Abstract: Thoreau and the Environment

Project Title: “Thoreau’s Impact on Scientific Environmentalism”

Project Abstract:

Henry David Thoreau—New England transcendentalist, social critic, author, poet, and naturalist—was a Renaissance man. Nearly everyday, year round, he explored every inch of Walden Woods, Estabrook Woods, and Concord, recording in his journals vivid, detailed accounts of what he heard, smelled, and saw. With this context, my essay will mainly discuss Thoreau’s nature writings, where he anticipated and impacted the methods and the findings of ecology and environmental history, the two sources of modern-day environmentalism. In analyzing Thoreau’s Walden, Bog, “The Succession of Forest Trees,” and “Wild Apples,” I’ll explore the connection between literature/rhetoric and science.

An abstract for proposed work:

An abstract for proposed work:
− a brief statement of the problem or question you are addressing, i.e., the purpose of your project
- One idea is a model garden or recycling post
- Another is fixing the wetland in Louisiana

− a succinct explanation of the techniques and/or methods you propose to use
- If I do the model I would use art supplies
- If I do the wetlands maybe a video or a paper

− summary of anticipated principal findings
- For the model my principal finding would be ways to have sustainable living
- For the wetlands research on ways to have healthier wetlands

− possible conclusions that you may make based on your methods and anticipated findings
- for the model I would show how people can have sustainable living
- For the wetland I would shows ways to fix the wetlands

What is the relationship between “nature” and the environment? To what extent is anything more natural than anything else? How does our verbal concept of nature effect the environment itself? Would we think about the world around us differently if we didn’t have the conceptual lines drawn by the perceived “nature”? To what extent would the plight of environmentalism be aided or harmed by re-evaluating the definition of nature?

preliminary final project proposal

For my final project, I intend to research the products and processes that go into the creation of a building. I hope to portray this by creating a model of a house in which photographs of the primary elements are used in the form of the final products. That is, a two-dimensional, potentially interactive outline of a house with outlines corresponding to items found within (e.g. fireplace, furniture). Within these individual outlines corresponding to items found within (e.g. ore, trees). This would be accompanied by a written explanation of the methods used and the conclusions drawn. I expect that many more materials and impacts are involved than those of which I am currently aware, so in addition to portraying the mainstream components of building, I hope to research more sustainable alternatives and perhaps include an alternate version of the model, or at least a room in contrast to the rest of the house. This project will seek to enlighten the audience (and myself) about the materials, processes, and by-products that go into making a structure, to encourage them to understand the impact of new construction, and to ultimately consider the integration of more sustainable building techniques and products.

I realize this project could easily become overwhelming, so I may end up limiting myself to a smaller structure or a particular room. I'll find out once I get going on research.

topic proposal

For my final project I want to explore how our religious beliefs effect our enviornmental attitudes. Different religions have different beliefs about our relationship to nature. These beliefs ultimately influence how we view nature and how we interact with nature. I plan on researching different religion such as Catholicism, Budhism, Wiccan, and Hinduhism.I anticipate that religious belifs have a large influence on how people aproach enviornmental problems.

Final Project Proposal "Abstract"

For my final project proposal I have chosen to look through the lens of religious studies. I plan to have a visual component to my project being a photograph. The second part being a poem. The picture will be a nature shot most likely in Audubon park maybe with one or two other people standing in it. The picture will represent our relationship to nature and our precious connection to the earth which is many times disregarded as insignificant. The poem will address the view people have on the earth and the condition it is in right now. The poem will draw on peoples religious and spiritual backgrounds and attitudes they have towards things like conservation and living eco-friendly. I hope to find and express the stance that spirituality and religion have on loving the earth and treating the environment with respect. I also plan to display my findings in Loyola art gallery in the Dana center so it may have an wider impact on the way some people think. Its significance is to inspire people to make differences in their daily lives relating to sustaining the earth. I conclude that my project will stop people and have them ponder the state of our environment and what they can do about it.

Richard Tucker

My proposal

I plan to make a thorough examination into a one very narrow aspect of my life in order to gain understanding, to define and to lay out the possible path to achieve the balance between nature and technology that is “transcendent living”. In short, to examine one aspect of life and lay bare its connections and ramifications to my contemporary existence, I plan to make a study into an omelet.

