Resurrection Lutheran men’s breakfast recently featured Biosphere 2 Deputy Director, John Adams, who shared insights about the unique facility, located in nearby Oracle. Biosphere 2 changed hands from its original owners and management to the University of Arizona several years ago and continues to grow and provide a variety of multinational research groups opportunities to test and understand how future changes to our environment could affect our delicate planet and ecosystems. There is no other complex like it. Men’s Breakfast committee chair, Jim Seppala, opened the breakfast meeting in recognition of the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. A moment of silence was acknowledged, and a meal blessing was delivered by Jim Sieminski. Mark Boyce led the group of over 50 men in the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced speaker John Adams.
John Adams provided an intriguing and descriptive update on Biosphere 2 (if you’re wondering what Biosphere 1 is, it’s our own Mother Earth). For those who haven’t recently toured the facility, you’ll be amazed at the changes and growth of the facility. Lessons learned over the years of study and research have resulted in new and updated areas, systems and plans for continued research on the effects of drought, heat, the atmosphere and ways to improve food growth, water retention and air quality. Groundbreaking experiments and new developments are under investigation just up the road from us.
John covered the history of the facility, changes that have been made and future plans for further growth and expansion—all very fascinating. The facility relies on tour fees and donations for almost 2/3 of its budget, with tourism falling off dramatically since COVID. Spread the word about this unique facility and visit if you haven’t yet or it has been a few years since you have—so much has changed and there is so much to learn from Biosphere 2—you won’t be disappointed.
Next month’s speaker will be Steve Huffman, Community Affairs Administrator of the Pima County RTA. Steve will share an historical overview of the Pima County RTA, its many activities and its future plans. This is not a political discussion. That breakfast meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 4.
The Resurrection Lutheran Church Men’s Breakfast takes place on the first Saturday of each month from October through May, each year. Meetings are held in the Outreach Center at the main campus in Oro Valley. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. (church doors open at 7 a.m.). Sign up on the RLC website at orovalley.org or call the church at (520) 575-9901. A donation of $15 is appreciated. Resurrection Lutheran at SaddleBrooke holds its all denominal Sunday worship service at 9 a.m. in the SaddleBrooke HOA-2 MountainView Ballroom. All are welcome.
