The High Line
The highline was very different from what I imagined it would be. I had never been there before but I though it would be an ordinary park where various (dull) plants would be growing amongst the older tracks. I read that it was elevated, but did not take much consideration of it. However once I walked down 23rd ST towards 10th AVE and saw the stairs leading up to the park, I realized it was something really different.
This park basically defined my perception of what Marris describes a Rambunctious Garden to be. The park is so manicured but at the same time has wild natural feel. The long (clean) white path with architecturally suave benches makes the parks look like it was all artificially made. The city building backdrop and the layout of the park make the plants and wildlife, which on their own would look very wild and natural, instead seem as if a gardener had painstakingly planted the plant to look as natural as possible.
The fact that an abandoned city railroad, something many people would not assume would be a place to hang out and relax, is now a park where people can relax and get a little piece of nature during their lunch breaks turned park is enough to say that the High Line is Urban Nature. Though there are many people walking around the highline, it still feels very serene. It is really a place to get away from the hectic, fast paced city life, while still being in the city. Being close to the Hudson River adds to the serenity by the winds that drown out the noise from the cars and construction nearby. Nature is considered to be an escape from daily life, and the High Line is one of the places to do it on the West Side.
I was also very surprised by all the wildlife diversity. I did not see many pollinators (only a bee perhaps because of all the people walking around), but there were many different types of plants. When reading Stallers paper, he goes on for a very long time about the different plants, animals or insects that can be found. Though the paper mentions the many plants that can be found in the park, once getting to the park you can really see the variety. Stalter’s paper mentions a lot about the diversity of the park, which does add to the Rambunctious Garden definition, I don’t think the diversity is as important as what the park looks like and what it does for its goers.
Photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/87762520@N06/
Rambunctious Garden, Chapters 6&7
In the first five chapters of her book, Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World, Emma Marris discusses various conservation methods only to shoot them down and advocate her proposed method of the rambunctious garden. Most of the time, the negative aspects or consequences of a method involve invasive species. One conservation technique involves restoration to a baseline with the overall goal of attaining a pristine wilderness where only native species exist. The issue with this is that most ecosystems, if not all, have been tainted by invasive species over time, which makes such an accomplishment practically impossible. Another conservation practice is that of rewilding, which heavily involves the introduction of invasive species to ecosystems in an attempt to somewhat restore balance along the food chain. A prominent counterargument to this practice is that the invasive species may not survive in the new ecosystems or that they’d adapt too well and overpower native species, effectively failing to restore the balance. The third conservation scheme is assisted migration, which is the process of relocating various species from an environment in which they are struggling to live to a more suitable habitat. Again, there is no guarantee that these invasive species will survive or not take over the ecosystem entirely.
On the contrary, the sixth chapter of the book, entitled “Learning to Love Exotic Species,” stresses that invasive species are not really as bad as they are made out to be. There is definitely a substantial amount of evidence that makes them look bad, and that seems to be what people focus on the most, but “while some exotic species are a huge problem, the vast majority are not. Science is finding that some are quite well behaved and innocuous, or even helpful” (141). Marris offers several examples to support her claims, such as the case of the Pyura praeputialis, a creature from Australia that has helped boost biodiversity on Chilean rocky tidal shores by creating a habitat where large invertebrates and algae can flourish. There are also the examples of exotic grasses becoming homes for native birds and southwestern willow flycatchers nesting in the exotic tamarisks (151-152). With those illustrations put out there, Marris then leads into the seventh chapter of her book and breaches the topic of novel ecosystems, which are “new, human-influenced combinations of species that can function as well or better than native ecosystems and provide for humans with ecosystem services of various kinds–from water filtration and carbon sequestration to habitat for rare species” (161). The term ‘novel ecosystems’ basically refers to ecosystems that have been altered by humans and invasive species over time yet are still functioning well. At this point, these exotic-dominated ecosystems that were created, for the most part, by human hands are all we really have. They may not seem ideal to some conservationists, but they “may be our best hope for the future” (176).
Up until this point, I was convinced that invasive species were something to be frowned upon. They seemed to be the one problem that always got in the way of a good conservation tactic, but that is no longer the case. By now, they are essentially unavoidable anyway. If they are profuse and valuable, I don’t see why we shouldn’t take full advantage of them. They’re probably our best shot at sufficient conservation, so we should definitely take what we can get and encourage it wholeheartedly.
The NYC High Line
In Rambunctious Garden, Emma Marris criticizes previous practices of conservation of nature that focus on expelling the human element from nature. She presents the idea that humans should not be excluded from nature but rather involved in and intertwined with it. Her concept of a rambunctious garden is essentially nature made and maintained by humans.
The High Line on the west side of Manhattan, I believe, is the perfect description of Marris’ rambunctious garden. It was built in the 1930’s as an “elevated commercial rail line” to reduce the number of trucks and trains traveling along side pedestrians by introducing an alternate route. The highline carried commercial freight from 1934-1980 but the introduction of the interstate highway system in the 1950’s resulted in a decline in freight traffic and the final freight train to ride the High Line was in 1980. Deconstruction was began in the 1960’s of the southernmost section but and organization called Friends of the High Line stepped in and began advocating for the preservation of what was left from 13th to 34th street. Now, the High Line is a walkway above the building servicing as the perfect location for primary succession.
Going to the High Line a few days ago, I had absolutely no idea what to expect especially since the first time I had ever heard of it was when we were assigned to go there. My friends had informed me that it was an abandoned railroad system that has been transformed into a garden. I simply expected railroad tracks and some plants on the side, but BOY, was I surprised!
I was greeted by a beautiful terrace above the buildings, with tons of sunlight and an amazing diversity of plant and animal species. Although I was unable to identify them, I saw an infinite array of plant, shrubs, trees, flowers and several pollinators such as bees and flies. In my opinion, this is the perfect example of Marris’ rambunctious garden, a piece of nature that not only coexists with humans but was actually created and maintained by them. Another example of the way humans coexist with the highline was stated in Richard Slater’s The flora on the High Line, “human visitors to the High Line have probably inadvertently transported seeds to the site, a source of new species,” which contributes to the vast diversity of plants present.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed my visit to the High Line and am grateful that our city maintains projects of this kind that not only protect nature but create a beautiful place for New Yorkers to relax and enjoy it.
The High Line!
For almost 50 years, the High Line railroad served as a means of commercial transportation and carried commercial goods through the city. Eventually, in 1980, the final trip along the railway was made and it was since abandoned. Parts of the railroad were demolished, other parts completely torn down. Unkempt species grew as humans had little interaction with the High Line. What was once a main vein of transit in New York City had become an unsightly feature that negatively affected surrounding property values. Luckily, some saw this as an opportunity to integrate nature into a highly urbanized area. What resulted was a citified garden with “a multiplicity of everchanging habitats” (Stalter 390).