I will study and record every aspect of the omelets that I make regularly, and study the methodology of my omelets to understand the tension between nature and technology, I will research every aspect of my omelet, from the content and origin of its eggs and filling, to how I am able to cook it, the fuel sources and the pans, to what I eat it with, to dissect every describable aspect of the process in order to understand the frame and motivation behind it. I plan to engage is active field work through recording as much as possible about the omelet and the process it involves, and the turn to the internet and other literary sources to better understand and complement my findings. I might go as far as keeping an omelet journal to this end.

I expect to discern the smalls trends, patterns and indicators of why my findings where so, to understand the decisions behind my actions and the resultant omelet, and to grasp the wider context in which my omelet takes place. To bring forth the unconscious jumble of thoughts that have led to how and why my omelets are so, and to understand the larger connections behind my actions

The only way to achieve transcendence is incorporating sustainability into the march of technology. I will attempt to find the implications this concept brings to the fields of Sociology and Bioethics by investigating its effects on our attitude towards sustainability. For since the notion of Transcendence opens the door for mankind to separate itself from the natural trappings of a species that depends upon the biosphere to survive, it is important to understand this possibility. Both in the great promise it holds, and more importantly, the limitations it has when faced against great calamities that might impede further development before it is achieved. It is in these limitations that I will focus my study, for if we are to sustain unmaintainable behavior with the hope of some spurious cultural, technological or political change that will somehow curb the degradation of natural resources -- it is possible that with such a promise in mind we may precipitate this unnatural decay and reach an end to this age of plenty and learn a hard lesson for all mankind. In short, we may not be in time to divorce our fate from that of the earth that we are destroying.

What expect to find are a series of scenarios, but more than this a series of possibilities, answers and possible answers, some very promising things, some not so encouraging things, some remote some plausible, and to see what kind of a picture of the reality of human nature is formed in these terms and where we might decide through everyday actions to take it, whether we know it or not, how are choices affect everything. whether with think it’s a choice or just necessary unconscious actions of everyday life, but unlike at other points in our history these choices will affect the choices of future generations far beyond their control, in ways that will make such a defining human generation as the baby boomers choices look like they left us plenty of options…

Abstract

I want to explore the ways in which humans find themselves “connected” to nature, or better yet, “disconnected” to the environment, mostly through literature. More importantly, I want to examine the curiosity that drives humans to nature; besides the ecological importance of the environment to the civilized world, I want to explore what makes humans inspired by nature. Nature is one topic that seems to be portrayed as both human and divine, both innate and mysterious. This is all very broad and abstract, but I plan to focus on the way humans see nature, and the ways it is reflected through fiction. The actual concept of nature is intriguing but vast, so I plan to concentrate on its effects on humans and why it can be portrayed in many different contexts. Everything from Romanticism to the movie Avatar is source material for this inquiry. The thesis is yet to be determined, but will more than likely focus on what about nature has enraptured society so thoroughly, as depicted through art and literature. I hope to see a pattern in the way nature can be seen as derivative of both the natural and divine world.

Project Proposal

Abstract

It is fairly evident to most that coastal wetlands, specifically in Louisiana, are diminishing, but does this have any practical importance to the public, especially the inhabitants of this area, and nature? I plan to survey the wetlands of Plaquemines Parish by way of canoe, and note the various organisms that depend on this habitat as well as the layout of the land. I will compare the observations of specific locations within the wetlands with personal photographs taken several years earlier to show the degree of erosion that has taken place. In addition, I will use scientific diagrams that show the degree of erosion that has taken place over a 50 year period. I also intend to use scientific journals and personal testimonies to investigate the effects this degradation to Louisiana’s wetlands is causing the public as well as the organisms that depend on this area. I expect to find a large degree of environmental degradation in these areas, due to both anthropogenic and biogenic causes, and the great aesthetic and economic loss of the public that results. The solutions of wetland rehabilitation currently proposed must be investigated for their practicality and usefulness in order to prevent the loss of such a vital ecosystem.

Note: I am not entirely sure that these are the exact methods and techniques I will use for my final project, but I do plan on focusing on Louisiana coastal wetlands.

