Conservation Collaboration with the VITAL GROUND FOUNDATION

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.”

-Gary Snyder, 21st c. American poet philosopher

Conservations and Art belong together. Since time immemorial, fine handcraft and art both have played central roles in creating meaning and direction in cultures around the world. One of the important issues of our time is conservation of wild and working landscapes- both provide us humans with the food, clean water, and clean air that we must have to live.

Wild and working landscapes are HOME, shelter and sustenance to our animal and plant companions on this earth.

This year, for my 2026 Vitality Calendar, I created woodcuts that highlight aspects of Vital Ground’s mission, all while speaking to the wild and wonderous animals and plants with whom we share this earth home. One family. One home.

vitality noun I. energy and strength II. capacity to live, grow and develop III. vigor, dynamism

Vital Ground’s mission is to protect and restore North America’s grizzly populations for future generations by conserving wildlife habitat and by supporting programs that reduce conflicts between bears and humans. To learn more about their good work in the world, go to www.vitalground.org.