The Watershed: Ecological Linkages

Analogous to the Grand Staircase, the watershed illustrates ecological linkages. John Wesley Powell, the pre-eminent explorer and geologist in the early American West, defined a watershed as "that area of land, a bounded hydrologic system, within which all living things are inextricably linked by their common water course and where, as humans settled, simple logic demanded that they become part of a community."

The watershed's network of rivers and lakes replenishes the yearly water supply for people, plants, and animals. There is a human desire to harness the power of natural seasonal cycles for the betterment of the human condition. Even though technology is changing the way humans interact with the natural surroundings on a monumental scale, each generation should ensure that the natural systems continue to sustain all life over time.

The MORE Factor

The Human Life Project is in the process of compiling innovative and simple approaches to conserve natural resources both within our communities and families. There is a valid concern today that more people equate to a greater demand of the earth's resources. However, one should note that we build larger homes today for fewer people and more possessions. The discussion to allocate provisions is first about understanding natural systems, such as the watershed, followed by addressing human consumption habits.

The standard of living forces allocation of provisions to escalate in developed countries. For example, the United States and Canada withdraw the most freshwater per person per year in the world. The Human Life Project defines The MORE Factor by applying an acronym for MORE: Mobilizing Ownership in Resource Effectiveness. Developed countries have additional responsibility to incorporate creative solutions in utilizing wisely the earth's resources as well as assist other developing nations (i.e. implementing The More Factor).

To accomplish these goals, the Human Life Project will address the following natural environment related topics: understanding natural systems, allocation of provisions, renewable energy, recycling, organic/local food, green building design, and earth-friendly products.

The Grand Staircase

The Grand Staircase is a wonderful metaphor found in nature to demonstrate the importance of linkages between nature, family, and community. Spanning over hundreds of miles of dynamic topography and millions of years, the Grand Staircase reveals contiguous rock layers across three major National Parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.

Bryce and Zion Canyon are located relatively close together compared with the Grand Canyon. However, visitors typically experience each national park separately without considering the underling connection. A similar occurrence happens when discussing life's essential aspects. The family embodies important social conditions which are too often considered apart from nature. The step from family to community is far easier to comprehend. The recurrent layers of nature, family, and community comprise the Grand Staircase of the Human Life Project.