America's Natural Story
· design
The Silent Stories America’s Nature Told Us Long Ago
As the United States marks 250 years of independence, it’s easy to get caught up in grand narratives about its founding principles, wars, and iconic leaders. However, there are quieter tales that have been woven into the fabric of this country – stories that reveal the intricate relationships between humans and nature.
Take Yosemite National Park, for example. Established as one of the first national parks in 1890, it has long been celebrated as a symbol of American greatness. Yet, its story is more nuanced than meets the eye. The displacement of indigenous communities, the exploitation of natural resources, and the ongoing struggle to balance human impact with conservation efforts are all part of this complex narrative.
This complexity is evident throughout the list of 25 American natural wonders selected by notable outdoor enthusiasts and thought leaders. Jon Krakauer’s choice of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve highlights our nation’s commitment to protecting the environment, but also raises questions about the limitations of that protection. The park’s vast expanse, accessible only by air or river, speaks to a country where accessibility is often reserved for those with privilege.
A Nation Born from Wilderness
The concept of wilderness has long been tied to American identity. We’re a nation born from the idea of untamed land and limitless possibility. However, as we celebrate our natural wonders, we must also acknowledge the myth that underpins this narrative: the notion that America is somehow disconnected from its own history and the people who first inhabited these lands.
Rae Wynn-Grant’s selection of the Sky Islands in Arizona and New Mexico offers a poignant counterpoint to this narrative. These small ecosystems are not just breathtakingly beautiful; they’re also home to some of the world’s most endangered species. The story of conservation efforts here is one of resilience, collaboration, and recognition that human impact can be both destructive and restorative.
A Future That Depends on the Past
Mikaela Shiffrin’s choice of the Rocky Mountains highlights a pressing concern for our nation: climate change. As temperatures rise and snowpack dwindles, we’re forced to confront the consequences of our actions. The Olympics, once a symbol of international cooperation and peaceful competition, now face an uncertain future.
The story of America’s natural wonders is not just about their beauty; it’s also about the intricate relationships between humans and nature. As Chuck Sams notes in his selection of Redwood National and State Parks, these ancient trees embody patience, endurance, and interdependence – qualities that we would do well to learn from.
The High Line: A Model for Collaboration
The High Line in New York City offers a different kind of story altogether. Glenn Fogel’s enthusiasm for this urban oasis is infectious, but it also raises questions about the priorities of our nation. As we build and rebuild, we must recognize that progress depends on collaboration – between public and private interests, government and philanthropy.
A Nation of Surprises and Discovery
As Jeff Daniels notes in his selection of The Crossroads, America has always been a country of surprises and discovery. Our next 250 years will depend on how we work together to unlock new potential in existing foundations and create spaces that bring people together. But we must do more than just celebrate our natural wonders; we must also learn from the stories they tell – about resilience, collaboration, and the intricate relationships between humans and nature.
Ultimately, America’s story is not one of grand narratives or iconic leaders alone. It’s a complex narrative woven from the quieter tales of its people and their relationship with the land. As we move forward into this next chapter, it’s time to listen more carefully to the stories that our natural wonders have been telling us all along – stories of patience, endurance, and interdependence.
Reader Views
- TSThe Studio Desk · editorial
The notion that America's natural story is somehow separate from its complex history and indigenous roots is a convenient myth. The truth is, these natural wonders are not just beautiful landscapes, but also sites of painful displacement and cultural erasure. We need to acknowledge the fraught relationships between conservation efforts and the Native American communities who have been marginalized for centuries. Ultimately, our reverence for America's wilderness must be balanced with a deeper understanding of the human experience that has shaped this land.
- TDTheo D. · type designer
The article's emphasis on America's natural wonders as a reflection of its founding principles glosses over the inconvenient truth that these sites are often inaccessible to the very people who would most benefit from their preservation. The issue isn't just one of privilege, but also of resource management and the power dynamics at play when government agencies dictate which areas are deemed "wild" and worthy of protection. By examining the complex relationships between humans and nature in America's national parks, we may discover that our conservation efforts are more nuanced than they initially seem.
- NFNoa F. · graphic designer
The idea of America's wilderness as a tabula rasa is a myth that needs to be dismantled. Not only does it erase the indigenous presence, but it also ignores the fact that these natural wonders are often inextricably linked to human existence – be it through cultural significance, economic activity, or environmental degradation. Rather than romanticizing our connection to nature, we should focus on developing a more nuanced understanding of how humans have always been part of this ecosystem, and what this means for conservation efforts moving forward.