On the Ranch

I know it’s hard to believe that February is just a few days away, but Friday is February 1st and also National “Go Red” Day For Women. Go Red is a national movement by the American Heart Association to raise awareness about the number 1 killer of women - Heart Disease. So get out your red on Friday and support a great cause! Visit goredforwomen.org for more information.

Not only is “Go Red” Day on February 1st, but all of February is dedicated to heart health as well. Heart Month just so happens to coincide with that holiday of the heart that we all “heart” so much…Valentines Day! So do something for yourself and the one you love by learning how to be more heart healthy. Kiley Ranch will be holding a “Love Your Heart” day on February 23rd from 10:00 to 2:00. Festivities will include a United Blood Services Blood Drive as well as experts on such areas as fitness, nutrition, and health. Please check back for more information and be sure to mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!

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What is biodiversity?

Biological diversity, or “biodiversity,” refers to the variety of all life on earth, and the complex relationships among living things, and between living things and their environment. Biodiversity includes genetic variety, species diversity, and variability in communities, ecosystems and landscapes.

Earth is home to an estimated 10 to 20 million species, only a fraction of which are known and scientifically classified. The interdependence among organisms and their environments creates and sustains the conditions needed for survival by all living creatures.

Conservative figures forecast a loss of at least one percent of existing species per decade, which means we’re losing at least two species per hour. That means 50 percent of all mammals and birds will be extinct within the next century. Biologists believe the loss of these resources threaten the functioning of natural systems and the overall well - being of human society.

Why is biodiversity important?

Ecological Values: All living creatures are supported by the interactions among organisms and ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity makes ecosystems less stable, more vulnerable to extreme events, and weakens its natural cycles.

Economic Values: A biologically diverse natural environment provides humans with the necessities of life and forms the basis for the economy. Everything we buy and sell originates from the natural world.

Cultural Values: Most people feel connected to nature, often for reasons that can be hard to explain. Some feel a strong spiritual bond that may be rooted in our common biological ancestry. Others are inspired by its beauty. Human cultures around the world profoundly reflect our visceral attachment to the natural world. Thes cultural diversity is inextricably linked to Earth’s biodiversity.

Threats to Biodiversity
Population Growth
Pollution
Over-exploitation
Climate Change
Habitat Loss
Invasive Species

This blog entry was primarily based on information from the David Suzuki Foundation website.

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Believe it or not it is already January 7th, 2008! The New Year is well underway and here at Kiley Ranch we intend to make it a memorable one. That means more opportunities for you to get out in your own communtiy and enjoy all that it has to offer. For instance, we are working on bringing a weekly farmers’ market to Kiley Ranch, as well as several exciting monthly events. Be sure to stop by the welcome center  and check back here often to see what’s coming up. We welcome any suggestions you may have as well!

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Happy New Year!

Here’s to Green Resolutions in 2008.

I’ve been pretty good about living a low impact life, from growing up in a house where the heat was not to be turned above 56 degrees in the winter (in Michigan!), to living in the heart of San Francisco (Nob Hill) where my weekly grocery shopping consisted of walking down to the farmers market, to now pledging my commitment to helping to develop Northern Nevada’s first truly sustainable master planned community. I’ve come a long way from just rinsing and reusing zip-loc bags like my grandmother taught me, but the world is just more complicated than it used to be. It’s times like this where I like to sit still for a moment and remember this ‘green’ thing is so important to all of us. It’s really about moderation.Here they are (in no particular order):

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