Ask Nature: The path of the Biomimic.

Hello Hedge Schoolers,<br/><br/>I speak often of nature as a master teacher. The more time I spend sitting in nature, the greater the depth. Much of that growth comes from a dreaming I enter when I return to the same places. As I court the spaces I hold dear, I am more attuned to the patterns that appear there. I notice with a greater depth, the differences, the growth, the highway of life ebbing and flowing around that particular space. <br/><br/>It truly is an altar for me. A deep spiritual practice. <br/><br/>Biomimicry<br/><br/>This communion has led to a real interest in the application of nature-inspired learning or the field known as biomimicry. Dr. Janine Benyus, the author of Biomimicry and co-founder of the <a href="https://biomimicry.org/">Biomimicry Institute</a>, defines biomimicry as the "conscious emulation of life's genius. Innovation inspired by nature." Nature is a master creator and humans have been mimicking this genius for as long as we have existed. For this week's inquiry, I'd like to delve into the world of biomimicry and share some of the resources and learnings that have blown me away. <br/><br/>A canon of laws, strategies, and principles<br/><br/>In her book Biomimicry, Benyus outlines the following summary of nature's principles for design. These guiding principles can help us be better adapted to the world we live in. <br/><br/>Nature runs on sunlight.<br/><br/>Nature uses only the energy it needs.<br/><br/>Nature fits form to function.<br/><br/>Nature recycles everything.<br/><br/>Nature rewards cooperation.<br/><br/>Nature banks on diversity.<br/><br/>Nature demands local expertise.<br/><br/>Nature curbs excesses from within.<br/><br/>Nature taps the power of limits.<br/><br/>The above principles are unpacked beautifully in this video by the Biomimicry Institute. <br/><br/>Ask Nature<br/><br/>Another amazing resource from the Biomimicry Institute is the <a href="https://asknature.org/">Ask Nature repository</a>. Broken up into Collections, Biological Strategies, and Innovations, th