In response to my previous post on the upcoming world environmental conference: The UN's Environment Program is now calling for the U.S. and China to improve their plans for the upcoming environmental conference. Their plans were described by Achim Steiner: “I still think the numbers put forward by some countries are not the ceiling, they are more like the floor, of what they can offer.”



http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/un-environment-chief-calls-on-china-us-to-raise-offers/

Inspired by the Montrose Beach phenomenon of the 1990's, the Chicago Park District is planning on restoring the city's southside line of beaches. This will help the city's lakeside ecology and bring about native plants and new wildlife. This is a huge move for Chicago as the city's beaches are unique to such a large metropolis.




http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-lakefront-restoration-06-bddec06,0,2175646.story

"If a man walks in the woods for love of them half of each day, he is in danger of being regarded as a loafer. But if he spends his days as a speculator, shearing off those woods and making the earth bald before her time, he is deemed an industrious and enterprising citizen."

Henry David Thoreau

I came across this article and found it interesting how the UN is making a strong effort to create a UN-centered world government. This would only lead toward progress as in our current environmental crisis the earth has become a major issue in politics. With climate change and the natural damage we are responsible, it is crucial for government to become involved and see to it that we can become more environmentally conscience. My favorite quotes out of this article was as follows:

"The environment should compete with religion as the only compelling, value-based narrative available to humanity." While the official strategy does not call for a global environmental religion, it does posit, "We must spare no effort to free all of humanity ... from the threat of living on a planet irredeemably spoilt by human activities..."


Government leaders are realizing the importance of the environment for healthy mental and physical condition. It's comparison to religion is extrodinary as society is globally caring and responding toward its restoration effort. I have always made a spiritual connection with the environment as I've found religion to exist the most within nature. It is good to know that world government recognizes that and wants to make sure that people can enjoy and further that experience.


http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/tech-mainmenu-30/environment/2435-un-ready-to-lead-environmental-world-government

"Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God."

-George Washington Carver

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness."

-John Muir

Nature is interpreted in many different ways...some see it as ordinary and some see it as spectacular. Though for the people with a great imagination, nature is a never ending mystery and provides us with great illusions:



"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity . . . and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself."

-William Blake

While reading this article I began to choke and felt absolutely disgusted by the close proximity of this. It was recently released that Indiana "ranks fourth in the nation for carbon dioxide emissions" from the state's old growing power plants. This is not only contributing to global warming but is also unhealthy to the citizens who live and visit the state. Being so close to Indiana and frequently visiting the state left me with a dark feeling. I'm truly concerned as this is just the start to what could become a major environmental disaster.


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iGCi0sLwhIiIYZdCnBVNS4oEkepwD9C65FGG0

Here I find a great linking of nature with religious experience. God is interpreted in many ways and many of these connectins are made in silence. In most cases we watch nature grow and move in silence and Mother Teresa sees that as a divine experience:


"God is the friend of silence. Trees, flowers, grass grow in silence. See the stars, moon, and sun, how they move in silence.
- Mother Teresa

Nature can often suprise us and rattle us with her unpredictable ways...but in a beautiful way we can predict what is to come which is one of her delights. Rachel Carson reminds us with this:


"There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter."
- Rachel Carson

The Opening Statement to "The Trouble with Wilderness" hit me harder than the fastball that drilled me in the ribcage last spring. This has become my motto over the last several years as nature as become exactly my escape. Other then family and friends, the environment is the only constant factor that exists in life. No matter where we are we can count on the environment to be there for us and it has become an escape from the cruel industrial world that is tearing through Americas untouched lands. I appreciated this opening statemenet and the significance it holds to my own philosophy.


"For many Americans wilderness stands as the last remaining place where civilization, that all too human disease, has not fully infected the earth. It is an island in the polluted sea of urban-industrial modernity, the one place we can turn for escape from our own too-muchness." - William Cronon

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our rural ancestors, with little blest,
Patient of labour when the end was rest,
Indulged the day that housed their annual grain,
With feasts, and off'rings, and a thankful strain.
~Alexander Pope

Due to the heavy traffic on 94 today I decided to save myself the extra hour of driving to Bridgeport and exited off California Ave. and drifted into the Logan Sqaure neighborhood. Walking down Logan Blvd., California Ave. and Milwaukee Ave. for almost two hours it hit me that I had never remembered roaming through a neighborhood with the observational sense that I did today. I picked up on many social, structural and natural aspects of the neighborhood and was taken away by the differences I encountered when I left Logan Blvd and walked further up California Ave. I will account my observations into a "derive" and I look forward to sharing my encounters.

