Besides happily discovering that I wouldn’t actually perish if an apocalypse knocked us back to “Little House on the Prairie” times, I also learned that it takes stepping out into nature to understand conservation and preservation. Yes, they definitely have important economic benefits, which I learn about every day. And yes, conserving certain natural areas protects other developed areas and human life in general. But I think it is easy to forget another goal, one that seems miniscule in comparison—protecting nature for its (pardon my eloquence) nature-ness. We need the plants and bugs and mountains and fresh air. We need the beautiful views and the soft calm that is a flowing river. I can’t explain why, but when I was out there, I could feel it. And if that was all it took to convince this city girl, I’m sure it could convince you, too.
Elizabeth McGlamry