Leslie Townsend, Author at Cactus Conservation Institute https://cactusconservation.org/author/leslieb/ Doing what we can since 2004. Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:01:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://cactusconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-cactus_conservation_logo_temporary-experiment2-32x32.png Leslie Townsend, Author at Cactus Conservation Institute https://cactusconservation.org/author/leslieb/ 32 32 Peyote Files Documentary https://cactusconservation.org/2021/02/10/peyote-files-documentary/ Wed, 10 Feb 2021 17:01:46 +0000 https://cactusconservation.org/?p=6296 The post Peyote Files Documentary appeared first on Cactus Conservation Institute.

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Online premiere of the peyote files

A Documentary Series with Dr. Martin Terry

Co-directed by Bia Labate and Nicholas Spiers

Produced by the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines

Join us on  Tuesday, Feb 16th  at 10 am PST in honouring Martin’s contribution to the field of peyote conservation. 

Watch the teaser by clicking on the link to the Peyote Files premiere and be sure to like and share so we can reach the widest audience possible. Don’t forget to set a reminder so you don’t miss the episodes of this documentary!

About the documentary

The Peyote Files is a documentary web series following the anthropologist Dr. Bia Labate in the search for the elusive peyote cactus in West Texas. Built around the frank exchanges between Bia and the cactus expert and conservationist Dr. Martin Terry, this three-part series offers an eye-opening insight into Martin’s pioneering work to understand the threats faced by peyote and the urgent action needed to ensure its survival. In episode one (Peyote Territory) Bia and Martin trek through peyote’s natural habitat and discuss its unusual morphology, psychoactive nature, history of human interest, and Martin’s irrepressible zeal for all things cacti. Martin’s rigorously scientific understanding of peyote’s evolutionary context challenges the mystical assumptions often underpinning the role of its psychoactive properties. Returning to Alpine in episode two (Peyote Threats), Martin shows Bia the collection of peyote cacti he nurtures and studies in his fortified greenhouse—following strict DEA regulations—and explains the current threats to peyote populations, such as the destruction of peyote’s habitat and the pressures of overharvesting. In episode three (Peyote Conservation), Martin outlines the research and action he is carrying out, along with the Cactus Conservation Institute, to mitigate these threats, including spreading awareness of sustainable harvesting techniques, the impact of frequent, repeat harvesting, and the urgency of cultivation. Throughout the series, different epistemological approaches to, and ontological conceptions of, peyote are discussed, as well as the political implications of protecting an indigenous sacrament. This series represents a testament to Martin’s tireless conservation efforts and a call to action to recognize and respect the right to exist of this extraordinary cactus, before it’s too late.

Since this series’s filming in March 2018, a diversity of passionate and sometimes contending voices has continued to add crucial perspectives to peyote conservation issues. This series does not aspire to encompass all of these different viewpoints but rather to explore through Martin’s exemplary work the indispensable roles that solid ecological knowledge and scientific rigor play in integrated approaches to long-term sustainability.

For more thoughts on Peyote Crisis, read here.

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]]> Remembering Blake’s artistic skills https://cactusconservation.org/2020/09/21/remembering-artistic-skill-of-blake-williams/ Mon, 21 Sep 2020 18:02:00 +0000 https://cactusconservation.org/?p=6366 The post Remembering Blake’s artistic skills appeared first on Cactus Conservation Institute.

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Handcrafted peyote jewellery

Thanks to the artistic skills of Blake Williams, Cactus Conservation Institute has, in the past, offered some unique gifts.  This blog post is created in fond memory of Blake.

 Each handcrafted offering exemplifies a type and condition of these extraordinary plants we seek to protect.

They are no longer available.

“The Vortex” (2″ by 1 ½”), in sterling silver.

This tenacious specimen was found growing in an inch wide crack in a rock slab which gave it its distinctive “pinched” configuration.
The cast captured a conical flower bud bursting from the tufts in the center of the plant. In another day this bud opened into the vivid pink flower typical of peyote.

“El Brujo” (2 ½” in diameter) in sterling silver.

The original casting of this 8 ribbed beauty was taken in the Chihuahuan desert, a region with much colder winters than south Texas. Tenaciously weathering freezing winters by growing on the southern, sun-facing slopes of its mountainous home, this individual embodies the power of its kind.

“El Brujo” (2 ½” in diameter).

Bronze with patina, here shown in ‘mystic green’.

“El Brujo” (2 ½” in diameter).

Bronze with patina, here shown in ‘turquoise matte’.

“El Trece” (2-3/4″ in diameter) in silver.

This 13 ribbed elder thrives in dappled light under the quajillo scrub in the S. Texas peyote gardens.

“El Mistico” (2-1/4″ in diameter) in silver

This variant from the peyote gardens expresses an unusual obscured rib structure.

“El Abuelo” (2-5/8″ in diameter) in silver

This look is prized in the central altar piece used in Native American Church ceremonies where it is addressed as ‘Grandfather’.

“El Abuelo” (2-5/8″ in diameter) in silver

This look is prized in the central altar piece used in Native American Church ceremonies where it is addressed as ‘Grandfather’.