Unfortunately, the day I visited the High Line was a bit gloomy and windy; many of the area’s pollinators had probably scurried away in search of shelter. I was only able to capture a few bumblebees hovering around flowers and low-lying plant communities. On a previous visit during mid-August, however, I saw a much more diverse community of species ranging from bugs of all sorts to a monarch butterfly. As Stalter states in his study, humans may have also played an inadvertent role in pollinating the High Line by transporting seeds while walking. I thought about this as I looked around at the flora around me. It is quite ironic that something so industrial it was once labeled “Death Row” could become something rich with life. In fact, Stalter states “the High Line may have one of the highest levels of species richness of any temperate zone urban environment in the region” (Stalter 389). Variables that would seemingly negatively affect species gave way to such diversified organisms.
In the midst of one of the most urban areas in the world, a lovely elevated “park” exists. A rambunctious garden, perhaps? I would say so. When the High Line was built in the 1930s, no one could have guessed what it would end up becoming. Over time, the High Line adapted to the changing environment around it and luckily, the Friends of the High Line saw this as an opportunity to preserve the diverse nature that had emerged. In fact, I went to a community board meeting the same day and one of the topics of discussion pertained to a new housing plan that suggested erecting three new apartment buildings around the High Line. Rather than tear down a part of this urban garden, the building plan intended to integrate it into the project.
While the High Line differs from what most people believe to be conventional greenery, it was nice to see that the elevated park did not have to be pristine or seem like a whole other world for it to be rich with nature. In the midst of tall, futuristic apartment buildings and car horns, the High Line provides an escape from boisterous society for the humans that dotted its large patches of grass.
Marris Ch. 6 & 7
Prior to chapters six and seven, Marris talks about the dangers of introducing invasive species to an ecosystem. In these two chapters, Marris tries to dispel the negative stigma of invasive species by showing the various reasons why invasive species can be beneficial and why people still might not see invasive species as a positive.
Marris first talks about how invasive species can be beneficial to an ecosystem. One example Marris uses is how a foreign species of trees was able to help save two species of songbirds and a species of fruit bat that lived exclusively on Rodrigues Island (97). These three species were in danger of going extinct when the forest was cut down on the island, thus reducing their fruit source. A nonnative species of “fast-growing timber” were chosen to quickly replant the island, but in the end the rapidly growing plants served to save these three species since native species grew quite slowly and would not have been able to stop the endangered species from going extinct (98). Invasive species can play important roles in the ecosystem. In a similar example, invasive species can actually help nature flourish by taking of the roles of extinct species. In Hawaii, exotic birds are taking over the dwindling native bird species’ important duty of dispersing seeds (105). Sometimes the Without these exotic birds stepping in, seed dispersal might not be happening at all in Hawaii. In fact, some studies show that exotic species may even be considered to be functioning better than native species. One study compared a native only forest with former pine plantations of a similar age showed that the pine plantations were “richer in species, had greater aboveground biomass and used nutrients more efficiently” (113). If functionality is measured through species diversity, amount of biomass produced and the efficiency of using nutrients, then exotic species may function better than native species. In addition to this, exotic species may be able to help not only the ecosystem, but humans as well. One such species is the Chinese brake fern that can take arsenic, a harmful poison, out of the soil. Contrary to popular belief, the invasive species do not seem to be overly terrible and can be quite beneficial to the ecosystems.
Marris then offers an answer to why invasive species are held in such negative light. She suggests that this conception of invasive species partially comes from what people consider differences between species. For example, there are two cousin species of duck, the white-headed duck from Europe and the ruddy duck from the Americas (107). Though they look different and act different, the fact that they are able to successfully create a hybrid shows that they are compatible. The hybrid is becoming dominant, but many people are worried that each separate species will go extinct. Yet some scientists argue that the DNA from both species still carry on so it doesn’t matter if each species separately goes extinct.
In conclusion, Marris provide some great examples to show how invasive species and novel ecosystem can be beneficial to the biodiversity despite misconceptions.
The Benefits of Exotic Species and Novel Ecosystems
While the concept of human introduction is prehistoric, the understanding of an invasive species is much more recent. In chapter 6 of Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World, Marris describes it as a moved or non-native species that naturalizes and is able to reproduce in its new environment such that it “becomes a rowdy nuisance” (99). Some of these species include zebra mussels in the Great Lakes and pigeons in New York City.
Marris discusses whether or not invasive species are as bad and evil as the general society believes it to be. While it is generally argued that when a species invades, the “ecosystem collapses, species go extinct, and complexity and diversity are replaced with a monotonous and weedy landscape dominated by invaders,” an example within Rodrigues Island actually disproves this argument. With two types of songbirds and a fruit bat living on this island, almost all of these rare species became extinct because of deforestation. However, exotic species were used to reforest the island “for timber and erosion control” (98), and the rare native species began to regrow in numbers.
There are National Park Service teams that have “treated more than one thousand square miles” (100) and travel from park to park in the United States with a mission to destroy and remove any invasive species that is not native to the local area. While this may seem like a great idea to protect sensitive native species in danger of extinction, not every new species is harmful to their introduced environment. In fact, if new species show potential in helping diversify the environment in the future, they should not be removed. It seems to me that these strike teams are too focused on keeping ecosystems “prehistoric” or untouched.
Marris continues to negate the idea that invasive species are always a bad thing by explaining other factors that cause extinction of or harm to certain species. Many bird extinctions come from birds being killed, not via eating birds’ prey. Sometimes, introduced species may not automatically compete with native species or prey on unsuspecting natives. In fact, “invasive species” can contribute to an increase in diversity in ecosystems in the future. For example, Easter Island had around 50 native species before humans stepped on the island, but gained 68 new species thereafter.
Other than contributing to potential increase in diversity of species in an ecosystem, exotic species have positive benefits like removing toxins from the soil, regulating erosion, and controlling undesirable species.
In chapter 7, Marris discusses the idea of a novel ecosystem. A novel ecosystem is not necessarily an untouched piece of nature, but an environment that has been influenced by humans in the past, and then left on its own to go through changes without human interference. Marris briefly mentions that many ecologists consider novel ecosystems as not worth studying because they don’t find them as “pristine” as other ecosystems (112). Unlike some forgotten ecosystems, the High Line is a great example that has gotten a lot of restoring and revamping through Friends of the High Line. This public park stretches over one mile on the West side of Manhattan. Once a railroad for freight trains, this elevated structure was closed down and left to ‘run wild’ for a few decades, but has recently turned into a beautifully maintained and diverse environment.
Marris further supports the idea that exotic species are not detrimental to an environment by using novel ecosystems as an example. Many novel ecosystems, which are composed of many exotic/invasive species, actually function better than native ecosystems. Novel ecosystems have the most potential for supporting a diverse environment will continue to evolve and diversify many species—especially with the prospect of hybrid species.
After reading these two chapters, Marris has convinced me that exotic species can actually be beneficial to an ecosystem, and not as detrimental and harmful as the general society believes. Although humankind should be mindful of certain invasive species that may pose threat to specific native species, people must remember that not only is this pretty rare compared to initial beliefs, but also such a small possibility compared to many of its benefits. More ecologists should be interested in and focused on studying novel ecosystems.
