Achieving 30x30: Percentages Matter, We’re All in This Together, and What You Do to Help Counts Big-time

Green space in the Chicago region (credit:  Chicago Wilderness Alliance ) Did you know that back in December, one of the most important planetary environmental agreements in history got approved in Montreal? This would be the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework” (GBF), approved by the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, which clearly states the goal of protecting, conserving, and restoring 30% of Earth’s lands and waters by 2030. Not only was another opening created for the concept that non-human species have the right to exist and live their lives according to their kind in appropriate habitats, but indigenous peoples were included and given their due as primary keepers of land. If countries actually follow through on commitments (one of the biggest ifs) there might be a chance that biodiversity could start recovering, and we might have a chance of getting to half-earth by 2050. By providing enough habitat for 80% of species on earth, t

Christmas Day in Thatcher Woods

Took a late afternoon walk in snowy Thatcher woods, rarely so beautiful. Everything white and quiet, and hardly any traffic on nearby streets--natural sounds usually in the background pushed forward and layered the air. A squirrel scolded;  I turned to peer through trees and soft falling snow to see a hawk launch heavily off a tall tree, ghostly gray.

I walked north along the path on the river's snowy, icy eastern bank. Near the railroad tracks, some teens were sledding down an old high mound, once debris, now smoothed by age and overgrowth and years of sledding. Their newly matured voices rang out, distinct in their individual, blocky tones. As I went on and their voices faded, I grew very conscious of the trees next the path--for once undistracted by summer green or autumn russet--seeing clearly their size and age--the extreme corkiness of the bur oaks' bark, all furrowed and ridged; the smoother strips of the red oak; the diamond weave that marks the green ash; the textured patchiness of the maple. At intervals, I stood and looked and listened, before walking on. No sight of the usual deer, except tracks, of course.

I have seen the river nearly iced over, but today the central channel flowed, deep gunmetal gray, fairly low, so the current rippled and eddied around obstacles; the sound of the water riffling over some rocks surprised me, for the river is normally a quiet presence in these parts. Further south is the noisy dam where people fish in summer. After awhile I reached the place where the river broadens and curves around an island, a place where many trees show the angular cuts and stumps have the cone-shaped tops that beavers create, a place where grasses flourish in an opening the beavers helped make. The snow lay heavy on what looked to be a dam across the channel between the island and the west bank, something I hadn't noticed as complete a month ago. All remained still.

Alone in the woods is very different from together in the woods. A quiet walk alone is sometimes the necessary thing. After standing awhile, dusk coming on, I turned and headed for home.

Best wishes to all for the coming year.

Update 12/28/10: Dave Coulter at Osage + Orange took a walk that day, too. He sent this picture.

Des Plaines River

Related Posts:
Gardening in Thatcher Woods With Help
Bloom Day
Behold the Inglorious Garlic Mustard

Comments

Anonymous said…
Happy Holidays, Adrian. I'm taking advantage of the Christmas break to get caught up with my favorite blogs, so it was a treat to settle down to your five most recent posts this evening. This one really resonated for me; I am a lover of solitude, and I remember discovering how much more attuned to the natural world I was when I was alone in it.
BTW, I think your new blog design is great; I especially appreciate the tab for recommended books.
I saved your post on the polyculture lawn; so much important information rendered so clearly. When I'm ready to add my small patch of lawn in the lower part of my front yard, I'll be able to come back to this as a reference. -Jean
Don Plummer said…
I love winter walks in the woods! Thanks for your descriptive writing.
Hi Jean, Thanks for the good words. I'll be adding to the book list from time to time. I hope my lawn advice works in your region.

Hi Don, I hope you have good places to walk where you live.
Unknown said…
A beautiful post, Adrian. I am particularly drawn to writers who can articulate the human-natural connection. This one is marvelous.
Anonymous said…
Your description made me feel as if I were with you. I am so glad you had that time to be in the air, and observe the woods, and enjoy the quiet and solitude. A lovely thing.
MRG
Hi Thomas, Thanks, that connection is something I value and try to remain open to. Glad to see you're posting at Grounded Design again.

Hi MRG, Thanks.
Anonymous said…
To listen to the sounds of the wilderness without the superimposed sounds of civilization is an intense experience. Winter camping in a New Mexico mountain forest, I had a magical moment hearing an animal come near the tent, breathing the cold crisp air. It sniffed around, then merged with the mysterious sounds of the forest on a snowy night. -- Judy E.