The forest around Blue Mountain (like all forests) is made up of many layers. Most of us look at the tree tops. The understory is the plant growth along the bottom of the forest. It has loads of leaves, plants, mushrooms, baby trees, and animals. This part of the forest is usually shady, because it is hard for sun to shine through the leaves of the tall trees. Since it doesn’t get much light most the plants and trees in the understory stay small...so they are not the first things someone would notice when walking through the forest.
The secret of the understory is that it is filled with life and diversity. It's actually this rich, ever changing organic mix that keeps the forest healthy. As soon as the plants in the understory are given light they grow tall. The dynamic Blue Mountain Community is like the understory in the forest. It is filled with many different people that have been working quietly at the ground level to create a healthy community. This project hope to shine a light on their efforts so, like plants in the understory, they rise up even taller and stronger.
Up from the Understory is a community storytelling project that uses photography, audio recording, and digital media to document and discuss community renewal efforts in the Blue Mountain area. This blog is going to be the light through the opening in the forest canopy; it will share the different experiences of the understory or community that are often quietly waiting for the light. The Blue Mountain community is building toward the future. As we embrace the present, it is important to remember and celebrate the stories of the past.
Please check back regularly as different youth, representing the residents in our community, post updates and stories on the project.
Thank you for visiting our blog and welcome to our project!
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