The Poor Prole’s Almanac

We're joined by Tim Clemens at Ironwood Foraging to discuss fitness, health, and the left's relationship with sports. What does fitness really mean, how do we engage with fitness when so many of us have complicated relationships with food and sports? Tim founded Ironwood Foraging in 2017 to offer hands-on plant and mushroom foraging workshops. He is the past president of the Minnesota Mycological Society, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and a certified wild mushroom expert. Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology/Archaeology from the University of Minnesota and a certificate in Environmental Education from Cornell University. You can also find Tim on Instagram @mnforager.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/    

In this episode, we're joined by Lake of The Revolutionary's Garden podcast to talk farming, climate change, and commune living. Lake discusses the challenges and process of building a commune space, finding ways to create a healthy, sustainable community while operating under laws designed for businesses and nuclear families, and, of course, deciding who does the dishes. We swap stories about podcasting and our goals with our projects, and much much more.   Check out the Revolutionary's Garden's website below and find their show wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.therevgarden.com/   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

Join us as we journey through the profound intersection of history and ecology with the insightful Zach Elfers, whose passion for native plants and permaculture has reshaped his path into sustainable agriculture. Zach shares tales of his fascination with spring ephemerals and edible plants, leading to the rediscovery of century-old trees at the John Hershey Orchard. These living relics of the past, untouched by urban sprawl, hold lessons in resilience and wisdom that continue to inform modern agricultural practices. We unravel the underappreciated history of tree crops in North America, spotlighting visionary figures like J. Russell Smith and John Hershey. Zach's journey through native ecosystems on his own eight-acre plot demonstrates a commitment to ecological restoration and human subsistence gardening. His work with the Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative seeks to breathe new life into these ancient agricultural traditions, blending the old with the new to foster sustainable and thriving ecosystems. As we imagine the future, the potential of tree crops to transform our understanding of sustainability becomes clear. We explore the role of cooperatives in creating viable economies centered around nut trees and the innovative uses for byproducts like press cakes. Through stories of historical and international cooperative models, we reflect on the rich legacy of communal resource management and indigenous horticultural practices. Together, we envision a world where the lessons of the past guide us toward sustainable land stewardship and a harmonious relationship with our environment. Check out Zach's work with the Keystone Tree Crop Cooperative: https://keystonetreecrops.com/ Find Zach on Instagram at: @susqu_woodlum To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, ad-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Key Words: History, Ecology, Zach Elfers, Native Plants, Permaculture, Sustainable Agriculture, Spring Ephemerals, Edible Plants, John Hershey Orchard, Urban Sprawl, Resilience, Wisdom, Agricultural Practices, Tree Crops, North America, J. Russell Smith, Nut Trees, Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative, Sustainable Markets, Press Cake, Cottage Industries, Maple Syrup, 3D Printing, Diversification, Scalability, Homesteading, Nut Depot, France, Italy, Indigenous Practices, Land Ownership, Stewardship, Land Trusts, Agroecology Easements, Non-Timber Forest Products, Cultural Shifts, Private Property, Native Horticultural Practices, Landscapes, Inherited, Future Generations

In this episode, we're joined by Matt from Symbiop to discuss what it looks like to develop cooperatives in the landscaping world. How do we showcase alternatives to the norm that draw folks in, and how can we also leverage that ownership to center native plants in our landscaping design choices?   SymbiOp started off as a one-person landscaping business, operated by one of their co-founders, Nutmeg. On Oct 1st, 2021, they opened an ecological garden shop, using their plant expertise to make ecological gardening even more accessible to the greater community. Find them in Portland if you're in town, or otherwise check out their work on social media or at their website: www.symbiop.com   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