Final Project Abstract

I am going to be researching eco-spiritualism in the context of indigenous cultures. I will most likely be looking into Amazonian indigenous cultures. As we have discussed in class, there are many ways to go about understanding the environment. We can look at it scientifically, preservationally, conservationally, economically, philosophically, sociologically, etc.. Although there are many different lenses to view environmentalism through, indigenous cultures arguably have a very unique approach to this understanding. Or at least unique to the dominant western worldview. I would also argue that indigenous cultures have a closer and more truthful relationship with nature, seeing as their civilizations depend on the natural world and its processes more so than developed western society. Indigenous cultures seem to be more in touch with the spirituality and natural flow of nature, and I hope to develop a further understanding to that notion rather than just the assumption that I currently hold.
I will research indigenous cultures and their relationships to nature via ritual, mythology, medical practice, and social makeup. I hope to come to an understanding of nature through an indigenous culture’s view. I will contrast that with the understanding of nature from the western world view and hopefully come to a conclusion as to which one is more accurate. I assume I will come to the conclusion that certain aspects will be more accurate, while others more warped.

Project Proposal

I would like to focus my project on the extinction of the Caribbean Monk Seal. The species had been assumed extinct since the early 50s but was confirmed extinct in 2008. This species of seal is the first breed to have gone extinct solely by human cause. My project will address the questions of how this happened and what changes would have prevented it. Also to address what other species are in danger of this fate due to human cause. The purpose of this project will be to bring awareness to the fact this is a preventable situation, and that there is a need for not only concern but alternatives to current human behavior. I anticipate finding specific causes for the extinction, ways to prevent future repeats, and support that there are people concerned with these issues that are trying to save future species.

Proposal

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way in which mass media approaches the topic of climate change and thus how it influences the perspective of the public toward this issue. A wide variety of articles and studies related to this subject will be cited in order to observe the extent at which the mass media has or could influence the way climate change is perceived. A section will also be dedicated to data I collect personally from surveys distributed amongst local students. Their responses will also serve to determine whether the media has influenced their standpoint on the issue. Based on personal experience and preliminary research, it is assumed that this investigation will conclude that the media does have an active role in the dissemination of climate change information, and thus the approach it takes will in some way influence the perspective of its audience. Nevertheless, due to lack of information and supporting evidence, it is too soon to determine whether the general approach the media takes towards this topic is positive or negative.

Project Possibility

For my project I intend to investigate the environmental impact of a vegetarian diet versus an omnivorous one, through the lens of a specific (and cliche) food item. I plan to complete a cradle to grave research investigation of the environmental degradation incurred during the production of a Burger King veggie burger and that incurred during the production of a Burger King hamburger.
I plan to begin by looking into the origin of the beef used in the hamburgers and the vegetables used in the veggie burgers and examine the carbon emissions that go into production of each. Then through examining transport, cooking and packaging I hope to gain a sense of the true cost of each item.
Although I expect actual production of the vegetables used in the veggie burger to have fewer emissions than the beef, I know that there are several vegetables in each burger. The separate vegetables are probably grown several locations and therefore emit more during transportation. If this turns out to be true it may prove that, in terms of dining responsibly and reducing carbon emissions, being a vegetarian isn’t always enough.

Environmental awareness in/through arts, especially music

Abstract
Are the fine arts able to make aware of environmental issues? Are they powerful enough to change our behavior, to remind us of our responsibility? In this project, I will examine exactly these questions. The main focus is on music, including such songs as “Earth Songs” by Michael Jackson, “The earth is changing” by Depeche Mode and folk songs as well as events such as the “Live Earth”-concerts initiated by Al Gore to raise environmental awareness. Also, I will discuss the relations between music and the sounds of nature and how nature influences music, e.g. Beethoven's symphony No. 6, "Pastoral” or Smetana’s “Vlatva”, to name just two prominent examples. Depending on how far (or not) I can go with these topics, I will also include aspects of Environmental Art and/or Literature.
I expect that the arts will have a certain effect on our awareness but only on a relatively small group of people (compared to the worldwide population) and that the arts alone are not strong enough to create the mandatory change in our behavior to save the environment.


Comment
I am not 100% sure if this will be my final project – but it is the best I can think of at the moment. My problem with this topic is that I indeed want to do something in the field of the humanities (in its broadest sense) but do not intend writing a conventional research paper. However, I do not know how a practical aspect of such a work could look like. Especially since this is a project for Environmental Studies, I have the feeling that my project should be more than “only” a theoretical research paper.