The High Line
As I walked up the stairs on 23rd street between tenth and eleventh avenue, all I could think of was this trip that I had for so long delayed due to a belief that the High Line was simply this mundane green space somewhere out on the west side. However, 25 little steps later my predictions were proven wrong. Instead I walked in to this surprising, refreshing and beautiful garden that I knew would be a spot I would come back to on my own in the future. I would assume that most New Yorkers similar to me think of the big parks like Central Park, Madison Square Park or Bryant Part when they seek solace and peace from the busy streets of New York City. Who would have known a ten-minute bus ride from my college was another vast rambunctious garden waiting to be discovered.
The High Line resembles a “commercial railroad paralleling 10th and 11th avenue” because simply it was exactly that during 1934-1980. The original High Line, which opened up in 1934, was designed as a solution to “Death Avenue” by allowing freight trains to travel at an elevated level rather than side by side with pedestrians and automobiles. Its purpose was filled as the “West Side Improvement Project,” but post 1950’s its purpose was no longer needed, due to the introduction of the Interstate Highway System. Slowly by slowly the highline was starting to be broken down in the 1960’s, nonetheless the Friends of the High Line organization stepped in alongside the Rail Banking program to preserve what was left of the High Line through 13th-34th street. Eventually this abandoned area became an ecologic phenomenon as it served as an ideal location for primary succession. The “abandoned lichens, bryophytes, forbs, grasses and woody vegetation grew unmolested by human and train traffic,” and transformed the High Line into another serene place tired New Yorkers could go for comfort (Slater.)
I believe that the High Line serves as a perfect example of a Rambunctious Gardens as author Emma Marris describes. She defines the term as nature that is “tended by us,” and it can be any of strip of land that contains any sort of greenery (Marris, 2.) The High Line is exactly that considering its origin is an abandoned railroad track, and even more so considering that human disturbance has further evolved this area as a vascular plant site. When walking through it the natural pollinators are present suchas the various dandelions and bees, however this place truly proves itself as a rambunctious garden because of its location. It is elevated through Manhattan and many of the building surrounding it have created their own little terrace Rambunctious Gardens to further increase the greenery of the location. All in all the High Line is another example of how humans are bring nature in their cities in any free space possible. Just like Marris I believe that this is the correct conservation method to incorporate in cites.
Chap 6 & 7, A Novel Invasive Species Dominated Ecosystem
What are ecologists supposed to do about invasive species? In Chapter 6 of Rambunctious Garden, Emma Marris discusses the possibilities. In Chapter 7, the concept of a Novel Ecosystem is discussed and there have been some arguments as to what that is. We will see the problems and potential solutions of both invasive species and novel ecosystems.
Invasive species are just what they sound like, an unwanted plant or animal that is accidentally introduced to an ecosystem, and thrives. The species overtakes the native population and many times destroys a beloved species. An example of this would be feral cats in New Zealand. Marris points out that the cats wiped out the native wren. Another example would be the brown tree snake in Guam. The snakes also killed birds. These birds were pollinators that distributed fruit tree seeds. What solutions do scientists have in mind?
One solution is physically removing invasive species by using strike teams. Unfortunately, strike teams are very ineffective. Within a few years the “exterminated” species becomes invasive again. Top ecologists like Shahid Naeem of Columbia University, “would love to get rid of every invasive species on the planet and put all native species back in their place.” This agrees with the idea of a novel ecosystem. An ecologist like Naeem would think that a novel ecosystem is one dominated by native species.
Ecologist Mascaro holds an alternative view of novel ecosystems. He believes that an ecosystem shared in dominance by native and exotic species is what makes it thrive. He looks at the services being provided by the exotics such as filtering water, controlling erosion, and building soil. A native ecosystem does not necessarily have these things. Mascaro describes his favorite ecosystem, the mango forest. The forest is filled with life in every crevice. There is strawberry guava (considered invasive), rose apples, the Queensland maple, and candlenut. All of these invasive species are living together in harmony. Many traditional ecologists will disregard this area because it is filled with invasive species. They are living in a quite healthy ecosystem, though.
It is things like this that make me question an ecologist’s agenda. In politics, there are liberals and conservatives. I did not know that was the case in ecology. There are a new class of liberals, like Mascaro, who are trying to stick up for these invasive species by saying that ultimately they are good for the ecosystem. Other ecologists like Naeem are saying that the old baseline method that ecologists have relied on for decades is the way to go. It is just a political debate within science in my opinion.
What is an invasive species? Is it merely something that was not there when the Europeans arrived? But what if that species is actually good for the environment, like the strawberry guava for the Hawaiians. Marris states that invasive species are only really overpopulated for the initial few years, the environment controls them eventually, like the zebra mussel, which became food for the ducks on Lake Erie. Maybe a novel ecosystem could have invasive species, but it remains to be seen if ecologists can live with that.
-Chandrapaul
Pollinators of the High Line
The High Line covers several Manhattan neighborhoods on the West side. With many access points, which are near multiple public transportation stops, this public park stretches for over one mile between 10th and 11th Avenues on top of the old freight rail line. As an elevated park, the views of NYC’s skyline and other storefronts are pretty unique.
After sections of the freight railroad were shut down in the 1960s, the High Line turned into a messy and wild environment, unkept and unmaintained. A non-profit organization called Friends of the High Line began to work towards preserving the High Line and turning it into a public park. From as early as 2002, specific species like “lichens, bryophtes and vascular plants at the High Line” were collected and classified (Stalter, 388). With all the data compiled, the results showed that the High Line had “161 species in 122 genera in 48 families” (Stalter, 388).
It is discussed that multiple factors contribute to the public park’s diverse variety of species. Some include human visitation as a “possible source of transported seeds and new species”, and human disruptions like littering, trampling, soil compaction, and fires (Stalter, 300).
Therefore, in an attempt to limit some of the damages caused by humankind, the High Land has many rules, enforced by the park’s personnel. Some of these rules include, NO: walking on gravel/plants, picking flowers/plants, using amplified sounds, using bikes/boards/skates, littering, etc. It seems that the High Line wants its human visitors to create as little a disturbance as possible to its man-made and man-maintained environment.
When I visited the High Line, I did not notice such a wide spectrum of species, as Stalter states there is. I mostly saw bumble bees and honey bees, and many flies. Many of the pollinators I saw, however, where around yellow flowers and purple flowers of the High Land, which were consistently found in patches along the park. I did see some weird red and long bugs and a few birds, too, but other than that, it was difficult for me to distinguish many species from each other since they all looked generally similar to me.
The High Line & Stalter
Emma Marris’s concept of the rambunctious garden is that of, in simple terms, manmade nature. It requires profuse human involvement in conservation, unlike many of the other methods that she criticizes in her book, Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post-Wild World. In accordance with this notion of the rambunctious garden, Marris deems it possible and to a certain extent necessary for humans to coexist with nature. Furthermore, this can occur in basically any environment, regardless of whether it is rural or urban or something else entirely. Humans can actively incorporate nature into their lives and surroundings and allow it to flourish while still functioning undisturbed alongside it.