Tomorrow I will venture into the south side of Chicago to engage in the derive. I'm going to the neighborhood of Bridgeport which has historically been an Irish neighborhood, but has also become very diverse over the last several decades. I have been to this neighborhood many times before but I am excited to observe it in a different light and take notice of the natural world, trash, character, people, terrain and other intriguing sights that may have never caught my eye before. I am looking forward to this idea of "drifting" and writing about an environment in which we often do not interpret as "real" nature.

Further evidence of the delight one can receive from nature that cannot be found in a book or anything artificial...

"A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books."

Walt Whitman

"All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God."

- Thomas Browne

The greatest aspect of nature is the fact that it is the one constant in our lives. No matter what happens, mother nature will always be present and available to us which makes the environment one of the only greater things in life we can count on. Perhaps this is why we are so aesthetically attracted to our surroundings and find nature to be a great escape.

The day, water, sun, moon, night - I do not have to purchase
these things with money.
- Plautus

I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show. ~Andrew Wyeth

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/green/chi-indiana-dunes-south-18-nov18,0,4642992.story

The Indiana Dunes, about an hour southeast of Chicago, have been experiencing extreme changes in its species including the decline of the Karber blue butterfly. Experts have attributed this to "warmer winters; predicted drops in Lake Michigan's water level; precipitation downfalls, which lead to flooding; invasive species; air pollution; and declines in fish populations from warmer-than-normal summer temperatures." This sounds like the direct result of global warming and while scientists are not positive on this, they have enough evidence to indicate that climate change is a major factor. Global climate change is affecting many aspects of our environment, and closer to home we see how a national park's species are beginning to decline due to the earth's changing temperatures.

I gaze out my window and into the rain that falls from the ominous sky. I wish for it to go away, but go with the flow as I'm struck by the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

“The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.”

I have found Styrofoam to be an extremely challenging text, but creating my own poem in this form was a fun writing experience. I never before found myself on google or surfing the web with the intent of poetry in mind and I found myself linking ideas that one would not immediately find related. This form of writing is very new to me and I anticipate reading similar texts and acqaunting myself with "documentary poetics." Its disorienting style is becoming easier to interpret but I find this style more adventerous and out-of-the-box than any other poetry I have read.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-chicago-water-16-nov16,0,6718001.story

Mayor Daley is considering leasing "Chicago's vast water system" and he is experiencing much criticizm due to disasterous plans by cities in the past. To make a water supply private would be a major move and could come back to haunt the city of Chicago. Taking control of a major waterway and making it private is taking control of an environmental space that was meant to be public. The environment continues to be taken advantage of and I anticipate Mayor Daley's decision as I feel the city may be going beyond its boundaries to use the land for more $$$.

An artistic perspective on the environment from one of the greatest artists to ever live. Nature has played an influential role in art as its aesthetic beauty is one of the most pleasing visuals to the eye. Van Gogh could not have said it any better:

“Keep your love of nature, for that is the true way to understand art more and more.”

-Vincent Van Gogh

Tshulu Camp

I have never been to Africa, but reading this article fascinates me with how the locals have transformed a struggling area into a tourist spot that actually benefits the wildlife. It is naturally constructed and in no way interferes with the ecosystem of this region. The bird life is described as "profilic" and the aesthetic features of Northeastern South Africa are stunning. The people have also benefited as this camp has provided work to this 3rd world part of South Africa.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/other/sns-travel-africa-ecotourism,0,3637241.story

The environment has a way of communicating to us in which other humans beings cannot. Advice to all:


"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."- Anne Frank

"City air makes free"- Jane Jacobs Death and Life of Great American Cities

For the past couple of weeks I have had this line in the back of my head. It believe it can be interpreted in many ways. Though, I have come to interpret this as once one enters the city they are free in identity and can express themselves freely without worry of judgement or prejudice. The city is a big place that flourishes with culture and ethnicities. When one immerses in this atmosphere they are freed by the city scene or "air" as it is referred to. This is why I have come to love the city and the sense of freedom that it offers.

A simple message with a large lesson:
"The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Finally we were graced this weekend with the presence of the Indian summer. My spirits were much raised as I was able to make it to the beach and feel as if spring was beginning to bloom. Mother nature has her ways, and this weekends suprise temperatures were warm in more ways than one.

An interesting interpretation of the endless mass that is the sky. Emerson finds deep aesthetic value in the sky and links it to a common necessity in life.

"The sky is the daily bread of the eyes." Ralph Waldo Emerson

As the leaves hit the ground and we are surrouned by fall this qoute strikes me:

"Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!"
- Humbert Wolfe

"I served my apprenticeship and have since done consierable journeywork in the huckleberry field. Though I never paid for my school and clothing in that way, it was some of the best schooling that I got and paid for itself."

