Unlike the previous articles we read, the Biodiversity Assessment Handbook for New York City by Erik Kiviat and Elizabeth A. Johnson provided insight on policies and legislations that can or already is implemented to conserve and prevent further destruction to the environment. The handbook reiterated information and facts discussed in class about the importance of preserving the natural wildlife in New York. However, the authors also highlighted that many species adapted to New York City’s current urban biodiversity, citing the nesting of the peregrine falcons on skyscrapers, bridges,or church steeples. I found it fascinating to imagine the thousands of rare species existing in New York City. Living in New York my whole life, the only birds that came to my mind were pigeons, yet there are so many different types of birds solely in Central Park. It is so easy not to acknowledge things that we are not knowledgeable in or personally do not find interesting. The handbook discusses bedrock in New York City. Reading about all the different types of rocks and soil brought flashbacks to Earth Science, where my class was shown pictures or given small samples of some of the rocks. However, the experience would have been much more imprinting if perhaps the class took a field trip to Central Park and distinguished the different compositions.
There are various perspectives on land usage and many people argue for the construction of buildings for office space or housing to cater to the city’s impending population crisis. The only way serious change can be enacted is if people recognize the importance and benefits of conservation and restoration. People do not understand that these natural habitats are necessary for our survival. First step: education and appreciation.