Humans vs. Oceans

For my final project I would like to do some kind of spider graph, relating the oceans to human impact. The center of the graph will of course be the oceans and branching out will be the common effects will all know humans cause as well as new discoveries that have recently been made. It turns out we may have been destroying oceans and wildlife for 1000's upon 1000's of years longer than we originally anticipated, how utterly delightful. NOT! This project will be my jumping off point to further research into the ocean and all its inhabitants which I am choosing as my main focus in regards to Environmental Law. Our oceans contain so much uncharted territory and leave a great deal to the imagination. They are a source of life and I feel some people forget that, especially those harvesting and polluting these vast water sources.

walking through the park I looked at it through an art(architecture) lense. I am currently undecided but I am considering a major in English. What struck me the most while observing the park were the oak trees. The trees seem to have a big impact on the beauty of the park. Its intresting to see how each tree has a vital part in the park ecosystem. Not only did the trees hold my attention but the ducks that seemed to stay together at all times. Some of these ducks were resting near the water, and some were near the golfcourt. While looking at the park I began to ponder of how important it is to help preserve parks such as Audubon. There was this lady in the park who allowed me to take a picture of a painting she had just finished. She said she was fascinated by the beauty of the park and how from an artist perspective she knows how important it is to help preserve. Her name is Megan Williamson..Her website should have the paintings on there soon.

Business within Audubon

As I approach the group of ducks, they would scatter away as if I was an intruder. I settled down on one of the benches and just observed their behavior towards my action. As time progressed they came closer to where I was and my presence no longer bothered them; a pair of ducks passed by in front of me as if I was just another piece that complimented their home. Being an international business major, one of my many tasks will be to modify certain aspects of the business for it to succeed under foreign culture and political views. The “new” business in the foreign country may face disaffection from its potential customers because they are new in the business. If the company is able to adjust to the cultural shock and take measures to create a warm, welcoming environment, their possibility to succeed are very high—just like I was able to take part in the ducks gathering.

One individual always led the “pack” of ducks. However, even though the leader was clearly defined, everything they did was as a team. If one were to fly off to another site, everyone would join in. They held “conferences” as I called them, where they would gather around and just communicate. No one was left out of the group and every individual was “listening” to what they were all saying. In order for a business to properly function, leaders are declared in different sectors and their responsibility is to always look for the well being of the company. A company is a team, every sector and employee must work together in order to succeed; they must all be on the same page. Additionally, they must be responsible and work within the boundaries set by the law and the environment.

Working within the boundaries set by the environment means to not abuse its sources. Several cans and pieces of papers were found on the ground. Its bright colors and silky-look made it clear it was out-of-place. The trash was invading the ducks environment. This is a clear image of how civilization itself is being irresponsible with the environment; the business and its customers must take action and protect their environment. Through outsourcing the businesses have become very oblivious to the damages some of their product has over the land. They are oblivious because they do not witness themselves the consequences of their actions. The ducks are being responsible by only feeding when necessary and the amount of their wastes allow “nature” to make use of it and eliminate it.

Through an artistic perspective, the colors of the surroundings set the mood of everything. The cloudy sky darkens the picture. Shades of dark brown and green blend in with the colors of the ducks feathers. The weather is cold and windy; the presence of winter still inhabits New Orleans. The mood of all the creatures living in the park is quiet and relaxed—very different as to how it would be if it were sunny and warm. No signs of warm and happy colors around, only of those “out-of-place” objects invading the home of those living in the park. Everything is connected and related, as how it all should be. We should all be able to fit in with our environment and coexist with the many religions, race, and political views—just like the many different species of ducks and birds are able to live in harmony.

