Our veteran nature writer signs off
Twenty-five years ago, then-editor Jim Gourlay informed me that a cougar article I’d written for Eastern Woods and Waters magazine would appear instead in a new magazine called Saltscapes. Using a mix of science in plain language and personal stories, I attempted to interest, inform, and motivate folks. A guiding principle was that nature should be a community of which we humans are a part, not merely a commodity to exploit.
Nature, not the economy, remains our only solid foundation for a healthy, sustainable existence on this planet. But we humans have overpowered it. A better understanding of nature can help one to gain respect and assist with nature restoration. Through my writing, I’ve tried to help in that regard.
The 25 years have seen positive changes that enable humans to lighten their impact on the planet. Solar energy costs came down. Solar panels now power many of our cars and homes. Forest schools are a growing trend, teaching youngsters about nature’s ways.
To regain an ecological balance and a healthy climate for humans and nature, we should be ecologically restoring vast areas of forests and oceans around the planet. Our best bet is to cleanse and moderate the climate, bringing the Earth back to a healthy state and reactivating carbon capture. Living with less and rewilding the lands and seas are our best options to head off the impending global catastrophe that our indifference to nature has sparked.
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to address you as an audience. Many of you have written, emailed, or called with, or for, additional nature information over the past two decades. Your interest has been heartening. Subject matter abounds in a changing world but it’s time for me to step away.
I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to Saltscapes staff members Jodi DeLong, Roxanna Boers, Shawn Dalton, and Crystal Murray. They’ve been wonderful accomplices in this adventure. Nature column readers, thank you!
Coming soon
Thanks to Bob for his many years of work to educate and inform readers. In the next issue of Saltscapes, our revamped Nature column returns, with experienced science and environmental journalist Moira Donovan taking up the mantle. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our team and look forward to sharing her insights. See her first column in our May issue. — Trevor J. Adams