Another striking observation of the week was how connected many of the problems were. While talking about the condition of Lake Champlain we were compelled to tie in agricultural and urban/suburban influences on the watershed. When discussing affordable housing and energy issues, environmental quality issues figured significantly. On agricultural day, we were able to observe how the geological and glacial histories impact generation of pasture and farmland of unusual quality. Words like sustainability, community, stewardship, responsibility, activism, and participation are inseparable from one another much as the local ecosystems interpenetrate one another. These concepts are all needed to create high quality of life. Just as these words work best when used in conjunction, our communities are strongest when all the different dynamic systems work together to create an integral watershed.
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