Our October 6 workshop with Henk Mooiweer was so intense, Beth says she almost forgot to take photographs. Edward O. Wilson kicked it off with a call to make this one of the world’s top research centers. Our workshop included more than 50 scientists, financial specialists and interested partners. And over two meetings, we’ve explored novel ways to develop a research center that can truly meet the needs of science and conservation in the next century.
The second workshop included a smaller group of some 20 people, but was just as intense, and featured Kier Klepzig, director of the Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway, one of the South’s premier research centers focused on the study of longleaf pine ecosystems. Kier emphasized the importance of having a first class campus to attract researchers and participants.
One of those helping us lead the charge forward in these meetings is Steve Apfelbaum with Applied Ecological Services . Bill and Steve’s lives and activities have intertwined in surprising ways since they were on the campus of Warren Wilson College together (we won’t say how many decades ago). Steve suggested bringing in Henk Mooiweer to handle the workshops, yet another piece of good advice from Steve. You can read about Henk’s work at www.innovenate.com.
All one can do after something that intense is to go wade in the river – which Steve, Beth and Bill did after the first meeting. Above you can see them exploring a river scour ecosystem, braving the ford with the northern water snakes that seem to revel in the chilly waters. Above them is that curious nameless oak that dominates Paint Rock, and has scientists across the country scratching their heads.