Frequently Asked Questions
How and why did Aurora Lights form?
Aurora Lights originally formed in Ecuador in 1998 under the name “Fundacion Nucanchi Yuracuna,” which means “our trees” in the native Quichua language of the Andes. Jen Osha, Santiago Diaz, and Rodrigo Donoso worked together to purchase 12 acres of land, start a small organic farm and tree nursery, and organize environmental education projects. They also hosted summer interns in environmental education and as research assistants. We spent 12 weeks in the Sacha Huayco forest, at 13,000 feet elevation, studying the native Polylepis trees as an alternative to planting pine trees in reforestation projects. The projects were temporarily haulted when the neighboring volcano,Tungurahua, erupted and buried the farm in ash. Currently, Rodrigo Donoso still runs the tree nursery through Alta Montaña, a mountain guiding company.
Who is involved in Aurora Lights?
See our Contact & Bios page.
Where did the name “Aurora Lights” come from?
Our name was inspired by Aurora, the mythical Goddess of the Dawn. Aurora hung the stars through the night to keep light shining until she rode across the sky in her chariot to pick up her brother, the sun. In our times, the stars hung by Aurora represent locally-inspired creative solutions to community problems. Let’s keep the stars shining while we work towards the new day!
Why are issues surrounding mountaintop removal at the core of many Aurora Lights programs?
Mountaintop removal coal mining (MTR) results in complete habitat loss and destruction of entire headwater systems. Local communities are also impacted by blasting, loss of water quality, loss of entire streams, loss of community land, health impacts from coal dust and toxic slurry, and increased flooding. Therefore, many more specific issues of environmental and social injustice in this area can be traced back to the impacts of coal extraction through the process of MTR.
Why are student trips taken to Ecuador while most of Aurora Lights’ work is done in Appalachian Coal fields?
Jen Osha originally co-founded this nonprofit in Ecuador while she was serving as a WorldTeach volunteer. When she returned to the United States and began working in West Virginia, she noticed many similiarities between the impacts of oil extraction on the native peoples of Ecuador and the impacts of the coal industry on southern West Virginia residents. In the summers of 2005 and 2006, she organized groups of undergraduate students to travel to Ecuador as part of “International Perspectives on Environmental Issues.” Students also traveled to the southern West Virginia coalfields in preparation for the trip to gain understanding about some of the common issues facing communities organizing against large energy corporations.
Where can I find more information about Ecuador and things happening in the coal fields?
The Aurora Lights’ blog is a journal of up to date happenings.
How can I help with Aurora Lights’ work?
We are currently offering internship programs for students to get involved with our work in southern West Virginia. Students interested in traveling to Ecuador should contact Jen Osha directly at JenOsha@auroralights.org.
What are Aurora Lights’ future plans?
We are working towards purchasing land and starting a land-based school, through which we can offer more diverse educational programs as well as an opportunity for students to experience sustainable living first hand.
How can I stay up to date with what Aurora Lights is doing?
Check back to the website and blog often.
