In a day and age where technological advances and busy lifestyles limit the time we spend in natural places, nature writing should be an integral way for people to enjoy someone’s experience of such relations. It seems that “nature” is becoming more of a retreat or a weekend getaway for most people, but for me it has become a lifestyle. One of my goals is to open awareness of our natural environment and to help start a dialogue on the advantages of time spent in nature (whether it’s personal advantages or environmental advantages such as trail maintenance). There are many reasons why people do not get out and enjoy the “wilderness”. They range from lack of interest – to lack of means. By writing about it, I feel that at least I can bring a piece of the experience to their home among other reasons.
I was left to define nature and decide whether it was “worth” it. Well of course the answer to the latter was Yes! But the former was much more difficult to answer. What, in my definition, would help me justify studying/researching such a topic? For starters, most topics within nature writing are very closely related to the historical significance of the time. We can look at various periods of US history and see distinctions in writing that are a result of such events. (Check one for Value of the topic). Secondly, nature writing is used as a documentation of environmental changes (Barry Lopez, for example, Check two for Value). Thirdly, it’s a form of artistic expression (Thoreau, Muir et al) And think about how involved Muir was in the formation of national parks! (Check three!)
But what else? What else is out there that helps to justify the importance of such a topic. I welcome any comments/suggestions/thoughts/advice that you may have. And please, pass this short blog on to anyone you think could help! Nature and the idea of wilderness is such an important/integral part of our lives, whether we enjoy it, whether we love it, whether it is simply just a part of life. Thank you for your time!
The burgeoning Children in Nature movement is a prime example of WHY your topic is valuable, relevant and important.
ReplyDeleteThose authors provide language, metaphor and color to places our children can--in some cases--still experience themselves today. The books can give depth and meaning to a visit to the Muir woods, or the UT desert. But kids/young adults right now are spending less time outdoors than any other generation in human history...which is where the literature becomes the portal to the place, and--in turn--provides motivation for stewardship (which is probably a very significant topic to cover in your doctoral work).
I've often thought about a study of the language of our natural geography--the geography of place (specifically in the West)--very much a study of US Nature Writing.
Glad to have stumbled onto your blog--best of luck and I hope you generate the ideas you are seeking! Fondly, Ariella
Ariella, thank you so much for your impute! This means a lot. You're right, kids are not spending enough time outside and have little knowledge (and often time motivation to know) what is out there. Also, since our natural enviornment is changing so drastically (both naturally and due to human influence) what once was is now so much different (forrests being torn down, ice caps melting...) Like you said, by reading these accounts, one can learn about stewardship and other efforts to preserve our enviornment... it's the only one we have! Again, thanks for the leads! Are you a student as well?
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