CFF - Urban Forestry, Water Conservation Methods of The New Green Movement - Rare Palm Trees & Rain Forest Tropical Plants, Seedlings & Giant Elephant Ears, Aroids

Urban Forestry

Well, (no pun intended) this is a topic I never thought I'd write about. I am not sure if I fully believe this or not, but have attended three classes and read some other official information as it came down the pike that made me want to think about it. Experts say that our aquifers will be dried up by 2010-2011. This is a bold statement considering the fact that this is less than 2-3 years away. I'm sure that your city has already cut back on its water pressure and maybe even restricted water usage to extremely low amounts? If not, be thankful that you are so blessed. If so, what can we do about it? Use less water is what they say. Even if we do, it seems that we will still be out of water a few months after the date they feel we will be out... if the experts are right. The funny part is that they must bleed the lines at certain hydrants periodically, expelling thousands of gallons of water out of water main fire hydrants so it doesn't pollute the drinking system. Now I'm wondering, how does this make sense to the home owner, business owner or renter who has their water pressure lowered (for showers even) and restrictions placed on keeping their lawn maintenance care to a minimum? Apparently, I must do more research.

Certainly they would not be doing this for no reason? One of their plans is to go to the de-salinifier systems. That is, take water from our oceans or brackish waters and remove the salt and other pollutants to make drinkable. This kinda scares me. I know it can be done, seemingly a lot easier than a de-salinifier plant as they have built in the past. Recent history has revealed that at least one de-saline project mentioned by Dr. Pierce Jones of university of Florida went bankrupt a few years ago trying to do the very thing they are suggesting again as the main way to obtain useable water. Again, how does this make any sense? It is NOT cost effective. So, you might think your water bill is high now? It might be quadruple what it is in only 2-5 years for various other reasons. On a brighter note, I believe our government is giving out special vouchers or discounts for 'green' friendly home improvements. These might be a very good thing to look into for everyone. Personally, I don't buy into all this green global warming garbage as the scientific community has not proven it (to this date) to be valid.

There are ways to save on your water bill though. Learn how to effectively manage watering your lawn and landscape shrubbery, if your home is not new there are government incentives to purchase and practice lower water using toilets and cut off valves. Pretty much anything that uses water can be regulated. I have researched periodically and still have not found any place revealing the actual facts behind this no water theory. I know the Bible says that in the last days that all the natural water supply and oceans will be contaminated to where it is a deadly, undrinkable poison, but does not mention that there will be no water. At least that I've ever read. The bible even states that the Euphrates and Tigris rivers will prelude the final battle of Armageddon in Rev.16:15-16. If this is the case then there must be water in them for them to be considered rivers, I would think anyway. This is opposition to the same experts who say that the Tigris and Euphrates are drying up.

I also consider the fact that the earth is mostly water and it doesn't escape our atmosphere. So it must be somewhere, right? I am not professing to be only stubborn on this issue and don't want to sound daft or close-minded about it. I am just wondering out loud is all and would like some type of evidence for this thought of having no water in our aquifers in less than 4 years from 2007. If they gave some sort of hard evidence to support what they say, rather than just stating it repeatedly, I would be more inclined to believe this idea. I am not saying it isn't possible, ANYTHING is possible and the world does use a LOT of water. I just want proof is all. I hope I haven't made too many people angry. It is just my opinion and a need for evidence. Maybe they mean that there wont be any drinkable water? I will however support some of the ideas that are coming from this concern and try to be helpful in the quest to conserve water. It certainly cannot hurt the environment to save water and not use it unwisely. I know that there would not be millions of dollars in research and as much in private grants given and used for a mere theory, would there?

What I've learned recently is actually fun whether it is or is not needed. A new plan for construction companies to implement in their submitted plans is water conservation plan called, "Green Landscaping" (environmentally friendly green roofs and other erosion control methods) where they use the native and natural vegetation around the building sites and fill fewer areas up with grass. Grass as everyone knows uses more water than just about thing else in the landscape. So by not having it, it leaves more moisture for the rest of the trees and plants to retain. On the Other hand, grass can help retain the moisture levels under the soil, but it still is not a bad idea in the least. As a matter of fact, it saves the building companies a few thousand dollars in the long run which SHOULD trickle down to save the homeowner a few dollars as well. It also creates an environment that is extremely easy to manage and care for needing very little attention by the home owner and that could even save some money in a long term maintenance budget. an also allow time to other things to do around the yard.

