Michael Johnston, Ph.D.’s Post

Building on Ancestral Lands: The Squamish Nation’s Vision for a Balanced Future In a world of rapid urban expansion, the Squamish Nation’s development plans for their North Shore reserves serve as an inspiring blueprint. Their approach goes beyond traditional development—it’s a commitment to self-determination, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment. Since announcing their comprehensive land strategy in March 2023, the Squamish Nation has meticulously worked with multidisciplinary teams to shape the future of sites like Xwmélch’sten (Capilano) and Ch’ich’élx̱wí7ḵw (Seymour). The vision includes market residences, communal spaces, and revitalized waterfront access while also addressing environmental cleanup and the preservation of areas with deep cultural significance. This initiative is not only about creating housing or commercial spaces but about weaving together past, present, and future. The Nation is redefining progress, showing that sustainable economic development can honor heritage, support community, and advance self-governance. Imagine if all developments adopted this model—where each project was a step toward reclaiming identity, strengthening community, and renewing our connections to the land. What lessons can we take from this? Let’s prioritize developments that reflect integrity, cultural respect, and sustainability for future generations. #InclusiveDevelopment #CulturalSustainability #CommunityLeadership #UrbanPlanning #IndigenousLandDevelopment

From promoting smart growth to enhancing community vitality, discover the principles that are guiding us towards a sustainable future. Want to dive deeper into the art and science of creating cohesive, thriving communities? Check out our latest blog to explore the transformative power of land planning. https://bit.ly/3TBeuIS #landplanning #landdevelopment #burrell #blog #sustainablefuture

Greg Walcher articulates a perspective I've been contemplating for some time. His insights into the complexities of the Dolores National Monument proposal resonate with my own thoughts, especially considering the recent resolution passed by the City of Grand Junction Council in support of the monument. I’ve been hesitant to voice my concerns, but this article has encouraged me to share my reflections on the potential impacts. More to come—stay tuned! #PublicLands #ConservationDebate #DoloresCanyons #EnvironmentalPolicy #WesternSlope

The below example shows the town of Gomez that was prosperous with the invention of the cotton gin but declined with the expansion of the railroad. How will technology in today’s world change today’s towns? https://lnkd.in/eSrenej7

Barry Lopez's Rediscovery of North America lives rent-free in my head. I will never own a physical copy. Whenever I get one, I think of someone else who needs to read it and give it away. He writes, "A sense of place must include at the very least, knowledge of what is inviolate about the relationship between a people and the place they occupy, and certainly, too, how the destruction of this relationship, or the failure to attend to it, wounds people." This relationship inspired the organization I co-founded, Urban Fae Forests, which I work on with every spare minute and every spare dime. This relationship is what I want to work on restoring every single day. Our connection to place and sense of belonging has been broken. The trials of daily life, and an economic structure that focuses on shuttling us as quickly and conveniently as possible between work and shelter, do not nurture belonging. They do not foster querencia. As a result, we are surrounded by wounds in our ecosystems and wounds in our own hearts and souls. Healing this will take monumental individual and community effort. So, I co-founded an organization to plant microforests to heal and beautify the land. I come on this app every day and seek work that will help people connect with the land they walk across as they go about the business of living. Whether they are farmers who deserve to run their farms with integrity and compassion, or urban dwellers who deserve the shade of trees and small woodland paths to break up the walk to public transit, we all deserve ecosystems we can connect with and find rest in. Everyone, can not live in a cozy cottage next to a mountain stream. There are not enough mountain streams. But, everyone can be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Common land has to be a priority. Reclaiming the scarred vacant lots and vast monoculture lawns of industrialization to provide space for local people to connect to local ecosystems is the path forward. As we co-create beautiful functioning ecosystems, we will begin to heal the disconnection and form bonds with the planet where we finally realize we are home. We are nature. #communityconservation #urbanecosystems #ecosystemregeneration

Learn about some of the fundamental tools that preservationists around the country use and depend on to help save places #PreservationMonth https://lnkd.in/eMYM5Dbz

It's National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Including the Minnesota Land Trust in your estate plans helps secure your conservation legacy and ensures that the natural places we cherish today will be protected for generations to come. Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans, or if you'd like help getting started. Every plan makes a lasting difference! Go to mnland.org/planned-giving for more information. #EstatePlanningAwareness #LeaveALegacy #ProtectWhatYouLove #ConservationLegacy

DID YOU KNOW? Public lands and waters aren't just beautiful; they're economic powerhouses! Counties with more public lands and waters often see better economic opportunities, more job growth, and stronger overall development than those with less access to these natural treasures. This is a big reason why investing in and preserving our public lands and waters is crucial. Let's work together to ensure everyone can enjoy these spaces for generations! #TheGreatOutdoorsFund #GiveBacktoNature #GetBacktoNature

Tree establishment is an applied practice. Our methods ensure each tree unit is the responsibility of an assigned tree guardian from the local community. https://lnkd.in/gNhbSWhh #homegardendevelopment #smallholderfarms

When it comes to searching for a place to put down roots, don't overlook some great sources of wisdom: local libraries and historical societies. Tap these resources to get a deeper understanding of a community's town planning, preservation measures, local economy, environmental data and more. Remember, a well-informed decision is the key to finding the perfect home.