“Las Estrellitas” (3 grams each, 13 mm in diameter)

Peyote propagates itself through seeding and budding. Budding occurs on the side of mature cacti at ground level and often leads to clumps of many self-cloned individuals.

“Las Estrellitas” (4.5 grams each, 17 mm in diameter)

These casts were molded from a type found in the peyote gardens of Starr County, south Texas called “Star Peyote” by a local peyotero.

“La Huella” (1 ¾” in diameter) in sterling silver.

This smaller specimen from the Chihuahuan desert was cast during the rainy season (August-September) and exhibits the exaggerated form it takes during this period of robust growth and flowering. 

“La Huella” (1 ¾” in diameter). Bronze with patina, here shown in ‘turquoise matte’.

During the dry, cold months of winter, this same individual will flatten out and possibly shrink below the ground surface, a perfect adaptation to the harsh winters.

“La Huella” (1 ¾” in diameter). Bronze with patina, here shown in ‘mystic green’.

“La Huella” (1 ¾” in diameter) in sterling silver.

No peyote was harmed in the making of these items!

You might be asking “How was that possible? They look so realistic!”

Each mold was carefully cast by Blake Williams in situ in the natural setting in which the peyote was found, and the living peyote plant was left there undamaged to continue its existence. The appearance of these is therefore unique in that they are from living plants growing in their natural habitat. The form such plants take is considerably different from that of plants grown “in captivity”.

“El Brujo” (2 ½” in diameter)
(The buckle shown is well worn.)

The original casting of this 8 ribbed beauty was taken in the Chihuahuan desert, a region with much colder winters than south Texas. Tenaciously weathering freezing winters by growing on the southern, sun-facing slopes of its mountainous home, this individual embodies the power of its kind.
Some scholars have classified this as a distinct subspecies, more potent and slower growing than the varieties found in the south Texas areas known to the Native Americans as the “peyote gardens”.
Dr. Terry’s ground-breaking research has shown this northern variety to be genetically distinct from its southern relatives.

No contribution has ever been used for compensation of any CCI staff member who will all continue to freely volunteer their time, labour and expertise. Including the making of this jewellery.

Some lucky individuals are maintaining their peyote button as a legal part of a cactus garden or collection.

This peyote can be legally “planted” in a cactus collection or rock garden anywhere

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]]> A Tribute To Our Co-Founder Martin Terry https://cactusconservation.org/2020/06/18/a-tribute-to-our-co-founder-martin-terry/ Thu, 18 Jun 2020 17:12:29 +0000 https://cactusconservation.org/?p=5534 The post A Tribute To Our Co-Founder Martin Terry appeared first on Cactus Conservation Institute.

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Husi Tenahpu, Emeritus Member, Lead Researcher

For him I sing,
I raise the present on the past,
(As some perennial tree out of its roots, the present on the past,)
With time and space I him dilate and fuse the immortal laws,
To make himself by them the law unto himself.

     Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, “For Him I Sing”

CCI announces that Dr. Martin Terry has resigned his formal Board position.  He will continue to maintain a close relationship with CCI through ongoing contributions as Lead Researcher, giving him more time to do what he loves most while continuing to advise CCI.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of Dr. Terry’s research in the preservation of peyote in its natural Texas habitat.  His research on best practices in peyote harvesting – to maximize the ability of sustained harvesting for future generations –have been recognized within the scientific community as well as indigenous populations that rely upon it.   He continues through long-standing relationships with landowners to analyze the impact of harvesting and repeated re-harvesting, but his research has broader reach back to the origins of peyote and its contributions to the region’s culture.

Martin’s love of the Tamaulipan thornscrub stems from a deep knowledge of its history and culture.  Martin has helped CCI formulate its vision as one of supporting the wild peyote ecosystem while also supporting those whose livelihood and spiritual practices rely upon the land and its bounty.   His research on the impact of current regulatory structures has enabled others to gain broader understanding of the significance of poaching and other environmental stresses on the habitat of wild Lophophora, Astrophytum, and other endangered species.  He has studied the impact of harvesting on plant potency, sought genetic origins for peyote, and contributed to the understanding of peyote and other cacti in too many ways to note here.  Now a strong advocate of cultivation as the best means to preserve peyote for future generations, his work is evolving to one of re-introduction of cultivated plants to shore up wild populations.  As a frequent collaborator with other researchers, he has set the standard for monitoring of wild peyote populations for future generations.

We look forward to walking the path with him. 

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]]> A Special Thanks To A Wonderful Partner https://cactusconservation.org/2020/04/28/a-special-thanks-to-a-wonderful-partner/ Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:40:45 +0000 https://cactusconservation.org/?p=5430 The post A Special Thanks To A Wonderful Partner appeared first on Cactus Conservation Institute.

