Victorious’ Post

On the eve of Earth Day, it is important to remember the early advocates of environmental stewardship. Most of us who grew up in central California are familiar with Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. These three national parks, located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, are world-famous for their natural beauty and unsurpassed vistas. People from all over the world trek thousands of miles to see the awe-inspiring beauty in our backyard. But what some people forget is that we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for the existence of these parks to a Scottish-born naturalist who immigrated to America and became the foremost advocate for the preservation of the natural beauty of the United States.   John Muir was born on this date, April 21, 1838, in Dunbar, Scotland.  Raised in a devoutly religious family, Muir was a bit of a rebel, and retreated to enclaves of the natural world in Scotland to escape the formality and rigidity of the church. Muir’s family emigrated from Scotland in 1849, and settled in Wisconsin, where Muir began his life in America. He eventually migrated to the West Coast and became enamored with the natural beauty of the west. He wrote essays and articles about the importance of preserving the unparalleled beauty of Yosemite, and the power of his written words helped sway the U.S. Congress to set aside land for the future enjoyment of all Americans.    I love today’s quote from John Muir. I have tried to adopt this perspective for my own life. This quote speaks of empowerment, of the importance of attitude and perspective in realizing happiness and fulfillment.      #bornonthisday #bornonthisdate #johnmuir #yosemite #environmentalstewardship #naturalworld #science #attitude #perspective  

15 new Aboriginal rangers are joining the National Parks team in South Australia in an initiative to increase First Nations management in caring for Country. From the Limestone Coast to Kangaroo Island, these rangers will blend ancient wisdom with modern conservation techniques. This program is already making waves, with 64% of SA's parks now under co-management with First Nations groups. Learn more 👉🏾 https://bit.ly/40mXV5A

Preserving the past while building the future 🏛️ At B2PM, our heritage and conservation expertise ensures project success by addressing essential requirements from day one. We safeguard our clients and preserve history every step of the way. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3MyKgBF

Montana, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is experiencing a wave of positive changes that reflect the resilience and spirit of its communities. From innovative economic initiatives and environmental conservation efforts to vibrant cultural activities and educational advancements, the Treasure State is showcasing its commitment to progress and well-being. This article highlights some of the uplifting developments happening across Montana, illustrating how local efforts are making a significant impact on residents’ lives. https://lnkd.in/egaDwZ7c

In a new letter published in Science magazine, Hussam Hussein and I argue for heritage conservation efforts in Petra to better incorporate local Bedouin communities into decision making over these sites and value their cultural heritage and environmental knowledge. Bedouin communities continue to be displaced and dispossessed from heritage sites in Jordan, often without adequate compensation or acknowledgement of how their livelihoods are impacted. https://lnkd.in/eC4XDJ3r

The Blackfeet Nation is breathing new life into an ancient tradition through The Shield Keepers, an Indigenous Guardian Program. As they work towards a future where buffalo roam freely across borders, these guardians are reviving the cultural heartbeat of their people. "The buffalo were near extinction, just like the Blackfeet were," says Darrell Hall, one of the Shield Keepers. "We always include the iinii [buffalo] in our prayers—that they come back like we did." The Blackfoot Confederacy is at the forefront of ecological and cultural restoration, integrating the buffalo—a keystone species—back into their ancestral lands. These efforts restore a landscape and a way of life deeply intertwined. With innovative funding models like carbon credits and strategic land acquisitions, the Blackfeet are setting a new standard for environmental and cultural resurgence. The Shield Keepers blend traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices, ensuring a sustainable future for the buffalo and their community. Read the full story of the Blackfeet Nation's remarkable work in a new article by The Narhwal: https://lnkd.in/ggiDGjEe -- The fieldwork for this story was supported by a grant from Y2Y. As per The Narwhal’s editorial independence policy, no foundation or outside organization has editorial input into stories.

Another important article from The Narwhal, and valuable investment from Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) Conservation Initiative #GenerationRestoration needs voices like those of the #BlackfeetNation to be raised up, bringing both ancient wisdom and traditional knowledge, alongside contemporary innovations to revive iconic #buffalo that become the driving force for restoring the #prairie #grassland #ecosystems, and equally energising the cultural resurgence that all indigenous groups across the region are striving for UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Conservationists are looking more and more to Indigenous People to learn how to protect nature. Because what Indigenous People are doing works. Nature is considered sacred and is treated with love, respect and reciprocity. If you are an environmental scientist or Conservationist please read Braiding Sweetgrass, a delectable array of stories into the way humanity perceives and interacts with the earth and her generous species. I learnt so much from this book. I give it 4 Endangered Riverine Rabbits (my star system for reviewing nature books).🐇🐇🐇🐇

Cheers to 20 years! 🎉 NFWF and Walmart this week announced the 20th year of funding through the Acres for America program, one of the most effective public-private partnerships in the history of U.S. land conservation efforts. To date, the Acres for America program has helped to conserve more than 2 million acres across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and D.C. Check out some of the vital work we’re undertaking together to protect and conserve landscapes across the country.

Openlands is honored to receive a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program in partnership with NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration! These funds will support the development of the African American Heritage Water Trail curriculum, highlighting the cultural and ecological history of our waterways. This initiative is part of over $1 million in grants awarded to protect, restore, and enhance Illinois' Lake Michigan shoreline while fostering community engagement and inclusivity. Read more: https://ow.ly/90nR50UmLj6