Another positive point that would arise out of this new construction method is that the topsoil layers on these new home sites are supposed to be left intact and not tilled under. Normally when they build, they clear a lot, till the top soil layer under about 4-5 feet, or cover it up with layers of fill dirt from below. Or they bring in added fill to raise ground levels above the water table to reduce the risks of future flooding. This is a good idea of course for the home, but it ruins and wastes all those years of organic matter that was once there. What's left for any new vegetation is lifeless soil, usually too compacted to really grow anything without the aid of more soil amending and care prior to planting trees or landscape plants. One way to know if your soil is too compacted is to dig a hole 2 feet deep and fill it with water. If the water drains slower than an inch per hour, then it is either a high water table or simply not suited for most plants and a plan to loosen to soil is needed. I will go into that on another page as time permits. - Soils -

To date there are only a handful of builders committed to these plans. I can see a rise in this as word of mouth gets around about the cost effective practice of green building and landscaping.

One presentation that I attended in early 2008 was funded by the University of Florida and teaching was Dr. Pierce Jones, he really opened my eyes to a few new practices being implemented all over the world. A genuine man and a pleasure to meet too. One idea is called 'green roofs'. When I saw the photo of some buildings in New York, I was amazed! Hundreds of grass covered roofs. I like the idea and If I HAD to live in a city (I really hope I never do), then I would want a green roof too! These were covered in grass, (albeit grass does use lots of water) which after the water that isn't used by the grass is run off, it went into holding areas below. This is a good idea for re-claimed water and should help save in this mad race to conserve water.

Besides the aesthetics, another benefit of green roofs is providing areas to cool to the heat index of a concrete jungle. This positively lowers electric costs for residents. Trees do the same if they are allowed to grow and produce adequate shade. The green roofs aid in water conservation by keeping moisture in the area thus making an area more humid. Also aids in containing water to specific areas, so any contaminated run off from rain does not go back into the natural water resources. So, yes, I am all for them 100%.

Another thing that is catching on in most cities and even some rural areas is the idea of rain barrels. That is, catching the rain that falls and using it around a homestead for watering shrubbery or what ever and where ever else non drinking water can be used. Similar to the same idea as re-claimed water, but much cleaner and safer for your home's environment. Rain contains heavy amounts of nitrogen, so it benefits the landscape in nutrition while you keep the use of the well water lower than you normally would. This also saves a little on the electric bill. My dad has been doing this since I can remember, but never had an elaborate set up. He used old wine barrels cut in half to contain the water. He also places in mosquito fish to keep any of those from breeding. Then he scoops out the water with containers to water the bushes, plants and trees. The plants love the soft water and extra nitrogen. If the rain barrels are many, much water is kept from overwhelming storm water drainage systems and the rain water is not wasted.

A basic set up would be to utilize your rain gutters or where the rain falls from the house in a concentrated area to flow and be contained into barrels for long term storage. Recently, it is easy to find barrels specially made for rain catching that match your home and or do not violate a city's color code ordinances. Also makes it much easier a task for the average home owner to create the set up. The barrels should be set up close to your home on a stable surface area such as an inconspicuous concrete slab. There should be multiple barrels if you live in heavy rain fall areas connected together with sturdy PVC pipes that allow for the overflow from one barrel to the next. The lids should be screw on or snap on lids for easy access to the contents. Many barrels are not sold with this feature, but as they become more popular will probably be made in that manner. The hole for the PVC pipe should be about 1/4" larger in diameter than the pipe. This way you can use a simple rubber grommet that will fit snug with the connection to keep a proper seal. The bottom of each barrel should have a release valve to use with gravity to fill up your watering containers without having to open the lids to the barrels. If you wanted to really create a elaborate system, have extra lids for the dry season and hook up an air valve where you can add a small amount of pressure for easier flow for watering your landscape. I haven't seen these introduced yet. Seems easy enough.

The lid openings should have some type of filter like a cheesecloth to allow for good water intake flow, but keep out larger parts like leaves, asphalt shingle pieces and other debris. It should also have a metal or plastic grate of 0.5 x 0.5 inches to keep anything from placing holes in the cheesecloth or what ever material you use.