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CCI extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Beatriz Labate, her incredible staff, and all of the amazing speakers and attendees of Chacruna’s Psychedelic Liberty Summit. We thank Bia for her extensive support of our fundraising initiative this weekend, which has moved us well along the way to our goal of sustainable cultivation for Sia – Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornithological Initiative. If you did not catch the Summit this past weekend, stay tuned for the next one at www.chacruna.org. In these times, to be amidst such thoughtful and support discussion gave us hope for movement forward and that together, we can change the earth for peyote and our other endangered species and cultures.

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]]> CCI Launches New Fundraising Campaign https://cactusconservation.org/2020/04/27/cci-launches-new-fundraising-campaign/ Mon, 27 Apr 2020 22:44:59 +0000 https://cactusconservation.org/?p=5425 The post CCI Launches New Fundraising Campaign appeared first on Cactus Conservation Institute.

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CCI is exciting to be moving forward with a new initiative: A move toward cultivation in conjunction with a branch of the Native American Church, an action that will reduce demand for wild peyote on a meaningful scale and help create a more sustainable future across all of its branches.

You are no doubt familiar with the challenges faced by the peyote cactus both in the wild cactus populations and as a sacrament of increasingly short supply among the adherents of the peyote faith. Collaborative efforts are underway unifying the activities of two established 501(c)3 organizations: Cactus Conservation Institute and Sia: The Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornithological Initiative 

You can help us solve both the pressures placed on wild plants and the supply challenges faced by future generations of NAC members who choose a path of cultivation by making a tax-deductible contribution of any size, large or small at . Your support is vital to achieving our goals of peyote conservation through developing sustainable harvesting management and land stewardship practices. We must succeed in our mission while wild peyote is still left in the world. You can read more about this initiative at Gofundme

And stay tuned for regular updates on this project!

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]]> Texas Peyote Culture https://cactusconservation.org/2020/04/20/texas-peyote-culture/ Mon, 20 Apr 2020 15:36:51 +0000 https://cactusconservation.org/?p=5417 The post Texas Peyote Culture appeared first on Cactus Conservation Institute.

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Peyote use in Texas dates between 5,200 and 5,700 years and is now embedded in its culture in many ways.  It is the only State that has a legally established peyote trade, dating back to the 1960s.  The prior involvement of peyoteros, however, dates much further back.  The well-known peyotera Amada Cardenas helped legalize peyote’s use as a bona fide religion practiced by The Native American Church (NAC) and helped establish rights of Native Americans to purchase and collect the plant in Texas.  Although the NAC’s membership and its demand for peyote continue to grow, actual peyote sales were on the decline when last reported.  A variety of factors — including access to land, overharvesting, exorbitant licensing fees, and local economic and population growth – are at play.  Peyote use as practiced by curanderos to alleviate arthritis and other ailments is now a distant memory but was also once an interesting and thriving part of the Texas peyote culture.  Today, Coahuiltecans, Mission Indians, and other indigenous Texans are reviving their ancient traditions.  It remains to be seen whether peyote conservation will enable these ways to be passed to future generations.  You can read this article, published in Cactus and Succulent Journal here.

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]]> A Special Thanks to our Co-Founder, Steve Van Heiden https://cactusconservation.org/2020/04/09/a-special-thanks-to-our-co-founder-steve-van-heiden/ Thu, 09 Apr 2020 18:49:12 +0000 https://cactusconservation.org/?p=5377 The post A Special Thanks to our Co-Founder, Steve Van Heiden appeared first on Cactus Conservation Institute.

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One of our three original co-founders, Steve Van Heiden, is stepping down from his Board position with CCI – although he will continue to make ongoing contributions to CCI. As an original Co-founder, Steve’s contributions have been immeasurable to the organization. He contributed to the original vision and provided a lifetime’s experience and knowledge of lophophora and other cacti. Many will recognize him as one of the leading authorities in the world on psychoactive plants and cacti, having contributed to our current understanding of their biology, ecology, and pharmacology. He has worked tirelessly as a writer and photographer, participated in field research, and provided mentorship to a worldwide group of cacti and lophophora lovers. His involvement with CCI – published under his Keeper Trout moniker – touched virtually every project and aspiration that we engaged in. Our relationship will never end, but we wish him the time and energy to pursue everything that is left on his cactus to-do list.

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]]> Meet our new Board members https://cactusconservation.org/2020/04/02/meet-our-new-board-members/ Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:04:06 +0000 https://cactusconservation.org/?p=5201 The post Meet our new Board members appeared first on Cactus Conservation Institute.

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As we enter a new decade, CCI has expanded with the addition of three new Board members:

Dr. Anna Ermakova is adding to our research staff and has embarked on an exciting new phase of research for CCI. Her research interest are peyote ecology and conservation. Using a novel methodology for estimating plant population density she is planning to do longitudinal studies of Lophophora and other cacti, that will enable us to track how these vulnerable populations change over time, as well as monitor the effects of legal and illegal harvesting. She is our first European board member.

Troy

Troy is Founder of The Comanche Nation Ethno-Ornithological Initiative and helps balance the interests of the Comanche Native American Church with CCI as we enter our conservation phase. 

Leslie Townsend

Leslie will  manage many of the business aspects of CCI including its fundraising initiatives.

More about each of our new members can be found below

Board Members

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