Alternatives to technologies that depend on fossil fuels are all around us, modeled in the natural world, and studied in the new field of bio-mimicry.

Janine Benyus, author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, is founder of The Biomimicry Institute, whose mission is to nurture and grow a global community of people, who are learning from, emulating, and conserving life's genius to create a healthier, more sustainable planet. 

 

As one delves deeper into biomimicry, Benyus says there are three levels of analysis:

There are instances of complex natural processes that could be adapted for human use all over the planet, Benyus says. African ant mounds are just one interesting example of what is being called "enabling technology."

 

SMIT GROW is an example of biomimicry. By creating solar panels in the shape of leaves, to gather energy from the sun and wind. Find out more here.

 

 

When you look at the global ecosystem, Benyus explains, humans as a species are akin to weeds, gobbling up resources with scant thought for their long-term presence where they have taken root.

 

Janine Benysus will be a keynote speaker at the annual Bioneers Conference, October 16^th-20^th, at the Marin Center in San Rafael. For more information, click here. There is a full roster of presenters here , and a detailed conference schedule here.

 

 

 

 

It's one thing to set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but quite another to map out exactly how Sonoma County can reach the goals it has set.

 Sonoma County's Community Climate Action Plan will be unveiled tonight at the Climate Protection Campaigns office in downtown Santa Rosa, at 31 D Street. The community is invited to the free event which is scheduled 6:30 - 8 pm. For more information, click here. A link to the action plan will also be posted there after Oct. 8.

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Read more about Sonoma County's greenhouse gas reduction goals here

 

 

The Solar Sonoma County program, which got its official kick-off last night, may make our area a model for other rural regions that want to expand their use of solar power.

Click here to see a detailed 2-page fact sheet on Solar Sonoma County. (pdf)

 

 

John Lushetsky from the federal Department of Energy, where he is the manager of the Solar Energy Technologies Program. As more and more solar panels collect electricity, there will be increasing demand for batteries to store and save that power. John Lushetshy says his agency will soon turn its attention to that aspect of energy independence as well.

Ives Pool in Sebastopol is an example of a local public facility that has installed solar panels to hold down energy costs.

Rattlesnakes may be poisonous, but they don't want to bite anything bigger than they can swallow.

 

This year, higher number of rattlesnakes means higher chance of finding one on your property. Leaping Lizard Rescue is a non profit organization that rescues animals using humane tactics. Hear Barbie Hoffman describe her approach below:

 

 

Listen below to hear Barbie Hoffman describe the largest rattlesnake she's had to deal with.

 

 

 

To visit the Leaping Lizard Rescue website, and see  a list of Do's and Don'ts on handling Rattlesnakes, click here.

The California Department of Fish and Game also has some advice pertaining to rattlesnakes here .

Leaping Lizard Rescue Center will also be part of the Tolay Fall Festival at the new county park above Lakeville Highway, where they will host the Creepy Crawly Critter Room. Find event details here .