Using dark barrels will keep out algae blooms and provide cleaner water. You should also keep in mind the factor of winter before creating your rain barrel set up. If you get heavy freezes, then it will swell the containers if they are not heated by your home. Thankfully, we don't have to worry about that just an occasional shorter freeze that may create about an inch at the surface and is usually melted by that night or shortly after that cold spell. They don't take up very much space and becomes an excellent project and useful added system to your home.

Why even bother with a rain barrel? Catching the rain in larger populated areas before it reaches the ground reduces the amount of run off that erodes and eventually carries pollutants to storm water drainage systems that eventually make their way into our rivers and drinking water. They are environmentally useful, reduces stress on the aquifer and water table and can add to your homes decor while providing the home owner with a never ending supply of usable water for your organic garden.

Where can you get one? We have them available here or you can find a place somewhere on line. Since they are a new concept in water conservation, I don't know who carries them locally. No one around this area carries them pre-made as far as I know. They are not difficult to build and can save you money by buying kits from your hardware store. This can also give the retired person a home project and have another reason to enjoy the out doors.

To make your own you will need to find barrels that are food grade quality, the correct color to match your home or paint them (or have them professionally painted) so they are not so obtuse to the eyes. If you have a code enforcement in your city, chances are you would benefit by having them painted the correct color before they notice. They should be 50 gallons or larger and should be UV resistant to prevent algae blooms and further contamination of the water. You will need a drill or hole saw, a drill bit made to cut a clean hole would be best.

Other parts you'll need: ¾” female pipe to 1” PVC spigot, ¾” male hose bib, 1” Uniseal, ¾” PVC pipe, an over flow, Spa flex hose (or your choice), a spigot and the seals for that to place near the bottom of the tanks for manual drainage.

This is a topic that came out of the blue and wasn't even popular until recently. Now there isn't a television channel or many websites that are not promoting this idea as a real fact. Al Gore somehow won a Nobel Prize for his book and received this much acclaimed notoriety? This immediately took away any credibility from the Nobel Prize system (at least for me) due to the fact that science disproves global warming 100%. As a matter of fact, science now supports the idea that the earth is going through a cool down period that could last from 12-23 years as of 2008. I can remember when I was in high school that we were taught we're slowly moving towards an ice age. I don't know why they would make claims that are this huge when they do not have any facts to support them. So, don't be fooled or worried about any Global Warming rants from anyone except the majority of the scientific community. There have also been some outrageous claims that polar bears are becoming endangered and there is a world wide decreasing amount of bird populations as a whole. I am not sure where the ideas of polar bears and birds are on the decline since again, the scientific and animal science communities show evidence that both polar bears and many bird species are on the rise. So what is this news about then?

Why the need to place any of this out there? Have you noticed any new taxes on the rise? Maybe taxes that are associated with carbon emissions and funding for Global Warming fighting? Better tell someone to close the book on that one. In 2008, the State of Oregon is planning to stop bon fires on beaches (??). Not because of the threat of wild fires, but for the reason that the wood being burned is helping aid the disastrous global warming emissions? Ok then. I say again, we need to tell someone to stop all this nonsense and start drilling for Oil where it is known to be on our own soil, for our own soil. This last statement is my opinion and thought of course. Maybe I am just waiting for someone to come up with a valid reason for the rise of inflation, gas prices that have gone through the roof in the last 2 years. This seems senseless and certainly not needed and I think very avoidable. Maybe there isn't any new oil being produced in the earth, BUT I believe we have been supplied to have enough to last a very, very long time. Longer than they are telling us. at least a few friends that know about oil tell me that back in the 80's we had enough in Texas alone to supply the worlds market for centuries. Someone is not being honest and its costing us our income and savings accounts.

I feel the biggest crisis America (and other countries) faces today financially is our own private federal reserve system. This is the global draining of our bank accounts. That would make us feel warm maybe? We know from high school that in the early 1800's Andrew Jackson ended the Central Bank in America, paid off our national debt in full and sparked the largest American explosion of financial prosperity and growth in our history until 1913 when America somehow went backwards and re-instated the private central bank known in this present day as the Federal Reserve System. This thing needs to be destroyed once again before we all lose our homes. Sign here please.

sBelow are a few Musa Banana Plants & Other Tropical Plants we usually Have Available

Rare Stone Gate Palm (Trachycarpus princeps)

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