The Spirit of Preservation
The spirit of preservation comes from within.
Why
Emoting
- Passion, excitement and joy
Valuing
- Uniqueness and “specialness” compared to perceived norm
- Sense of purpose: make a contribution, be part of something grand, desire to prevent loss, make permanent, pass on to the future
How
Seeking
- Information, knowledge
Defining
- Parameters (inclusive/exclusive based on broad understanding)
- Information will always be subject to interpretation in the light of new knowledge, therefore definitions MUST be allowed to evolve and/or make additions/exclusions
Cataloging
- Breeding groups: broader elements that make up the whole of the definition
- Subgroups: often product of individual preference within group
Preserving
- Make choices from within parameters of the present definition
- Make major commitment to restore - maintain
- Experimenting to achieve results - genetics is a guessing game
- Evaluating for comparison to knowledge base
- Adding information to the amalgam of preservation knowledge
Concerns for the Future
Focus too much on inclusion/exclusion definitions, and cataloging
- Lose touch with passion
- Lose touch with purpose
- De-value what must be valued
Fail to pass on to future by being out of touch with larger community
Obligations
Breeding good animals that attract good caretakers, faithful to breed
Educating self: ongoing process
Educating others:
- Publications, articles, books
- Symposiums, conventions
- Network: stay connected, telephone, correspondence, on-line chats, website info
- Informative advertising
Demonstrating:
- Major public exhibitions
- Regional gatherings
- Farm open houses
Paying forward your experiences to the next generation
~ by Joe Ferriss