Join us in this engaging episode as we explore the fascinating world of flexible learning and sustainable agriculture with our special guest, Eliza Greenman. Known for her innovative research on tree crops and climate change, Eliza shares her inspiring journey from working with apples and pigs to her current focus on persimmons and oaks. Her dedication to discovering new possibilities in agriculture challenges conventional approaches and offers hope for adapting our diets to future climate changes. Eliza's work with the Savannah Institute and her blog, Eliza Apples, showcase her commitment to exploring the past to build a sustainable future. Listen in as we trace Eliza's childhood passion for pigs and how it intersected with her professional pursuits in sustainable orchard management. Her travels to Central Asia and experiences in food forestry reveal the integration of animal management in fruit forests, sparking innovative ideas about using pigs for sustainable orchard care. We also discuss the potential of persimmons, particularly the Northern and Southern varieties, as a resilient fruit that could play a crucial role in adapting to climate change. The conversation highlights ongoing research efforts, including a persimmon breeding project, to unlock the genetic diversity and future potential of this underappreciated fruit. Finally, explore the captivating world of acorns and their untapped potential as a food source. Eliza and I discuss traditional and innovative methods to process acorns, such as fermentation, which could make them more appealing for human consumption. The episode also touches on the importance of understanding native crop genetics and the historical selection by indigenous peoples, which influenced the distribution of persimmons across North America. As we look to the future, we consider the potential of silvopasture systems and nuts like hickories to diversify agriculture and provide sustainable alternatives to monocrop systems. This episode is filled with insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and climate resilience. Check out Eliza's work at https://elizapples.com/ , @elizapples on Instagram, and her work with the Savanna Institute! To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Key words: Sustainable Agriculture, Tree Crops, Climate Resilience, Animal Management, Orchards, Genetic Diversity, Native Crops, Food Forestry, Ecosystem Management, Acorns, Persimmons, Oak Savannas, Genetic Preservation, Microlocations, Genetic Research, Indigenous Stewardship, Agroforestry, Monocrop Systems, Tannin Content, Fermentation Techniques, Personalized Learning

We're joined once again by Nate Kleinman of the Experimental Farm Network to talk about their work breeding potential food crops. We dive into crops lost to history, future ecologies, and what decentralized plant breeding looks like for community liberation in relation to community ecology.   The Experimental Farm Network (EFN) works to facilitate collaborative plant breeding and sustainable agriculture research in order to fight global climate change, preserve the natural environment, and ensure food security for humanity into the distant future. They believe participatory plant breeding on a massive scale can lead to breakthroughs to help us not only adapt to climate change, but one day actually stabilize the climate. Founded in 2013, EFN is composed of professional and amateur farmers, gardeners, plant breeders, and researchers. The network's main organizing tool — this open-source website — is free to use and open to all. Check out their work at https://www.experimentalfarmnetwork.org/ and on Instagram at @ExperimentalFarmNetwork.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

Can our suburban lawns become thriving ecosystems that support wildlife and biodiversity? This week, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Doug Tallamy, a renowned entomologist, ecologist, and conservationist, who shares his groundbreaking insights on the vital importance of native plants in our landscapes. Dr. Tallamy passionately argues against the notion that humanity is separate from nature, instead advocating for the integration of ecological principles into our everyday environments. We discuss the unsustainable nature of unchecked development and the crucial role biodiversity plays in maintaining the planet's life-support systems. Delving into the significant ecological contributions of oak trees, Dr. Tallamy reveals how these keystone species support a vast array of caterpillars and other wildlife. He explains how oaks excel in carbon sequestration and watershed management, making them indispensable to healthy ecosystems. However, their survival is threatened by over-harvesting and the suppression of natural fire cycles. We also tackle the misconceptions about non-native plants and their detrimental impact on local biodiversity, focusing on the ecological advantages of native plants like goldenrod. We wrap up by exploring the Homegrown National Park initiative, a grassroots movement aiming to reduce lawn areas and replace them with native plants to restore ecological functions. Dr. Tallamy highlights the importance of community involvement and policy engagement in promoting sustainable landscaping practices. This inspiring conversation offers practical ways for individuals to contribute to conservation efforts and underscores the collective impact we can achieve. Tune in to learn how you can be part of the solution and create a more sustainable, beautiful environment in your own backyard. Dr. Doug Tallamy is an American entomologist, ecologist and conservationist. He is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. He has written and co-authored several books, as well as many papers. Tallamy advocates for home gardens and landscaping that bridge the gaps between parks and preserves in providing habitat for native species You can check out Dr. Tallamy's work at: https://www.homegrownnationalpark.org/ https://www.udel.edu/canr/departments/entomology-and-wildlife-ecology/faculty-staff/doug-tallamy/   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/   Key words: Conservation, Sustainable Landscapes, Native Plants, Biodiversity, Ecological Principles, Keystone Species, Oaks, Caterpillars, Wildlife, Carbon Sequestration, Watershed Management, Invasive Species, Goldenrod, Homegrown National Park, Grassroots Movement, Community Engagement, Policy Engagement, Industrial Agriculture, Urban Development, Traditional Ecological Knowledge

