Thoughts on Conservation

Pipevine Swallowtail Hovers over Milkweed photo by Gail E Rowley Ozark Stream Photography

Conservation is a bridge that brings all people from all walks of life together, since everyone needs natural resources, clean air and water, good soil, and beautiful places to enjoy. It seems to me we all need to be able to find places to hear songbirds, to learn about animals, birds, insects… to give our children, no matter where they live, a chance to explore the wonders of nature. It is well documented that time spent in the natural world helps us stay healthy in body and mind. Examples are 1) American Public Health Assoc: “Improving Health and Wellness through Access to Nature”, policy # 20137; 2) Stanford: “Stanford Researchers Find Mental Health Prescription: “Nature”, 2015; 3) Business Insider: “Scientific benefits of spending time in nature”, 2016; 4) CRC Health: “Why Nature is Therapeutic”; 5) The George Wright Forum: “Healthy Parks, Healthy People”.

Because this planet is the only home we have, I always hope we diverse humans can come together around the worthy challenges of conservation. Nature keeps inspiring me to be aware of my actions and to do better. I think there is something, however small, that all of us can do to live smarter, to become a part of the solution to our problems on this amazing planet.

Ozark Stream Photography is named after waterways where I live. Choosing the name for this photography business was a matter of expressing appreciation for all water sources, in particular Ozark springs and streams.

I am an organic gardener. Over the years I have witnessed a balance of nature in the garden that is a winning formula for healthy soil and plants. For me, the nitty-gritty details about this subject are endlessly interesting. The more I experience and study the checks and balances in nature, the more awesome it all is — it continually proves out that all of life is intricately interwoven. I’m happy more people are becoming interested in encouraging nature’s balance, and inviting the natural processes of life to flourish in their own yards.

macro of Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly Macro

As a member of the Missouri Stream Team Program, I have opportunities to learn useful facts about streams, creeks and rivers, and ways to check how healthy they are. Even during the times, I can’t do stream monitoring, I’m inspired by being a part of a state-wide community that genuinely cares about live water. If you are interested in this program, please note the website below. There are similar programs in other states as well.

beaver dam on Ozark creek on icy January evening photo by Gail E Rowley Ozark Stream Photography

There are lots of different organizations that offer support and knowledge to anyone who wishes to learn and practice conservation methods on various levels. Best wishes on your own journey for nature!

“Nature is an open book for those who care to read. Each grass-covered hillside is a page on which is written the history of the past, conditions of the present and predictions of the future. Some see without understanding, but let us look closely and understandingly, and act wisely, and in time bring our methods of land use and conservation activities into close harmony with the dictates of nature.” John E Weaver, North American Prairie, 1954

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