connecting thru grasses IKG – week #2
Introduction:
As you work through our weekly prompts, feel free to plant some of your grass seed whenever you like. The seeds can be planted across the fall until first frost. If you aren’t able to plant your seeds this fall, save them until spring and plant them then. Once you’ve planted your seeds, make sure to map their coordinates on the google map documenting the project. Instructions as to how to use the map can be found on the signup page.
In Preparation:
Ideally: find a location(s) outdoors or near to an open window as you perform your prompts.
Before considering your prompts: find out what time the TERRA satellite will be overhead of your location:
1. First, check out the satellite timetable I’ve prepared below – it provides dates and times for when TERRA will pass overhead of Calgary. If you’d like more info on how this was generated, see our first email prompt.
2. While it isn’t critical that TERRA be overhead at precisely the time when you perform each prompt (though it is encouraged!), consider that satellites are often above you taking images of the earth below.
Here’s when TERRA will be overhead Calgary this week:
Prompt Two (week #2):
Prairie is one of the most endangered habitats in Canada. It is among the worlds most endangered ecosystems. More than 70 per cent of Canada’s prairie grasslands have been converted.
I wonder how our perspective might change if instead of recognizing the borders between provinces, we were bound by the shrinking grassland border.
Here’s roughly what the size of this region would look like if we accounted for that 70% loss:
That is, the bright area in the centre of the image represents 30% of the overall image.
1. Spend some time with the map above and consider what 70% loss looks like from the perspective of being on the ground.
2. When you’re next outside, spend time looking at the view in front of you.
3. Find one thing that fills your view and take note of how it feels to the touch.
4. Now, imagine if 70% of the view in front of you was missing. What does 70% loss look like?
Make a note of your thoughts as you imagine your grass growing in that location. If you’re ready to plant some of your seed, do so and add your thoughts to your location when you map it online. You can also wait to plant your seeds until after all 3 prompts are shared in coming weeks.