An abandoned railroad track in the middle of Manhattan is probably the last place one would think to find nature. In the heart of what is often considered to be the world’s greatest urban area lies the High Line. Preserved in the hopes of forming a pedestrian walkway, the elevated area that lies just west of 10th Avenue between 13th and 34th Streets began to sprout vegetation after its use as a commercial rail line ceased. Eventually, the pedestrian walkway became a reality, and since then the High Line has become a beautiful attraction, offering a peaceful walkway with plenty of benches for pedestrians that is barricaded on both sides by greenery.
In my opinion, the High Line matches up perfectly with the definition of a rambunctious garden. Human hands constructed the whole space from before it even became the High Line, and the site continues to be influenced by humans in several ways on a daily basis. For example, it is maintained by humans in order to ensure that the vegetation survives and continues to bloom as well as remains on the sides of the walkway. An article by Richard Stalter, entitled “The flora on the High Line, New York City, New York,” only enhances my aforementioned opinion of the High Line being a rambunctious garden with its observations on the human interaction regarding the park. According to Stalter, “human visitors to the High Line have probably inadvertently transported seeds to the site, a source of new species,” (387) which plays a factor in its high species richness and diversity. As for human coexistence with the High Line and the park’s endurance of the urban extremity that is Manhattan, it seems to be doing just fine. There are most likely a large handful of New Yorkers that are not aware that the High Line is even present, and they are not living their lives any differently because of it. This goes to show that we really can have nature in our own backyards, as Marris suggests. Even in New York City, with “drought stress in dry weather, low fertility of soil, human trampling and cutting vegetation, and the smothering of plants by debris such as tires, bottles and additional trash,” (387) the High Line has continued to prosper. Some of it is even shaded by the city’s signature skyscrapers, but that hasn’t stopped the nature in that spot from developing. Thus, although it initially seems rather unlikely, the High Line possesses all of the qualities of a rambunctious garden, which in turn helps support Marris’s argument that such a thing really is possible and beneficial.
(I’m in the middle)
Visiting The High Line & Stalter
Within New York City, a place surrounded by tall buildings and filled with traffic, there is a strip of vegetation along 10th avenue from 13th to 34th street. A railroad abandoned for 46 years was observed to have gone through something similar to primary succession on bare rocks or on islands. The railroad that was used to deliver commercial goods was abandoned from 1934 to 1980. During this time, “lichens, byrophytes, forbs, grasses and woody vegetation” formed along the rail line untouched by humans. (Stalter) For vegetation to grow by itself in a place filled with skyscrapers and little plants produced with human hands is a good example of Marris’ rambunctious garden.
The High Line was once known as the “Death Ave,” because of the “dangerous mix of rail/motor traffic and pedestrians along its path.” (Stalter) After the rail line was abandoned vegeation began to form on its own, providing evidence that it is possible for nature to grow in cities. Marris believes that nature should be adapted to the city environment instead of just protected and preserved. From her observation, nature is able to adapt to the changing environment created by humans, and even if humans went out to protect the environment in its pristine form from human hands, it will still be affected by humans. So with the success of the High Line building nature on its own, Marris is able to show that nature can adapt to urban areas.
After the High Line was abandoned, there was much discussion as to what to do with it. Some wanted the rail line teared down, while others wished to preserve it and transform it to a walkway. The Friends of the High Line wanted to save the rail line and claimed that its transformation would “enhance economic development of the area.” (Stalter) When it was decided that the High Line would be preserved, many species were discovered . The specie richness was observed to be “greater than the specie richness of four nearby New York City sites” and might just have “one of the highest level of specie richness in any temperate region.” (Stalter) This was clear during my visit to the High Line on September 20. During my visit, there were a variety of plants though most of them seemed similar.
Besides the plants looking similar, the pollinators were as well. I spotted many bees there, a small flying insect, a few moths, and a sparrow. From all the bees I observed, it was visible that they were all different species. Some bees were fat, others were thin, and the shape of their wings were different too. Some bees appeared to have a larger stinger than others as well. Given the different appearances, it was clear that there were different species of bees. These different breeds of bees coexisted well with one another as some even gathered at the same plants to gather pollen. It seems that some plants attracted bees more than others and some plants attracted only one specific type of bee. From my visit, I. noticed that most of the plants that looked alike were spread out along highline more than others plants that I had only viewed in certain spots.
Chapters 6 & 7
In the sixth chapter of her book, Marris discusses the different views that ecologists have developed regarding exotic species. On one end of the spectrum is the idea only the native species of an ecosystem should be considered as “good”, while any foreign or genetically crossed breeds of a species are considered “bad”. The concept of “good versus evil”, synonymizing exotic species with negative invasive species, leaves no room for deliberation about whether a species may be doing more good than harm in an ecosystem, or even if the ecosystem is minutely affected by the introduction of a new habitant.
Marris sides more with ecologist Mark Davis’s attitude on exotic species, which is much more open and flexible than the popularly engrained attitude. Davis proposes that the changes that are made, by introducing new species to different ecosystems, may not be as radical as they are made out to be because “change is the order of the day in all ecosystems…species move around constantly, on multiple scales” (Marris 104). Davis asserts that even though humans are making changes to the ecosystem, this does not necessarily mean that the changes are all that different from what may happen in the future without human interference.
Davis also demonstrates the positive effects of allowing exotic species to thrive. Instead of “[traveling] from park to park – all-terrain vehicle in tow for the off road-areas – read to pull, poison, or burn anything that has been declared out of place” as many park service teams do (Marris 100), Davis examines how “sometimes newcomers might help natives flourish” (Marris 105). Such is the case of the “Pyura praeputialis, a squidgy brown sea-squirt-like creature from Australia [which] has increased biodiversity on Chilean rocky tidal shores by cementing itself down and creating a gelatinous landscape in which large invertebrates and algae can thrive” (Marris 105). Though non-native to the area, the Pyura praeputialis has proven to be produce more benefits than harm to a new ecosystem, which is why Davis does not want the value of these potential benefits to be overlooked.
Some scientists as have categorized these types of ecosystems, ones where exotic species are welcomed and embraced rather than targeted for removal, as “novel ecosystems.” However, a strong distinction that Marris makes about novel ecosystems is that they are any ecosystems “dominated by nonnative species…even if humans” never interfered with it (Marris 114). Even with this distinction, many scientists are still reluctant to accept exotic species as positive contributors to the ecosystem as it challenges the notion of pristine, unaltered nature, the nature that many scientists have tried to recreate and preserve. Even though in some cases, the presence of these exotic species throws off the balance of the ecosystem, the fluctuation is only temporary, as “’high dominance lasts forty for fifty years; after eighty years, the species composition becomes mixd and sometimes the species dominance goes back to the natives’” according to Ariel Lugo (Marris 116-117). In other cases, novel ecosystems have also become ideal conditions for exotic species that would be close to extinction in their native countries to thrive. The potential that novel ecosystems offer if they were embraced rather than feared by most scientists would drastically change how humans approach conservation and preservation.
