sufficient on energy system as much as possible.
Organic farming techniques to maintain a healthy, diverse environment for our farm ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Firstly the gobar gas plant and its function was given with hands on experience. The cow dung of cattle’s (around 6) were used for production.
Next we visited cattle farm and chicken farm.
The farm is around 2400ft from Sea level, which is slightly lower than Bangalore city. Hence you can feel a little hotter in area. Most of the area is covered with drip irrigation. And farm has 140+ species various plants and trees, and is one the best place to find some of the rarest trees. Trees value, features of tree and mythological facts were wrapped open for learning.
Banana plantation is grown for commercial purpose other wise the farm occupies most of the various trees and plants.
Other interesting activity was to find various species of birds. So a nice treat for bird watches, as we arrived at 10AM in the morning we could not spot many birds, but few. It was first experience for children with listening to the bird’s noise and identifying the location.
Like in typical organic farming, the weeds are not uprooted completely but trimmed and the dried plant plants will decompose and converted as fertilizers. Wormi-composting is not done anymore as the soil is sufficiently fertilized.
Rain water harvesting is being done with two artificially water collecting ponds.
Enjoyed few fruits to eat plucked form the plant. It was lunch time and discussed various perspective from children on farming, farming, importance of trees, their experience at their farm etc.
Lastly another end of the farm were visited and concluding by bee farming information and importance of bees, recent declination of bees were discussed.
Children played cricket for a while and called the day end.
Thanks to Srikanth for guiding us all the way.
Visit his farm information at http://www.vanashree.in/
Event coverage at SPS website:
http://spsbangalore.com/Events.htm
Find more pictures at https://picasaweb.google.com/
Eco art:-Fusion of art and education
Eco-art is art that helps improve our relationship with the natural world.
---Greenmuseum's website
It is high time environment, ecology, and recycling to be taken heavy on our minds. Our lifestyle has brought changes to the environment. Through eco art we help to educate kids about our world, the environment and the ecology that surrounds it.
Our futures lie with the children. Our education system is bent on stealing the creativity from our children. Art and nature have always been the closest of companions. Since the earliest cave paintings, artists have looked to the world around them for inspiration,.
Today’s eco-artists go beyond taking inspiration from their surroundings; they give back to nature that helps it thrive.
LIFE and colour hands is offering In house Eco-Art workshop to schoolchildren between 6th to 10th standard. LIFE Eco art revolves around stories drawn from both art and science, that re-envisions our relationship with nature. Eco art is an attempt to educate our children about environmental problems.
Venue:-Your school or apartment.
Duration:-4 days starting every Saturday.
Cost:- 700Rs
Note:-Cost includes material cost only.
Lunch is not provided by us.
No of days can be reduced or increased according to the school requirement.
Theme:-
1)Earth celebrations-Eco art focousing on festivals.
2)Remake it smart-Eco art focousing on making craft while reusing junk.
3)Tribal art:-Eco art focousing on Warli painting
Contact person:-
Madhu Arya or sapna at ecoart.life@gmail.com.
9449390819 or 9008416085
---Greenmuseum's website
It is high time environment, ecology, and recycling to be taken heavy on our minds. Our lifestyle has brought changes to the environment. Through eco art we help to educate kids about our world, the environment and the ecology that surrounds it.
Our futures lie with the children. Our education system is bent on stealing the creativity from our children. Art and nature have always been the closest of companions. Since the earliest cave paintings, artists have looked to the world around them for inspiration,.
Today’s eco-artists go beyond taking inspiration from their surroundings; they give back to nature that helps it thrive.
LIFE and colour hands is offering In house Eco-Art workshop to schoolchildren between 6th to 10th standard. LIFE Eco art revolves around stories drawn from both art and science, that re-envisions our relationship with nature. Eco art is an attempt to educate our children about environmental problems.
Venue:-Your school or apartment.
Duration:-4 days starting every Saturday.
Cost:- 700Rs
Note:-Cost includes material cost only.
Lunch is not provided by us.
No of days can be reduced or increased according to the school requirement.
Theme:-
1)Earth celebrations-Eco art focousing on festivals.
2)Remake it smart-Eco art focousing on making craft while reusing junk.
3)Tribal art:-Eco art focousing on Warli painting
Contact person:-
Madhu Arya or sapna at ecoart.life@gmail.com.
9449390819 or 9008416085
All about planting trees
WHEN TO PLANT TREES
Time for planting trees depends on the region, availability of irrigation facility, rainfall.We recommend rainy season as the best time for planting.Young saplings will have sufficient time to root and acclimatization before the onset of intense heat and dryness of summer or freezing temperature of winter.
Newly planted trees do best when exposed to moderate temperature and rainfall.
MATCHING TREE TO THE SITE
1)WHEN PLANTING NEAR HOUSE:-
If you need a tree as a windbreak, plant evergreen trees on the west or north side of the house, approximately 50 feet or more from the house.
If you want a tree to enhance optimal temperatures, plant deciduous (autumn leaf-dropping) trees on the south and/or west side of the house. These tree positions tend to cool in the summer and allow sun to enter the house in the winter.
2)WHEN PLANTING IN CITIES
Consider TREES proximity to buildings, sidewalks, driveways, streets,overhead and buried utility lines.Tall trees should not be planted below high tension wires.
SPACING BETWEEN TREES
Small trees should be planted at a distance of 5 metres from each other and big trees at a distance of 10 metres from each other.
Trees should be atleast 5 metres away from the nearest building.
AFTERCARE
Trees need to be taken care till they reach certain age and height is essential. Though lakhs of saplings are planted by our government each year, a lucky few blossom as big trees. Once the rains cease, the saplings need to be watered regularly, protected from cattle and pests and insects, given manure.
A little help from you in watering the nearby trees will definitely help.
HOW TO PLANT TREES
1)DIG THE PIT
Trees should be transplanted in pits no deeper than the depth of the root or the container in which they were originally grown. The width of the pit should be at least 3 times the diameter of the root ball This will provide the tree with enough soil for its root structure to establish itself.Too deep and the roots don’t have access to sufficient oxygen to ensure proper growth. Too narrow and the root structure can’t expand sufficiently.
2)FROM CONTAINER TO THE PIT-
Remove the sapling from the container, slightly loosen the roots as they are tightly compressed in the container.
3)FERTILISE THE SAPLINGS
Add organic fertiliser around the soil.
4)WATER THE PLANT
Tree sapling should be watered regularly during the dry season.
Do a survival check:-
How we plant trees:-
1)we buy saplings.
2)We buy the fense.
3)we will survey the area for under ground cables and over head cables.
4)We plant native trees.
5)We look after the trees for 3 summers.
A wicked man once unintentionally watered a sapling while washing his hands.On account of this he was rewarded with one day stay in heaven.
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