Community planting for Watershed Protection

Greetings Bona Fide friends and supporters,

This week's update features Bona Fide's leadership role and collaboration with the water committee of our local community, Balgue.

Project Bona Fide has been working with and alongside our local water committee concerning the reforestation of one of our important micro watersheds around our community.

In collaboration with community members including committee chairman, Luis Damian BF planted over 100 native fruit, nut, and hardwood trees (grown in our nursery) to provide erosion control, shade, wildlife forage, and protection for the vital spring 50 yards below that provides water for over 1500 community members. We did this in accordance with Nicaragua law, the environmental ministry, MARENA allows for plantings to protect watersheds for 50 yards in all directions from the source.

The trees were also fenced with chicken wire in order to protect them from roaming domestic grazing animals. The trees will be cared for in the dry season by BF and its volunteers.

Thanks to all especially BF volunteers and the Balgue water committee for their efforts.

Best to all,

Chris Shanks
Co-director Project Bona Fide

Healing Hands, Travel, RAIN!!!!!

Greetings Project Bona Fide friends and supporters,

I would like to almost entirely devote this week's entry to four exceptional women.

Our BF friends and neighbors, Dee and Kim

Our friends from town, Lydia and Sineada

It all started like this: Kim and Dee were housesitting for our dear Neighbors, Ben and Sarah Slow whilst they were welcoming their newborn daughter into this world. Dee and Kim were caring for the home and sharing animal care duties and other chores with Lydia and Sineada who work at Ben and Sarah's farm. All 4 women became close. Both Kim and Dee are certified and trained massage therapists. They wanted to leave something lasting and generative to the community they grew to love. Massage is what they chose to give. Over more than a month in many long and grueling sessions they taught traditional Indian Head Massage to Lydia and Sineada and worked with them to ground the program in the Community Center in town, structuring the econimic system to benefit the masseuse, the Center, and to support the ongoing work of the masseuses and their needs for materials. WELL DONE!!!

In other news:

RAIN RAIN RAIN. Por fin (finally) our rain dancing has paid off with more than a week of consistent moisture our last year's plantings are being finished and our annual crops are being well refreshed.

I am ON THE ROAD traveling in the mid-west of the US of A visiting agro-foretry sites, farmers, and friends, out to learn and absorb. Many thanks to all who have provided a place to stay, a cold beer, a good bit of conversation, speaking engagements or otherwise.

Pictures to come after the trip.

Best to all and thanks for your support,

Chris Shanks