Chap 6-7
In these chapters, Marris discuss if invasive species are as bad as we believe them to be and ecosystems that have evolved after the introduction of “invasive” species. One example to disprove invasive species are bad is Rodrigues Island. There are three rare species that live on this island: two types of songbirds and a fruit bat. Almost all of them went extinct due to deforestation of the plants. However after the introduction of exotic species of plants such as timber specie, the species grew back in numbers. Now people are removing the plants to make room for native species that wouldn’t have been able to keep the song birds and fruit bat alive due to their growth speed. Marris states that most exotic species are not harmful but we deem most to be harmful which wastes money and resources to eradicate them. That’s not to say some aren’t harmful such as the zebra mollusk. The common argument against invasive species is that introduced species tend to destabilize ecosystems and reduce their diversity. Invasive species destroy the ecosystem leaving only a few types of species left.
Extinctions are actually almost never the cause of species extinction directly. Few bird extinctions come from new birds eating food sources but killing the birds. Invasive vegetation also doesn’t exist to the complete nonexistence of other plant species. Some evidence shows islands have increased diversity such as Easter Island who had 50 native species, lost 7, but then was introduced to 68 plants after humans came.
Introduced species may not automatically complete with or prey on natives. Exotics species may increase diversity in the future. To prove this, the term novel ecosystems are introduced. Novel ecosystems are defined as new human influenced combinations of species that can function as well or better than native ecosystems and provide for humans with ecosystems services of various kinds. Examples are water filtration and carbon sequestration to habitat for rare species.
Novel ecosystems are not usually under human management except in cases where it is intentionally changed and then left to change however, and some changed by humans from a distance unintentionally, such as climate change, extinctions. It is more common to see introduced and native species living together than exotics dominating an ecosystem.
Species seem to mellow out later after decades and the composition of the species become mixed. For example, zebra mollusks dominated at first, but then were eaten by ducks that later grew in numbers.
There are reasons to keep novel ecosystems which may seem to be ecosystems disturbed by invasive species. Novel ecosystems have proven to be useful for restoration of native species. Novel ecosystems can also provide habitat for native animal species. Novel ecosystems just show signs of evolution and if one believes in that, it should be kept as is. Although species might have to be introduced directly or indirectly due to humans, we could see novel ecosystems as natures’ response to humans.
Perspective (Chapter 6 & 7)
Stories of invasive species taking over an ecosystem, wiping out another species spread as rampantly as these invasive species themselves. However, this term “invasive species” seems to be rather new. Humans have been introducing new species to environments constantly, from the “root balls of nursery trees, in packing material, in ballast water, in the wheel wells of aircraft, and in the mud on our boots” (Marris). These newly introduced species “naturalize” quite comfortably at times and adapt into its new home very well, to the point it disrupts the balance of the existing ecosystem.
Movements began during the 1990’s to repair the destructive effects of invasive species. In 1995, South African non-profit, Working for Water “created jobs for poor people removing invasive plants that “divert enormous amounts of water from more productive uses” (Marris). In 1999, Clinton launched a campaign for “all agencies to avoid spreading them and to stamp them out, wherever possible” (Marris). People began to realize the harm that these newly introduced species exceeded what the environment could sustain. National Park Service organized strike teams to eliminate harmful species. An ecosystem evolves and although all these scientists and movements hold evidence that these organism affect their surroundings for the worst, they should know that no species is really native or invasive rather the quantity of the change. Any drastic environmental shift will hurt the environment at first until it plateaus into a more static ecosystem.
Movement among nature is natural. This movement refers to the gradual migration of a species into a new territory. Mark Davis, an ecologist at Macalester University challenges the 1990’s ideology of invasive species stating it might not be necessarily a negative thing to have new species as species have always been migrating, just at different rates. People often overlook the case studies where species improve on existing ecosystems. Rather than compete with the native species, “Pyura praeputialis, a squidgy brown sea-squirt-like creature from Australia, has increased biodiversity on Chilean rocky tidal shores by cementing itself down and creating a gelatinous landscape in which large invertebrates and algae can thrive” (Marris). Sometimes invasive species serve as a replacements or shelter for existing species. Jeff Foster at the University of Illinois and Scott Robinson at the University of Florida discovered exotic birds that “are dispersing the seeds of native plants since many native birds have gone extinct” (Marris). In Britain, blue tit chicks found gall wasps as a replacement for the endangered caterpillars. Nature demonstrates that invasive species or unfamiliar species can actually serve to improve an ecosystem.
Scientists, politicians, and businessmen should strive to maintain the delicate balance of our environment before further damages is done. Some viable next moves would be to research into the species in each ecosystem and their roles. Then, find replacements and back-up plans that would be feasible in terms of execution and cost-efficiency. Politicians would drive the regulations and enforce the rules amongst society so that corporations and people alike will all cooperate and abide by the rules to further protect the environment. Businessmen would be the ones to raise the funds and develop strategies to spread the word out. Social entrepreneurs would engage their audience to encourage people to donate and raise funds that directly contribute to the reconstruction and development of damaged environments. Together they would be able to build a better future to repair ecosystems and the tarnished names of some “invasive species.”
Marris, Chapters 6 + 7
Ecologists are very often opposed to a new species entering an environment. They believe that the new species will only destroy the original ecosystem and become an invasive species. A common story that many ecologists tell about the effects of an invasive species, Marris relates, is how “a species invades, and the ecosystem collapses, species go extinct, and complexity and diversity are replaced with a monotonous and weedy landscape dominated by invaders” (97). Marris argues that this is not always the case and discusses the idea of a “novel ecosystem,” one that represents “the future of our planet” (122). I agree with Marris that these ecosystems should be studied since they are dominant in the world and they are not as harmful as many ecologists believe them to be.
Though many ecologists do not believe that exotic species would ever be able to help increase diversity, often exotic species can actually end up helping the ecosystem and allowing the other species to continue to survive. Marris points out once again that humans have introducing new species to areas for many centuries. While sometimes the new species can bring about a lot of harm like diseases they can carry with them or if they become predators and eat an entire population of native species, “extinctions that are directly attributable to introduced species are quite rare” (104). Though such damage is very rare, “these emerging, exotic-dominated ecosystems still look like trash to most ecologists,” Marris writes, “but a brave few have embraced them and given them a more positive name: novel ecosystems” (109).
Marris defines a novel ecosystem as ones where there was “anthropogenic change” at one point but are currently not under management by humans (114). This applies to most ecosystems in nature because they almost all have been affected by humans in some way. In a novel ecosystem, new species may be introduced into the area, something that ecologists fear due to the risk of the new species becoming invasive and “ruining” the ecosystem. In some cases, novel ecosystems can cause “homogenization and extinction” but they can also foster “increased diversity and brand new species” (122). For example, in Puerto Rico, the exotic -dominated ecosystem actually was “functioning better than nearby native forest” (113). Novel ecosystems are often very beneficial. They can can provide a habitat for the native species if their habitat is gone and they can sometimes even help restore the native species. Rather than a decrease in diversity, as ecologists assume will happen in a novel ecosystem, diversity may instead be on the rise. One hypothesis for the increased diversity is that the exotic or introduced species may initially run rampant but will eventually calm down due a built up resistance by the surrounding species. Thus the new species may become integrated into the ecosystem and form the potentially diverse novel ecosystem. Ecologists need to stop trying to keep nature in a static position and embrace studying the many new forms of nature that evolves.