Audubon Park Adventures

The first lens I looked through was a mainly biological one; I observed the various ducks and cranes and made notes on their behavior. Most notably, I noticed one female mallard who, unlike most others, did not stick to a group of females or in a couple. She was distinct in color, and I wondered whether that was the reason for her behavior (and others' behavior toward her). She was lighter in tone overall, almost yellow and brown rather than an overall muted brown with darker patterns. I also noted differences in the ways in which the mallards and wood ducks interacted with others of their species.
Another lens through which I involuntarily looked was that which took note of all the trash lying around. This somewhat led into my next area of focus, which was what I guess I'll call a historical one. I took note (mostly through photographs) of evidence of change, be it natural or human-induced. Sometimes the distinction was difficult to make, as in the case of branches broken off of trees. Some of the things I recorded were quite obvious, such as the existence of park benches, trash cans, and the worn (not paved) path that winds along the lagoon's edge, while others were more subtle, like the presence of what looked like a brick or small cement slab embedded in the ground, and pebble-like chunks of tar or brick mixed in with the dirt, rocks, and shells in certain areas. What this brought up to me were what the motivations were for the changes. Some were again obvious, i.e., the trash cans were present to discourage littering, while others raised unanswered questions, such as the stump of an obviously considerably sized tree near the water's edge. I also knew from previous classes that certain clues visible in the park meant that more change was coming shortly. For example, the lagoon was quite full with leaves and other debris. For the first few feet or so, the depth didn't appear to exceed six inches. This means that relatively soon, the lagoon will be dredged so that it will remain intact. Some more overhanging branches may also be trimmed to decrease the rate at which leaves pile up within.

Nature.

I observe:

reflections, ripple.

brown backs, gray head, orange beaks

neck forward, legs peddling; swimming.

hanging moss, water drops; drip.

tall trees and green pines.

hungry squirrel, feeling uncertain;

stops and stares, 

scurries.

feel the air, breathe in

Nature.

I observe: 

in the distance, white golf cart; closer.

flies away beautiful white crane; frightened.

drops, drip water; fountain.

tall trees, neatly cut limbs.

brown needles cover cigarettes.

reflections on top, under

bottles, glass, ingredient label.

listen. buses, motorcycle, church bells.

they don't budge.

is this their Nature?

Field Observations in Audon Park

Through my primary lens of political science I viewed the park as a great place to gather and to think about every day life. Audubon Park has great paths to walk on and baseball and soccer field to play on. Parks are very important to a city. It gives people of a metropolitan area a place to walk around and have fun in the fresh air and trees. It is very important that people help preserve the park for future generations to enjoy. The park was just awarded $5,000 in a grant from the Association of Zoo Horticulture to restore the bird island that is in the park. Park officials have estimated that the island has been eroding away at 2-4 inches in the last three months. My secondary way of looking at the park would be though an environmental lens. One thing that concerns me is the tress that the park had to cut down to have the bike path and the golf course. To have the Audubon Park we had to destroy part of nature to put a path down so people can walk on hard sand and water and not the dirt that is under the path. I wonder how many beautiful oak trees they had to cut down so we would have the park that we see today? Another thing the concerns me is all the pesticides and fertilizer that goes into the duck pond from the surrounding golf course. I wonder the effect that has on the ecosystem of the park?

Journalistic vs. Ecological

The moment I entered Audubon Park I analyzed my surroundings through a journalistic/photographic lens. The picturesque background seemed as if it belonged in a magazine and so I attempted to capture every moving creature in a photograph. I watched as the ducks created a rippling effect as they waded through the water and as the tree branches gently swayed over the lagoon. Through a photographic perspective, the park is rich in vegetation and the interaction between the wildlife (i.e. birds, ducks, squirrels) and plants was beautiful. In relation to journalism, I began by considering the purpose of the park and whether or not it fit the needs of it's visitors. Out of curiosity I asked two Loyola students that visit the park regularly. Although they both said that it was "beautiful" and has "something for everyone", like a golf course and park for children, it would be nice if it had more recreational areas like tennis and volleyball courts. I also began to think about the park's peak hours and when it is safest to walk. Based on experience, I concluded that it is most full between 3-5pm. After some brief research, I discovered that criminal acts, such as rape, have taken place at Audubon Park. For this reason visitors -- especially those in small groups -- should visit during peak hours.

Through the perspective of a biologist, I analyzed the park in a completely different way. I first began by observing the diversity of the bird species, and quickly noticed how they were all so different. From merely strolling beside the front lake, I saw approximately six different kinds of birds (mallard, swan, crane, etc.). I then began to consider the close proximity the park has with urban life, and whether it affects the well being of the wildlife at all. I noticed a significant amount of litter around the park benches and I couldn't help but wonder how the presence of joggers, restless children, and even horseback riders impacts the natural habitat.