In this episode we're joined by David Holmgren to discuss the past 50 years of permaculture and some of his thoughts on its evolution. We dive into some of the uncomfortable subjects of native habitat loss,  invasive species, land back, indigenous sovereignty, the PDC structure, permaculture at scale, among other things in what I hope will be an incredibly insightful conversation for listeners curious to dive into these subjects.   David Holmgren is an Australian environmental designer, ecological educator and writer. He is best known as one of the co-originators of the permaculture concept with Bill Mollison. He still actively manages Melliodora Farm, a 2.5 acre permaculture homestead, writes extensively, and offers training on his homestead. You can find his work here: https://holmgren.com.au/   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac  For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/  

The 2009–2011 Icelandic financial crisis protests, also referred to as the Kitchenware, Kitchen Implement or Pots and Pans Revolution, occurred in the wake of the Icelandic financial crisis. There had been regular and growing protests since October 2008 against the Icelandic government's handling of the financial crisis. The protests intensified on 20 January 2009 with thousands of people protesting at the parliament in Reykjavík. These were at the time the largest protests in Icelandic history.   Protesters were calling for the resignation of government officials and for new elections to be held. Unlike every other country during this global crisis, numerous officials and bank leaders were imprisoned and the government reclaimed ownership of many industries in response. How did this protest develop, and why was their protest so successful in comparison to other movements such as Occupy Wall Street? We chat about why average citizens got involved and lessons we can learn from this unique period in history.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com   Sources: Dixon, M. (2018). Economic crisis and mass protest: The pots and pans revolution in Iceland. Social Forces, 96(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soy029 Bibler, J. (2021). Iceland’s secret: The untold story of the world’s biggest con. Harriman House.

The 2009–2011 Icelandic financial crisis protests, also referred to as the Kitchenware, Kitchen Implement or Pots and Pans Revolution, occurred in the wake of the Icelandic financial crisis. There had been regular and growing protests since October 2008 against the Icelandic government's handling of the financial crisis. The protests intensified on 20 January 2009 with thousands of people protesting at the parliament in Reykjavík. These were at the time the largest protests in Icelandic history.   Protesters were calling for the resignation of government officials and for new elections to be held. Unlike every other country during this global crisis, numerous officials and bank leaders were imprisoned and the government reclaimed ownership of many industries in response. How did this protest develop, and why was their protest so successful in comparison to other movements such as Occupy Wall Street? We chat about why average citizens got involved and lessons we can learn from this unique period in history.   To support this podcast, join our patreon for early episode access at www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac For more information and updates, visit www.poorproles.com and subscribe to our e-mail list. For the supplemental reader that goes along with the podcast, visit: https://poorprolesalmanac.substack.com   Sources: Dixon, M. (2018). Economic crisis and mass protest: The pots and pans revolution in Iceland. Social Forces, 96(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soy029 Bibler, J. (2021). Iceland’s secret: The untold story of the world’s biggest con. Harriman House.