Thoreau lived a narrow life, not traveling far and only leaving the United States for a trip to Canada. But he read widely and paid attention to the wildlife, birds and seasons around Massachusetts, where he was born and lived. He recorded his thoughts in a series of notebooks, talks and essays that have been studied worldwide and especially in the United States by our leaders in politics, natural history and philosophy. He made an impact through his careful observations and deductions about the natural world and man’s place in it.
And I was recently thinking about his quote, "In wildness is the preservation of the world."
I know I personally feel a connection to nature during walks in parks, as I sit on my porch and watch the wetland behind my house, as I see birds flying overhead. We have discussed in my President’s Letters how important it is to protect natural areas, for the clean air and water so vital to our personal health, the open spaces that give our hearts solace, and for the economic benefits of stormwater catchments and ecotourism – so vital to our region’s economy.
Knowing that places where I have never been are being conserved for the wildlife, including Alaska, lands out west, and lands as national parks and wildlife refuges, state and county lands, and even our local yards and pocket parks, makes me hopeful of a good future for our world.
Tampa Audubon Society plays a small role in this effort, and for that I thank you, our members, for what you do every day, investing in your membership in our Society, reducing your energy impacts and saving water resources, sharing your knowledge and compassion for wildlife and other people.
We are so lucky to live in a country where these values are shared and have been promoted for decades.
Let’s get together, in our meetings, on Zoom, on our field trips, at nature events, and with our families and friends, to enjoy and celebrate the special features of our world. For, in another quote from Mr. Thoreau, we are “Free in this world as the birds in the air, disengaged from every kind of chains.” And we are so fortunate to live now, in this time and this place.
God Bless America.
Ann Paul, President, Tampa Audubon Society