American biologist, ecologist and entomologist E.O. Wilson said, “The human species is an environmental hazard.” We have a social system of attitudes and practices that puts human interests over all other life and the natural world. We need to focus on mitigating the harmful impacts of one species and that is us. Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D. in ethology, reminds us, “Cultivating respect for nature and all of its citizens isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.”
Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) reported on July 22, 2021, that Wissahickon Valley Park received a “hot spot” designation …
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American biologist, ecologist and entomologist E.O. Wilson said, “The human species is an environmental hazard.” We have a social system of attitudes and practices that puts human interests over all other life and the natural world. We need to focus on mitigating the harmful impacts of one species and that is us. Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D. in ethology, reminds us, “Cultivating respect for nature and all of its citizens isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.”
Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) reported on July 22, 2021, that Wissahickon Valley Park received a “hot spot” designation as an area suffering from severe and chronic human-related impacts. Yearly visitors have grown to an estimated 2.6 million, the most ever. According to an Amherst College professor, “Parks deteriorate under the sheer pressure of humans. High levels of use contribute to significant ecological damage.”
Chronic human-generated noise can potentially lead to imbalances in the natural community.
The British newspaper, The Guardian, reported on a 5-year-old study where noise pollution significantly disrupts wildlife behavior, communication, foraging and reproduction. A noisy environment can even have an indirect effect on plants. A zip line proposal in Wissahickon Valley Park was canceled in 2013 due to environmental concerns such as noise, among others. FOW urges park visitors to respect wildlife and limit excessive noise.
Our behavior determines the health of an ecosystem. We must consider limits and restraint on our recreation impacts until living in harmony with nature is realized.
Bridget W. Irons
Chestnut Hill
Co-founder, Philadelphia Advocates for the Deer
