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.