In the United States law, federally designated wilderness is famously defined as ‘an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.’ One environmental ethics text defines natural like this: ‘Something is natural to the extent that it is independent of human design, control, and impacts.’ Definitions like this start with a basic assumption that human beings are not part of nature. They assume, in fact, that humans are the opposite of nature, that our influence makes a thing less wild or natural. And I simply reject this premise.
Emma Marris
After many years, I have come to see the concepts of wilderness and nature as not just unscientific but damaging.
It was amazingly warm this morning, 38 degrees when I left the condo about 6:15 am. I headed to Pineridge Natural Area to greet the sun then needed to take my car in for an oil change. Walked over to Starbucks to get a latte then caught the bus home.
Way too many cars with only one person in them. Admittedly I am a part of that problem and it eats at me. This town is very bus, bicycling and walking friendly. It is also environmental friendly with all its parks and natural area. They offer everyone the opportunity to be a part of nature, to be changed by it, leaving the car at home. I’ve been apart from nature for too many years because there is still a small part within me that thinks I’m not a part of nature. Yet, more time in nature has touched that essence within me that knows I am a part of nature. Aware of a desire to live a more vibrant and healthy concept of wilderness in wilderness. Taking pretty pitchers is not enough. Yes, I know, I sound like a broken record. Have another Awesome day!