Chapters 6 and 7 of Rambunctious Gardens
In Chapter 6 and 7 of the Rambunctious Gardens, Emma Marris discusses the concepts of exotic species and novel ecosystems. Exotic species are species that are not specific to an area but rather have been introduced by humans. There is a growing belief amongst ecologists that these species are invasive and detrimental to the new environments they are put in. Marris decides to use the concept of novel ecosystems to prove her view that exotic species are not detrimental to their new surroundings. Novel ecosystems are described as ecosystems that contain exotic species and can act better than native ecosystems. Along with that, they provide humans with services such as carbon sequestration and water filtration.
Marris argues that exotic species can be beneficial to habitats. They support rare native species, remove toxins from the soil, control for undesirable species along with regulating erosion. These exotic species may create even more diversity in the future by evolving and adapting to their new habitats. Marris likes to point out that many of the novel ecosystems that contain exotic species function better than none exotic ecosystems. Novel ecosystems have the most potential for evolution and increased diversity due to their need to survive by adapting to their new habitats.
Marris begins to question why we are inclined to dislike the introduction of new species. She believes that it is merely the fear and dislike of any change. People are quick to judge new species as invasive solely and solely welcoming native species into the ecosystems. Ecologist Mark Davis brings up the point that we should be dealing with each species as a separate case rather than categorizing each of these species as invasive.
Erle Ellis at the University of Maryland was the first to produce a map of the world anthropogenic biomes. This map revealed that 75% of the world’s ice-free land showed evidence of alteration as a result of human residence and land use. 20% of the world’s ice-free land is cropland; a third is rangeland and just under 22% showed no sign of human occupation or use (119). Later Ellis was able to discover that over 35% of the world’s ice-free land was covered by novel ecosystems. Another ecologist Mascaro, traveled to Hawaii’s Big Island and studied froty-six novel forests dominated by various species. He was able to discover that many measures of the novel ecosystem forests productivity such as nutrient cycling matched or out produced the native forests. Mascaro was later able to conclude that his novel ecosystems and native ecosystems were virtually indistinguishable.
I believe that novel ecosystems can be extremely successful. Firstly, they provide human services and secondly they are home to many diverse species. These new types of ecosystems will describe this age of species by helping diversify the ecosystems. These projects do not require large amounts of effort or money to complete making it a wise choice to continue doing what we already are doing.
Exotic Species and Novel Ecosystems
Exotic species have been labeled as “invasive” since most of them excel in their new environments, eventually displacing native species or disrupting the ecosystem. Chapters 6 and 7 of the Rambunctious Garden discarded the popular view of exotic species and revealed alternate research on the other, lesser known, effects of exotic species. Most traditional ecologists view exotic species as a danger to most ecosystems in the world. This is because existing exotic species around the world have shown devastating effects such as economic damage or altering native species populations (by hunting them or simply over population). These invasive species are either nuisances to humans or they cause problems in ecosystems around the world, potentially causing the extinction of several species as they invade.
Emma Marris provides insight on why exotic species may not be as dangerous as they seem and why removal of these species would waste money. The disadvantages of exotic species are highlighted in the media, which makes the tamer and more useful exotic species ignored. The uses of exotic species falls in line with many modern conservation ideas like rewilding or assisted migration. Many species can be used to fill in niche roles in ecosystems and some of them have little impact on ecosystems in general. The main objection of many ecologists to exotic species is mostly due to their non-nativeness.
Another concept that is touched upon is the novel ecosystem, or a dramatically altered ecosystem, and how exotic species in the ecosystem have evolved the ecosystems and made them stronger. These exotic species tend to be invasive at first, and the, despite what many ecologists want to believe, the other species manage to adapt and control the invasive specie, like how native ducks learned to eat Zebra mussels in Lake Erie. Marris writes in her chapter how man of these novel ecosystems are more “vital and energetic”. These ecosystems are not controlled by humans which allow natural selection to take over, resulting in a healthier ecosystem; research has shown that ecosystem services like water filtering or erosion control are better in these novel ecosystems.
Humans have to admit that these novel ecosystems and exotic species are a result of human interaction, and similar to what Marris says, these novel ecosystems have already evolved and adapted to the exotic species and human interaction, thus trying to restore the native species is the same as going against nature/natural selection. I like the idea of letting natural selection run its course (unless the exotic species are really toxic) and develop more complex ecosystems that are adapted to the growing human influence on the world. This idea seems to focus more on letting nature be rambunctious, but there should be some human intervention or control if the ecosystem is endangered. My main objection to these chapters is how little importance is given to the native species that are endangered, and how they are portrayed as a necessary casualty of novel ecosystems.
The High Line Visit
Before the High Line became the well known park it is today, it was a track that ran between 34th Street and St. John’s Park. However, after it was long abandoned, on 2005, the city agreed to preserve and reconstruct the area into a park. Today, it lies as a great strip in the Meatpacking District. Being at the High Line brought Marris’ idea of the rambunctious garden into perspective and made it more realistic than I thought it would be.
The High Line was a great example of what a rambunctious garden is, and to think that one was so close to us. While reading Marris’ book, I had a difficult time trying to completely picture a rambunctious garden. But I realized through my visit at the High Line what a possible and rational idea the rambunctious garden was. The park itself was created using the abandoned railway as the base. With pathways, benches, and stairs added, the High Line quickly became a popular site. Despite the High Line being a site of nature, it is still surrounded by the harsh conditions of the skyscrapers, noise, and constant human interaction. However it still thrives with no problem, meaning that nature isn’t as fragile as we thought it was. Pollinators in the park such as, honey bees, bumble bees, flies, and butterflies, help pollinate the area and keep it alive. The High Line was created for increase the interactions between humans and nature.
Stalter’s idea is also portrayed through the High Line. Stalter examined that the variety of species present in the High Line exceeded those of four other areas in New York City. The species present were not all brought in due to a plan. A lot of the species present were brought in through interactions, no matter how significant it was. Before the High Line became a park, people still entered the abandoned railway, affecting the environment as a whole. Stalter’s article gave me a better understanding of the High Line, and I was able to mesh together Stalter’s and Marris’ ideas.
This was my second visit to the High Line, but this time around I had a better understand and a larger viewpoint of what to look at. Although constant changes to the High Line is being made, the High Line is still a great example of what a rambunctious garden is. Such a “garden” in our own backyard of great skyscrapers and speedy cars would be unthinkable to many. I believe that with such a great example as the High Line, the idea of the rambunctious garden becomes more feasible and rational for many.
The High Line and Stalter
The Chelsea High Line is a park located on an elevated railroad track, running along 10th Avenue between 14th street and 34th street. Due to the fact that I’ve never visited the high Line before I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I couldn’t help but wonder how an entire ecosystem would be able to survive in an area dominated by development and the uprooting of natural ecosystems. However, as I stepped onto that platform I was amazed to witness how in a matter of a few steps I could be transferred from a city that is in constant motion, to one that exemplifies the very meaning of serenity, beauty and nature. During my visit on September 20th, I noticed that different varieties of bees were the pollinators that were in the largest abundance. Although there was a little breeze during my visit, I couldn’t help but notice that at every patch of flowers there happened to be a few bees pollinating the plants.