Interconnected

When I first was observing the landscape of Audubon Park on Wednesday it wasn't clear to me what lenses to approach my Field notes with. I couldn't really think straight either because Richard was trying to count every duck, squirrel, and egret in the place. I did notice the pond while walking along its shore. The same shore I have sat on for many hours making friends with people and animals. This time I noticed how much the environment of the surrounding area depended on the presence of the water. The many species of ducks would not be there at all if there wasn't a body of water for them to thrive in. The large amount of trees and root systems encompassing the water survive by the nutrients in the pond. Squirrels and many different birds, most notably the egrets on the island, seek the protection of these trees. Having switched my major to Religious studies I wasn't sure if it would be beneficial to describe all this through that lens. But after talking to a few different people it occurred to me that it was the perfect lens. Through the eyes of religion, creation, and spirituality it is obvious that this is a great example of the interconnectivity of life. The plants and animals all depend on each other for survival, even the pond itself needs them to survive. The result is a continuous relationship one could describe as the circle of life. Through a biological lens I saw the situation from a similar standpoint but to a varying degree. A biologist would look at this water habitat and the species in it as an example of survival of the fittest or a small food chain. The fish eat the weeds in the pond, the ducks eat the fish giving nutrients back to the pond, the trees drink the water and nutrients, and the birds live in the trees creating a food chain. My favorite evolutionary biologist, E.O. Wilson, actually likes to note the interconnected web of life that is earth. This was a helpful exercise to learn how to view the environment around us trough different eyes.

Ducks and Golf

walking through the park there are two lens of analysis through which the world strikes me. sociologically i find it interesting that the mayority of the park is devoted to a golf course, with a club house and little pathways for golf carts. now anyone could potentially use these facilities, but the are cordoned off from a good bit of the park by water, and in some cases there are costs or skils involved that only the rich tend to posses. so i found it quite fitting that the outside perimeter is open to all for jogging, biking, walking, and so on but that the space inside is reserved in some way for the pursuits of the rich. it completes a social picture and goes unquestioned. truly there could be more trees or general recreation facilities that are of use to a wider demographic. secondly an ecological aspect of the park struck me, which was that in its artificiality, it bring many ducks to what would otherwise be a break resting spot, were it not for the fact that the waters are so stagnant and the pond an unnatural man made formation. the water is terribly contaminated with their waste, as is the ground in some places. in a more natural setting the nitrogen and other elements would disperse naturally back to where they belong, but here they simply contaminate. i calculate that there are 350-500 birds at any given point in an afternoon, more or less i imagine by season, all in all a dozen or so species. not it might not be enough on a large scale, but all of that manure could be put to better use, so that the park could reflect more natural order.. this is an example of better thinking when it comes to duck poop:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/04/nyregion/a-duck-farm-turns-dross-into-gold.html?pagewanted=all

Wordsworth and Audubon Park

During my field study of Audubon Park (which mainly included observing different tree species e.g., Weeping Willows and Cypresses and noting their crown uniformity and foliage), William Wordsworth's poem "Lines Written in Early Spring" quickly came to mind despite the winter season. Published in Lyrical Ballads (1798), this poem offers a penetrating study on humanity and our environment. For my post, I'll give a rather lengthy explication of the poem.

Lines Written in Early Spring

I heard a thousand blended notes,
While in a grove I sate reclined,
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower,
The periwinkle trailed its wreaths;
And 'tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.

The birds around me hopped and played
Their thoughts I cannot measure:--
But the least motion which they made
It seemed a thrill of pleasure.

The budding twigs spread out their fan,
To catch the breezy air;
And I must think, do all I can,
That there was pleasure there.

If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature's holy plan,
Have I not reason to lament
What man has made of man?

I generally tend to scoff at the standard interpretation of “Lines Written in Early Spring”—that is, another poor anti-industrial, Romantic laments on humanity’s detachment from nature. When the line “what man has made of man” is uttered, the mind, in Pavlovian fashion, automatically thinks pollution, deforestation, chemical spills, and ceaseless technological change. This interpretation is suffocatingly simplistic. First and foremost, humanity is intricately a part of nature, whether we like it or not, and any petty attempt at escapism is woefully ignorant. Recent biology strengthens my point. At the microcosmic level, we are composed of mitochondria, which have their own DNA and RNA quite different from our own. Without them, we would not move a muscle or think a thought. Rarely mentioned, our centrioles and basal bodies, along with other similar tiny creatures work in our cells each equipped with their own genomes. Even further, our cells are ecosystems more complex than the Greater Antilles. As moderns, we must acknowledge that we can never detach ourselves from nature materially, no matter the polymer, glass, and steel we enclose ourselves in; however, spiritual detachment is possible.

