In our latest episode, we dive deep into sustainable soil practices and the importance of nurturing our earth’s vitality with the amazing Sharlene Cohen, founder of Urban Rewild. Inspired by the heartbreaking bushfires in her hometown, Sharlene has dedicated herself to reactivating native species in urban spaces and fostering community through meaningful environmental projects.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Community Gardens as Healing Spaces: Sharlene emphasizes the transformative power of community gardens in combating loneliness, promoting health, and creating nurturing spaces, particularly in retirement villages and hospital settings.
– Small Actions, Big Impact: Sharlene and host ‘Regen Ray’ Milidoni discuss the importance of individual actions—like picking up litter or supporting organic practices—in making positive environmental changes.
– Educational Initiatives: Sharlene’s pilot project at a public school in Africa highlights the importance of teaching agriculture, business, and entrepreneurial skills to students, improving livelihood and infrastructure along the way.
Our discussion touches on ecological grief, the impact of bushfires, and the interconnectedness of life through careful soil stewardship. Let’s come together to foster a greener, more sustainable future! 🌍
Listen now to get inspired and learn ways you can contribute to your community and the planet. Don’t forget to share and engage with our journey!
Who is Sharlene Cohen?
Sharlene Cohen, the founder of Urban Rewild, is an environmental enthusiast dedicated to promoting biodiversity conservation in urban areas. Inspired by the devastating bushfires of 2019, she witnessed the profound impact of nature on healing and restoration.
Sharlene’s personal experience led her to recognize the often-overlooked value of green spaces within urban communities. She founded Urban Rewild with the goal of connecting people with nature and harnessing its benefits.
Driven by her passion, Sharlene recently embarked on two significant initiatives in Uganda. She planted over 1000 native trees, contributing to reforestation efforts and the revival of ecosystems. Additionally, she established food forests in impoverished schools, providing a sustainable source of food and instilling environmental awareness.
Through Urban Rewild, Sharlene inspires individuals and communities to embrace nature, creating greener and healthier urban environments. Her dedication serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to preserve biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future.
In Episode 64 of “Secrets of the Soil,” host ‘Regen Ray’ Milidoni dives into a profound conversation with Sharlene Cohen, founder of Urban Rewild. Sponsored by Soil Connect (soreconnect.com.au), the episode explores the importance of soil health, the impact of native gardens, community initiatives, and the transformative potential of urban spaces.
The Birth of Urban Rewild
Urban Rewild stemmed from tragedy. The bushfires that ravaged Sharlene Cohen’s hometown also ignited her passion for conservation and urban space revitalization. Witnessing the devastation led her to acknowledge the intrinsic value of urban green spaces in supporting resilience and life. She spoke extensively about ecological grief and described how reconnecting with nature inspired her to launch Urban Rewild, with a mission to foster thriving native gardens.
From Australia to Uganda: A Tale of Conservation
Sharlene’s conservation journey also led her to Uganda, where she addressed the adverse impact of Australian eucalyptus trees on the local ecosystem. Eucalyptus trees, though drought-tolerant, have disrupted the natural balance, prompting Cohen to spearhead efforts to plant native trees with the local community. By involving local youth and charities, they created a positive ripple effect, enhancing the area’s biodiversity, providing education, and creating employment opportunities.
The Power of Community Gardens
The episode highlighted the vital role of community gardens in urban spaces, addressing how these gardens can help in fostering community connections, combating loneliness, and promoting health and well-being. Sharlene and ‘Regen Ray’ discussed the challenges faced by community gardens in Australia compared to Africa, emphasizing the resistance and bureaucratic hurdles encountered. Regen shared his experience of trying to establish a community garden in South Yarra during COVID, underscoring the frustrations with local governance structures.
Guerrilla Gardening and Local Food Production
A key discussion point was the concept of guerrilla gardening, where individuals take initiative to green urban spaces without waiting for official approval. Sharlene emphasized that change starts with individual actions, advocating for more community gardens in places like retirement villages and hospitals. The dialogue extended to the importance of small-scale agriculture, promoting local food production through examples like Stepping Stone Farm and the Sage Farmers Market.
Reviving Indigenous Farming Wisdom
Sharlene Cohen urged the farming community to learn from First Nations’ practices, which have sustained the land for millennia. She highlighted the sustainable methods indigenous communities use that harmonize with the earth. By integrating such wisdom, modern agriculture could greatly benefit, creating a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.
The Intersection of Agriculture and Business
The conversation transitioned into the realm of business, revealing the significant gap in business skills among farmers. Regen emphasized the importance of these skills for ensuring profitability and expansion. Sharlene shared insights from her pilot project in Africa, aimed at teaching students agricultural and entrepreneurial skills. This initiative not only improved school infrastructure but also generated food for the community, demonstrating the potential of blending education with agriculture.
Challenges and Rewards of Small-scale Farming
The podcast episode also shed light on the obstacles small-scale agriculture faces, from fatigue and natural disasters to economic fluctuations. Sharlene and Regen discussed the necessity for sustainable business models and capital to overcome these challenges. They touched upon the difficulties in recruiting interns due to financial and logistical constraints, and the emerging strategies such as grant funding to support these essential roles.
A Call for Self-reflection and Environmental Stewardship
A recurring theme was the importance of self-reflection and environmental stewardship. Sharlene encouraged listeners to engage in small acts of environmental kindness, like picking up litter or supporting organic practices. The episode concluded with both Regen and Sharlene urging the audience to be mindful of their impact on the planet and to take active steps towards sustainability.
Embracing the Soil Beneath Our Feet
Episode 64 of “Secrets of the Soil” serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate connection between soil health, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. Through Sharlene Cohen’s experiences and insights, the episode calls for a collective effort to nurture our earth, starting with the soil beneath our feet. As Sharlene aptly put it, real change begins with small, mindful actions that together can transform our world for the better.
So, whether you’re an urban dweller or a rural resident, take a moment to connect with the soil and contribute to its vitality. After all, sustainable soil leads to satisfying harvests, not just in our gardens, but in our communities and hearts as well.