- Henry David Thoreau from Huckleberries

Pantheism is a major theme within environmental texts. I myself have adopted the view that God exists within nature and that deep many deep spiritual experiences occur within the aesthetic elements of mother nature. While reading through Thoreau, I encountered this passage and was drawn to this pantheistic viewpoint. I have practiced mediation in the woods, and I have felt that a strong feeling of being attached to a God like presence. Nature is ultimately larger than life and I believe contains a spiritual presence that cannot be found within any other place of worship.

"My profession is always to be alert, to find God in nature, to know God's lurking places, to attend to all the oratorios and the operas in nature." - Henry David Thoreau

Center Field

A center fielder awaits the pitch, and CRACK! The ball is lined to the center field wall. The center fielder moves back without hesitation into the deep green space and charges toward the wall with his eye aimed at the ball in the air. As the ball begins to drop down, the outfielder approaches the warning track and slows down to avoid crashing into the wall. The fans scream for the ball to stretch, but the outfielder stops in the golden warning track dirt to catch the dying ball. As the ball descends down it hits his glove, and the fans moan in disbelief. The outfielder throws the ball back into the outfield and charges back to his position. Center Field is his and is the only space in time that he must worry about for nine innings.

Country to the City

As he got out of the car and entered out into the big city, his eyes glimmered with excitement and fear. Being from rural Ohio and never before seeing the hustle and bustle of the Windy City, he had no clue how to react. Walking around, he couldn't believe the fast pace of traffic and walking. Everything seemed to move a million miles an hour compared to the quiet countryside of back home. He had never before seen so many people of different races and didn't know how to interpret the lesser fortunate who roamed the street. His mind raced and head spun as he looked above at the towering sky scrapers that surrounded us. It had only been ten minutes and already his life was changed forever.

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."

- Frank Lloyd Wright

When I run, I seek nature. I am out of breath, my legs throb with pain, my upper arms are sore from pumping and all that exists for me in that moment in time is the beauty of the environment. Trapped in the heat of the moment, I cannot think of anything else. My mind craves an escape from the pain. So, I look to what surrounds me. I admire the trees, the grass, the breeze, the sky and all else natural that encloses me in that moment in time. The lush green of Lake Forest nature overtakes me and holds my concentration. Being trapped in the moment, it is the best time to observe natures ways. Every sway of the trees and fall of the leaves has my focus, and helps me push through each step that I run. Nature is what drives me through each run and has truly become a savior of this sport.

The ravine behind Deerpath Hall is hidden away from all of campus, but contains a beauty that will surprise anyone who wonders down. As I walk down the steep slope and through some of the leaves that have begun making an early fall to the ground, I take in the serene green of leaves and listen to the sway of the leaves. Lake Forest College is far removed from the peace of the ravine and I leave all of real life behind. The beauty and heat of the moment of being trapped away in the ravine helps to forget all of life’s responsibilities. It is a separate world from the college, and my daily regiment escapes me while sitting on a log overlooking the steep drop into the forest abyss. As the wind hits my face and chills my body, I feel the power of nature and the great mystery of the above. The cicadas scream overhead and animals communicate amongst each other. I am the only human being in sight and feel very comfortable in this natural setting. Sitting in the ravine, I have erased the real world completely from my head. Nature is all that exists and for that moment in time I pretend that civilization never happened. While students and Deerpath Hall loom only a couple hundred feet from me, I have escaped for this moment in time and love the quiet bliss of the ravine.

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've realized that my love of nature has grown widely since I've started running. This sport has opened my eyes to the natural world and every run I discover more in the environment than on the past run. I plan to detail my experiences in more depth throughout the semester. 

"To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug" - Helen Keller.

What a strange summer it has been in Chicago. While having a hot day here and there, it was many times chilly and rainy and unlike the warm summers that Chicago has grown accustomed to. Though in the past week to two, it appears summer has redeemed itself and we are headed towards what some would call an "Indian Summer."

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir

The Sound of Serenity (Minus the Facman Fan)

Cicadas rule the forest as their screeches dominate the wind that rolls through the air. Overpowering the cicadas is the large, machine like fan that is blasting from the facility management area. Its jet like sound is irritating next to the gentleness of the natural breeze. The wind glides through the trees and the sound of their sway is very calming. All of a sudden, a plane streams through the sky above and roars over the loud, facman fan and the screeching communication between the cicadas. As the plane exists, birds chirp lightly and the cicadas faze in and out. The fresh scent of tree bark and leaves fill my nostrils with natural delight. The wind hits my face and delicately brushes my hair back. Mosquitoes bounce on and off my legs in an attempt to bite me, but my fast movements prevent their small blood sucking fangs from latching on to my skin. Cicadas now take over the facman fan and their scream dominates the area. They rule the forest with their cries and our louder than any other creature lurking within.