Nature's and humanity’s existence vastly differ in “Lines Written in Early.” To begin with, nature merely exists. It’s unemotional, non-judgmental, and unthinking. It just is. To the human eye, nature is organically beautiful and content in this ontological state. In typical Thel fashion, nature is content because it has a purpose. In the poem, inside a grove, the speaker observes what nature has to offer from “primrose tufts” and “periwinkles” to “budding twigs.” Imposing an aesthetic, he finds these natural elements beautiful and pleasant. However, a crucial turn surfaces when “in that sweet mood” “pleasant thoughts bring sad thoughts to the mind.” In other words, the act of thinking elicits depression and psychological discomfort within the speaker, for human thought is corrupt, which is a point William Blake would emphatically make. Throughout the poem, the speaker arduously anthropomorphizes nature as blissful and highly pleasured. This isn’t surprising since humans have an unwavering talent for anthropomorphizing and an insatiable appetite for pathetic fallacy. Arguably, I don’t think Wordsworth advocates this talent: in his view, humans shouldn’t anthropomorphize nature; nature should anthropomorphize us. Pathetic fallacy is malicious ivy. It permeates our ontological philosophy. Throughout the centuries, humanity has asked their ontological environment about the nature of existence, being, and reality, always beginning with that petulant, relentless interrogative word “why.” We attempt to give our environment the human characteristic of thinking and speaking, so it can answer us. Wordsworth wants us to discover a way other than cognition to link to nature.

In this poem, pathetic fallacy is the poetic fulcrum. In lines 19-20, the speaker is doing all he can to convince himself that nature is sanguine in its state—it’s a yearning so strong and so insistent that it cannot be effectually resisted. As a Romantic, he envies this ontological state, for nature doesn’t delve into horrid grief when someone dies, and nature doesn’t suffer from existential anxiety when it contemplates the strangeness and irrationally of reality. Assuming this is so, we shouldn’t be a part of nature—we should be nature. With human hearts beating to this idealistic idea, we must escape our imperfect, besmirched, seedy, and spurious mammalian nature. It’s important to note that nature isn’t this cold, robotic entity. The Swiss Alps, the ornate lion fish, or very tightly furled buds beginning to burgeon and unfold do not convey this image. More to the point, it seems as though the natural world does not react to destruction with human hysteria. Rather, it embraces destruction and flawlessly realizes that destruction is a part of creation without even thinking, similar to life and death. Since we are at the mercy of our limited senses, humans have trouble viewing life and death as existence itself. Ultimately, “Lines Written in Early Spring” is a grab at transcendence, transcending this feeble state of mind--so we can just be.

While walking through the park, I kept trying to focus on my surroundings through a "lens" of some kind--a familiar lens and an unfamiliar one. It didn't work out as well as I had hoped. Instead of focusing on the park through the lens of an English major, like I had planned, I focused through the lens of a cynic. Instead of noticing the beauty of the park, I saw the litter, the construction, and the mind-boggling disgusting effects humans have on "nature." I felt a lot of contempt for the park because of all the human interference. There were construction workers seemingly everywhere, just lots of loud men with dead-yellow machinery whirling away. Exercise equipment dotted the walkway, and there were manmade fountains in the middle of the pond. Many of the trees were held up by wire and metal poles, and the pond was trashed with empty cans and bags of potato chips. In the middle of all of the seemingly natural trees and the pond, there was gigantic, unnaturally green golf course. Even though I know this place is pleasant--I enjoy Audubon Park a lot--I just couldn't wrap my mind around the idea that this was my idea of "nature." I am not the kind of person to go hiking up a mountain with my bare hands, but I suddenly felt very disgusted with myself that this was my idea of a natural environment when it is just more manmade than anything.
The other side of the spectrum was much more pleasant when I started noticing it. Rather than focusing on the effect of humans on this environment, I saw the effect of this environment on humans. Everyone I saw in the park looked happy: the construction workers, the people riding on horses, the man who was painting, the joggers, and even I felt happier being outside. It was a pretty bleak day; the sun wasn’t out and it looked ready to rain. But I still enjoyed watching the ducks and sitting under a gigantic oak tree. It is odd that even in cold weather, with a bad cough and a runny nose, I just felt happy to be outside. Even if it is a manmade imitation of nature, Audubon park is still pleasant because it is the closest piece of “nature” that I am comfortable with.

