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 I completed a self-designed major in Environmental Science at Huxley College in 1996. I called the major "Living Systems Design". The major included a broad array of course work in the social and natural sciences and I integrated a high degree of field work.
The final project for this major included leading a group of students in the design of a small community for southeast Alaska. A location was chosen by the group on Dall Island and together we designed and modeled a 40 family community from top to bottom, including: biological systems, economic systems, social systems, infrastructure, education, self-governance, etc. etc. One of the most enlightening things I learned while studying the dynamic and complex nature of community design was that one of the keys to "success" was integrating ongoing education, continued learning, flexibility in world view. Resilient and sustainable systems must be able to adapt to a changing world. No solution that we develop today will serve indefinitely so facilitating evolving perspectives is critical to long-term success. I believe this is true for everything from complex social systems and individual world views to the survival of important habitats and biodiversity.
When I started my business in 2005 it seemed logical to me to use the name of my major since what I wanted to do was in large part continue along my educational path - not only expanding my awareness of how people interact with, effect and are affected by nature, I also wanted to sustain a motivation to learn, to keep my mind open to new perspectives and ideas, to synthesize what I learn in more and more holistic ways. That is why I take on work not only to earn money but to earn knowledge about my self, my social community and the ecological systems we appreciate and rely upon.
My primary fields of expertise include wildlife habitat studies, GIS analysis, restoration and mitigation, wilderness guiding, digital data collection (field GPS) and communications via the internet and multi-media presentations.
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