The High Line seems to be a perfect example of what Emma Marris refers to in her book as a “Rambunctious Garden.” Unlike the efforts of the conservations to make a distinction and separation between nature and human interaction, the High Line strives to combine the two into an ecosystem where nature and man can coexist and live together in harmony. Instead of constricting nature to reserves in order to create “pristine” ecosystem, Marris points out that we should allow nature to adapt to its modern day habitats. In the second chapter of her book, “Rambunctious Garden: Saving Nature in a Post Wild World,” Marris states “Conservation can happen in parks, on farms, in the strips of land attached to rest stops and fast-food joints, in your backyard, on your roof, even in city traffic circles. Rambunctious gardening is proactive and optimistic; it creates more and more nature as it goes, rather than just building walls around the nature we have left.” Instead of forcing nature to become how we believe it should be, we must allow it to form in its own way. The High Line is a perfect example of nature adapting to its surroundings and with the assistance of many pollinators, such as bumble bees and honey bees, the High Line is able to flourish and survive as a natural ecosystem.
In his article, “The Flora of the High Line,” Richard Stalter provides further information as to why the High Line can be classified as a “Rambunctious Garden.” Stalter mentions that the High Line has a greater species richness and abundance than many other areas in New York, including Ellis Island, Liberty Island and Bayswater State Park. I found it very hard to believe, however at the same time amazing, that an ecosystem as successful as this could survive in an urban area as advanced as the heart of New York City. It really goes to prove the fact that we don’t have to isolate nature from human interaction in order for it to thrive.
Marris 6,7
The first of these two chapters focuses on invasives and all the bad press they get. Marris claims that invasives are judged as detrimental before they are able to truly show their worth. She names a few cases where invasive species have been responsible for serious ecological and economic costs, but then goes on to tell stories of how invasive species have a bad name for only those few incidents. Many foreign species, she says, are incapable of actually causing extinctions and that they actually increase diversity in some cases. She uses researcher Sax’s study of increased diversity on islands as an example. Of course, she has to admit that this was on a per island basis and that global diversity was actually decreasing. The example only serves to show that extinctions cause by invasive species is rare — a statistic we might expect… Surely Marris is exaggerating when she suggests that everyone thinks invasives kill off native species as if they have genocidal intent in their genes. She goes on to other cases where the distinction between native and non-native species is blurred, and it is therefore difficult to say who is the invasive and who belongs. This is a good point that I like, because it speaks a lot about how humans organize reality into labels that are not necessarily efficient or logical. Is the familiar always the same as the native? Do animals that have lived in one place for a time have a “right” to that land, or “belong” there? These are questions that need more appreciation and reflection.
The next chapter, about “novel ecosystems”, discusses situations where exotic plants are introduced and then left to their own will. Marris’ argument is that these can sometimes bring better conditions to the ecosystem, more efficient nutrient cycling, faster growth, etc. The condition is sometimes, since she admits that “these new system likely do spell out homogenization and extinction, in some places.” While it may be the case that some species can be safely added to an ecosystem like her example of mangoes, she is right to say it “sometimes” works, and not even venture “the majority of times”. Even if a species becomes invasive and the population booms, she says, they become controlled with passing time. However, she does not and cannot claim this happens all the time. While species like the zebra water mussel and Canadian water weed have faded as pests, she forgets that there still exist examples like kudzu and rabbits in Austrailia that spell serious ecological and economic trouble. Not to mention that it may take decades to wait for nature to clean up the mistake, during which time the invasive species will already have wrought enough damage. This may not the most fitting example, but the Irish potato blight comes to mind and the negative impact that potato mold had on people was temporary but intense. The ecologists Marris so makes fun of are simply operating on a “better safe than sorry” mode. In the end of the chapter, Marris mentions that much of the world is already a “novel ecosystem” by her definition, which is true. man’s touch has been that widespread. I agree that these should be studied and offer much new knowledge for us, but I am still not comfortable with the idea of going out and creating these new “novel ecosystems” as our experiments.
Stalter and NYC HighLine
The last time I was forced to go to the High Line was last year for my first Macaulay seminar class and I didn’t think too much of it. Now, a year later I return again to this place because of my Macaulay seminar class and I still don’t think too much of it.
However, I’d be lying if I said that I don’t appreciate it. I mean honestly it is a nice place to take a walk and admire the view. In fact, when I used to go to the Highline it was because of the view and how nice it looks. In all honesty, I have to thank the Rail banking program since because of their determination the highline wasn’t destroyed.
According to what I understood from the Stalter paper the primary succession (which according to his paper is initiated on sites where vegetation has not existed previously) that occurred here was different than in other places and for that reason the environment developed differently.
The main cause for the environment developing differently was human involvement (even though it was minimal).Some human involvement includes trash disposal (littering), the inadvertent invasion of species and pollution. By pollution I’m referring to the fact that there was an excess of sulfur dioxide in the environment, which then hindered the growth of lichens.
One thing I have to say which surprised me the most from this paper was how of all the parks they did research in the New York Highline was the park with the most diverse amount of species. Some of the parks where this research was conducted include, Ellis Island, Liberty Island, Hoffman Island (also known as Swinburn Island) and Bayswater State Park. In all honesty, I expected either Ellis Island or Liberty Island to have more species richness. So, even though Ellis Island and Bayswater State Park have more Species, The New York City Highline still has the most species richness with 38.8 species per ten thousand square meters (hectares).
Anyway, when I went to the Highline with Isadore and a few other classmates we happened to come across on the way there we were told to look around for pollinators. But, in all honesty most of what I was able to get on camera were bumblebees or honeybees (at least I think they were those type of bees I’m no zoologist and I’m not the greatest at differentiating bees.) Furthermore, there were also other types of insects like flies and other types of insects, which I couldn’t identify but they were insistent on not letting me get them on photo.
Chapter 6 and 7
Exotic species are species that were introduced by humans rather than appearing naturally. Most of these exotic species are believed to be invasive. They disturb the ecosystem since they wouldn’t have been there if it wasn’t for humans. A novel ecosystem is one where many exotic species are present. Sometimes, a novel ecosystem may even thrive better than one formed naturally. Even though invasive species are thought to be detrimental to an ecosystem, they can sometimes help native species. With such benefits, both species continue to survive with each other’s support. Most people believe that these exotic species only cause harm and try to prevent them from living in an area.
One benefit exotic species provide is diversity in ecosystems. With the addition of new species ecosystems include many more species. Sometimes, these invasive species can help provide a more balanced ecosystem. In order to create more of these novel ecosystems, we have to remove the harmful invasive species and introduce ones that will help it. In many ways, a novel ecosystem is easier to maintain. Since human interaction is allowed, there wouldn’t be a need to prevent humans from interacting with it.
Marris says that many species are considered to be exotic when first introduced to the environment. However, after some time the species will learn to adapt itself to the environment and fit in. Eventually, these exotic species become part of the ecosystem. Most of the time, these species help better that particular ecosystem. In many ways, letting an ecosystem grow on its own is much better. This way, exotic species can be included along with the native ones.