Sitting on the log and immersed within the greenery of the forest life, I feel like dozing off. I am at an extreme peace. Having cross country practice in thirty minutes immediately escapes my mind. In fact, all of real life escapes my mind. Work, school, social life and all other elements of reality completely leave me. The natural presence of the forest captivates my mind and erases all thoughts of real existence. The environment is like a fantasy land that is only a few steps away. My mind is absolutely clear and I allow the breeze to hit my face as I imagine myself as a very small being among this amazing natural creation. With my eyes closed, nothing else exists and I could spend the rest of the afternoon sitting on this log and relaxing. Soon enough I will have to leave and attend back to real life, though I try not to think of that. I enjoy my final seconds in the forest among the screaming cicadas and insects and think forward to my visit.

I took the oppurtunity today to observe nature through my senses of hearing and smell...rather than my sense of sight. I had never consciously made myself observe nature in this matter before Mondays class, and it was rather aesthetically pleasing.

Thin and Thick

LFC Nature Area

The trees surround us as we sit on a stone benches centering around yellow flowers and grassland. The wind is soft, yet chills the skin as shade covers our circle. The forest appears torn up and plants spring the ground. The sound of a chainsaw growls in the background, but all else remains quiet on the calm, early fall like afternoon. Birds chirp and cicada screeches from above. The leaves reflect the sunlight and make for interesting shade of green. The sun makes its way through a the top of a tall tree and the wind smoothly rolls through each leaf. Built in wooden posts spring up from the ground and deeper into the woods, the shadows darken into a mysterious abyss. Flowers are blooming, quite the delight to the summer time eye. The sky is a pure blue, with only a light touch of faded hazy white clouds. All of a sudden, a branch falls from a true as an animal makes a sudden move. Bees skip from flower to flower and flies roam the green expanse of the plant world.

Right next to the Johnson Science Center, I center in on the restored wilderness area of Lake Forest College. The flowers and grassland that surround us spring from the soil from what was an environmental revival. Wooden posts emerge from the ground detailing information of the grassland and its purpose to bettering the environment. Chainsaws grumble in the distance, signalizing the ever increasing deforestation that is taking place in our society. Flowers bloom, but the chill in the air signifies a close end to summer time in Chicago. The sunlight reflects upon the leaves, signs of a soon return to dusk. As the wind glides through the leaves, it is a calming visual to naked eye. I relax on the stone bench, conveniently placed in the middle of the natural mecca, in which you are led into by a grass path that originates from the school grounds. This may be the most relaxing part of campus, an escape from dormitory life and the comings and goings of people from classroom buildings. Only a short walk away and I am immersed in a sedative state that only nature can provide. It is a dead calm, only the sounds of the communication between animals and insects can be heard in the green expanse of the forest world.

Lake Michigan

As the waves roll in, the cool Lake breeze is refreshing on the hot, drenching day. Each wave hits the shore at an even pace, no wave bigger than the other. The trees sway serenely in the background and still remain a summertime green. The lake is a light shade of blue as the clouds roll in from the distance. On my left side, factories and small buildings emerge in the distance and on my right side a pier jets out into the body of water. The sand provides warmth and a comforting cushion feel to my feet. As the waves continue to hit the shore, voices of young children fill the air while their mothers voices can be heard dominating above them. People walk the shore line and some play on the large, bundled rocks placed into the lake. The sun scorches down on me, I can feel the burning redness forming on my skin. Gazing further into the lake, jet skis zoom across the deep expanse and sail boats move smoothly across the rolling water. Seaweed is washed up on the shore and I walk out into the chilling water, which is a pleasant sensation to my sun burnt legs.

On a lazy late summers afternoon, I sprawl out on the shore of Lake Michigan at or beautiful beach of Lake Forest. As the waves hit the shore, I stare out into Lake Michigan, in hopes of maybe seeing the Michigan shoreline...a habit I’ve had since a kid. The wind rolls in from the impending clouds and it is a nice refresher on a hot day. I gaze to my left to see the factories and industry in North Chicago and far out to my right I can barely make out parts of the city of Chicago. The sun glares off the sand and helps to warm my body, along with the high noon sun. Mothers and their children mainly roam the beach, enjoying the final days before school is back in session. The slight wind rolls through the trees atop the steep hills, which creates a secluded feel to the beach to stretched out beach. I make my way toward the lake and take a dip into the chilly waters…most likely from the unusually cool Chicago summer.