The first lens I tried to see the park through was a biological lens. I spent a lot of time around the lagoon watching how the animals interact with the environment and each other. One thing I notices was that there was at least three different kinds of ducks swimming around. There were a few small black ducks, mostly slightly larger ducks with orange beaks, but my favorites were the mallards. Unlike the other types of ducks that mostly stayed in groups, it was not uncommon to see a male and female mallard swimming or walking around together. In fact I observed a fight between two males because one male came too close to the female. Although the park is beautiful, it is still hard to ignore the impact of human influence while observing. The golf course, fake fountains, signs that say “no swimming” and “no fishing” constantly caught my eye. Also it is amazing how much the animals are used to having people around. A pair of mallards walked right next to me as I was sitting on a bench, and a squirrel stood close by waiting to see if I had any food. Later on I walked right next to two cranes that did not move an inch to get away.
The second view I saw the park in was a religious lens. I thought about the piece we read by St. Fancis of Assisi, and how some refer to him as one of the first environmentalist. Religious beliefs are important because it effect how we view and interact with the environment. In most monotheistic religions people view themselves as stewards of the earth. For example Christians believe that God gave us the earth and we can do what we want with it, but we are also responsible for taking care of it. In many ways New Orleans is strong influenced by Catholicism. And looking at the park I could see some of the stewardship thinking. We are responsible to set aside park space, but we still can build walking paths and fountains. The park is still very beautiful and nice, but I thought about how different it would be if we lived in a society that was primarily influenced by Wicca, Hinduism, or Buddhism. Our park would probably be much different.

Audubon observation

Walking around Audubon Park on Wednesday, I chose to observe my surroundings through historical and biological lenses. Historically, I saw the awe inspiring live oak trees that date back a century or more. I saw squirrels and birds inhabiting the trees and wondered how many thousands of birds, bugs, and other critters had relied on these trees over the past hundred years. The ancient trees were complimented by a pathway for bikers and joggers to enjoy the park. Through conservation, as opposed to preservation, efforts, the park has turned into a functional space for New Orleans society. What was unusual was the tree clearing that was going on on bird island. A few trees are being cleared in order to sustain the future of bird island. It seemed a bit contradictory to clear trees in order to conserve a habitat. Trees have also been cleared to make way for field space, a golf course has been put in, swings, a hut with bathrooms, grills, etc.. It made me wonder what the space was like before development.

Looking at the park through a biological lens, i noticed the biodiversity in the park. There are different kinds of palm trees, live oaks, and flower gardens. There are also massive ant hills that I noticed. What I spent the most time observing the ducks in the pond. I was particularly watching a few smaller ducks, I'm not sure what kind they were, but they were brownish with bright orange beaks. They were perched on some dead trees sitting on the bank of the pond. They were competing for the best spot on the perch. They would occasionally hiss and one another and flap their wings in a show of dominance. It was quite interesting to see them interact. It is even more interesting to see all the birds around sunset compete in a similar fashion for a spot on the trees on bird island. They jump around from limb to limb competing for the best spot until the sun goes down and they are to remain their for the rest of the night.

When I walk around Audubon all I can think about is how beautiful everything is. From the grand trees with the Spanish moss hanging, to the egrets skimming the surface of the pond. From a theatrical stand point I see scenery, I think of a very detailed set of a Chekhov play. When he wrote, the stage directions were set in stone and the image, very vivid. Playwrights and authors have been inspired by such beauty since the beginning of time. Without nature where would the world of civilized thought be at this time? Honestly, in my personal opinion, it would be non-existent.
Now let us take the park from an Environmental stand point. There is much to be done to restore and preserve this small treasure in the middle of a bustling city. There is trash thrown here and there but I can say that the littering is far less here than in many other places. The pond in Audubon is a bit of a disaster. In my Environment and Society class I learned that they actually install filters within the pond to provide oxygen but the run- off from the gulf course clogs them, resulting in a number of fish dying at once. It is only after this happens that the problem is acknowledged.