Rethinking The Relationship Between Civilization And Nature

NPR Blogger and astrophysicist Adam Frank takes to the streets of Seattle to tell Audie Cornish why he believes we ought to think of cities and nature in a more holistic way.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2014/09/26/351678774/is-civilization-natural

Slivers of the past

If one looks closely, the stories are written into the land. Narratives are abundantly embedded in the interstices of the soil, water, and air and help give form to place. It is not uncommon to see slivers of the past all around--in the ruts of previously well traveled roadways now grown to forest; the brick steps that remain long after the house is gone; a rambling rose that was once planted by a forgotten hand. The landscape teems with the specters of those who have walked here before.

Urban Moundscape

It’s been said that some of our most common roadside weeds such as dandelion, thistle, plantain, and chicory have chased humans from Europe to America by following their dump heaps. Similarly, Native Americans have called urban weeds ‘white man’s footprints.’ Wherever we travel, weeds are sure to follow. Just as the seeds from last year’s pumpkin have sprouted in my compost pile, our debris has its own working and thriving ecology. National Geographic News (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/09/1409010-detroit-mounds-debris-dumping-vacant-lots/) reports that biologists in Detroit are scouring urban dump heaps for interesting plants. Illegal dumping is a common urban problem in any city, yet is rife in the Motor City which has its own host of other problems. Like the jungle ruins of Ankor Wat, nature shall persevere. Thirty foot trees are now emerging from piles of brick and shopping carts and festooned in goldenrods and asters. But not for long as the new city administration has made this urban blight a priority for removal. No doubt they should curtail illegal dumping, but maybe preserve some of these new urban mounds.