“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.” Aldo Leopold
Consider the following:
1. The visible effects (dead grass, ruts, soil compaction…) of excessive mowing:
2. A bunk riparian buffer/”grow zone” with little to no native species presence, or proper width or proper management.
Now, Readers, having viewed these pictures – taken yesterday, answer the following questions:
1. Is this ok?
-(It sure shouldn’t be, almost everything documented in the above pictures shows an ecosystem violated both according to the tenants of Aldo Leopold and the guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.)
2. Is this what you really want your natural resources looking like?
-(It sure shouldn’t be, absent from any picture above are the rows of native wildflowers, shrubs and trees – the plant diversity that in turn creates more wildlife diversity and in turn preserves and enhances the overall biodiversity – that should be creating scenes of awesome beauty this time of year. NOT A FOREST FOLKS, I am talking about 30 feet of native vegetation.)
3. What else do you need to convince you that things need to change – now?
-(I would hope the answer is nothing but a policy shift by the city and park department administration.)
So, you really think this is ok? You really want our parks to look this way? You don’t think things need to change? I have no idea what you are seeing. You sure aren’t looking at what I am. Please Consider the following if you disagree with the sentiments above:
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” Aldo Leopold
Don’t forget Readers, Everything is Connected. Even us.
#1 by annoymous on August 14, 2010 - 7:41 am
This has been park policy for years. Why Lehigh Parkway city employees daily utilize the meadows as roadways for heavy equipment when a foot away is a convenient bridle path remains a mystery. Whether the city workers realize it or not, they set an example for visitors. The tire marks never go away. The tires have destroyed all semblance of grass and even if today new seed was planted, it would not grow as the earth has been compacted into oblivion.
#2 by annoymous on August 14, 2010 - 7:43 am
Please next do a blog with photos of the Academy Road gravel covered line of trees. One is already dying.
#3 by annoymous on August 14, 2010 - 1:36 pm
Andrew,
What if you started to look for a small urban lot in downtown and apply for grants and restore it to beauty. This project could act as an outstanding class project, even a senior project, that could bring you academic accolades.