I think the notion of novel ecosystems may be a successful one. It allows for human interaction with these areas so there doesn’t have to be restrictions. Also these exotic species help to make the ecosystems better. It also seems that such a project wouldn’t need an absurd amount of effort or money to complete. Therefore, it would be a wise choice for us to develop ecosystems in this fashion. I honestly believe that novel ecosystems are the way to go if we were to preserve nature. Nature is always constantly changing. If this is so, we might as well allow these ecosystems to develop to their fullest potential.
HIgh Line
Although the High Line is reputable as a park built upon on abandoned railroad track, I have not visited such area until this assignment came up. I have heard about it but did not really think about how it would look like until I was walking from the train station to meet up with other classmates to walk around the park. When I first saw it, I did not expect it to be on a suspended railroad. I thought it would on railroad tracks at ground level. After I had climbed the stairs and reach the top, I realized the park was nothing like the image I had of it. The park was a lot more beautiful then I expected it to be. There were many flowers and insects going through the plants. I mostly saw bees but I caught a glimpse of a butterfly or two before.
There were many tourists around taking pictures and walking along the park. To one side of the entrance I entered through, the 23rd Street one I believe, tall buildings were towering over the park while to the other where many stores such as restaurants, pharmacies, etc. Although this park is surrounded by city life on both sides, it still flourishes very well. I believe that the Highline fits into Marris’ concept in her book.
Although the Highline is in the city, and at some areas has tall buildings towering over it, the plants still grow there and flourish. According to Stalter’s paper, humans played a part in how the plants grow. It is said in the paper that “material washed from passing trains and wind—deposited soil added” to the mineral content of the soil. It also said humans may have accidentally transferred seeds to the area, another human interaction to the park.
The Highline shows nature can coexist one with nature not without fencing in the area and that humans may potentially add to the beauty or diversity of it just as birds and insects do. Even though the nature has been touched by human presence, it does affect it negatively as other people may believe when human interact with nature. This visit to the Highline was very pleasing and did change my perspective of how we can affect our surroundings in a positive way.
High Line and Stalter
A wasp
The High Line on the West side in Manhattan has an abundance of nature, as evidenced by my visit there and Stalter’s report on the ecology there. Even though it was starting to rain and very windy, I could still find several different pollinators around the plants on the High Line. Because of the wide array of nature interacting with humans in the middle of the city, the High Line displays Marris’ concept of a Rambunctious Garden.
A bee
I had gone to the High Line several years prior but I had never noticed the variety and extensiveness of the plant fauna there since I was only interested in the interesting architecture surrounding it. Walking through the High Line I noticed a very large range of plants and flowers which I did not expect to see in the city. I was surprised by the dense areas of plants which were thriving on the High Line. Many pollinators seemed to like one certain type of plant and I found a variety of different bees or flies mainly around them. I think I saw a couple of different bees and perhaps a wasp, as well as flies and some other unknown insects. I also spotted several birds and a few butterflies but I was unable to capture a picture of them since they flew away rather quickly. Along with the nature there is also a lot of human traffic. There are many tourists there and the variety of people visiting the High Line is also very diverse.
A bee
Another bee
Some sort of insect
Stalter confirms in his article and report that there is a very large variety of plant life and species at the High Line. He discovered a total of 161 species there, with 82 native and 79 introduced. Stalter goes on to describe how the “species richness at the High Line is greater than species richness at four nearby New York City sites.” Stalter also concludes that one factor for the high diversity of species at the High Line is human disturbances. This supports Marris’ idea of the rambunctious garden. Marris talks about how all nature is affected by humans and how well nature can adapt to human interference. The High Line is a great example of this. Disturbances by humans brought a lot of the plant life to the High Line, which in turn may have attracted the many pollinators that are there currently. The High Line is not a “pristine” or untouched portion of nature. On the contrary, the High Line was originally an abandoned railroad track and over time it grew into the urban ecological system it now is. Nature is clearly thriving in the area while still interacting and adapting to the constant human traffic that visits the High Line each day. The High Line is truly a rambunctious garden in the city.
A fly
Me at the High Line (third from the right)
Chapter 6 & 7
In chapter 6 and 7 of the book Rambunctious Garden, Emma Marris advocates that not all of the exotic species are harmful, in which some of them actually can be good to species’ development. Marris also introduces the concept of novel ecosystem, which is a “new, human-influenced combinations of species that can function as well or better than native ecosystems and provide for human with ecosystem services of various kinds (Marris, 160).” I think that scientists should start protecting those novel ecosystems because they are valuable, and actually increasing species diversity.
Many scientists think that exotic/foreign species are invasive species. Once these species are introduced into the new environment, they adapt to the new environment, and eventually become a threat to the native species. The main reason why scientists think that exotic species are their enemy is that “Sometimes a species naturalizes so well that it becomes a rowdy nuisance, taking over land or water previously held by natives, or eating them up or outcompeting them or fouling boat hulls or doing something else disagreeable (Marris, 142).” However, Sax published a paper that holds a completely different view about exotic species. Sax found out that the overall diversity of the island was actually increasing, in which the number of invasion is much greater than the number of extinction. He also argues that most extinction is not directly caused by those exotic species. In fact, according to the book, “extinctions that are directly attributable to introduced species are quite rare (Marris, 150).” Not only that, studies also shows that some of the exotic species are helping the native species to grow; for example, exotic birds replaced the roles of the extinct species in dispersing the seeds of the native plants in Hawaii. Some scientists started to think about exotic species in a more positive way. They introduced the concept of novel ecosystems, which are “defined by anthropogenic change by are not under active human management (Marris, 164).” Some novel ecosystems were purposely changed by people then leave it to go wild; others were changed indirectly by human, such as climate change, extinction, and invasion of the foreign species. According to Lugo’s research, the plantation with exotic species actually grows better than the native plantation. There are many scientists dislike the concept of novel systems because they think it doesn’t fit into their idea of pristine nature. According to Charles Elton, “a careful selection of exotic forms” could have a place beside natives in man-made landscapes designed to be “rich and interesting and stable” (Marris, 167).
As Marris says, “Novel ecosystem have proven to be useful for-of all thing- restoration of native species (Marris, 174)” I think that scientist should look deep into novel ecosystems, and maybe they will found a different approach to conservation. I agree with Marris that it doesn’t matter if the species were exotic or not, as long as they can benefit the ecosystem, they shouldn’t be treated as invasive species.
NYC High Line
“Within the confines of New York City lies an overlooked oasis of green…the abandoned elevated high line.” Richard Stalter opens his piece on the High line with these words and to me that’s what it was. I’ve never heard of the high line before this class, so I thought it would be somewhat deserted. However, once I got there it was bustling with life. I couldn’t believe how many people were there. It was more crowded than the streets of Manhattan yet there were places where one could lounge and rest. To top it off, sprightly plants were on both sides of the high line for a majority its length. The abundant number of plants takes one to a place where they forget he is in the city to the point where seeing billboards and parking lots from the elevated platform a strange sight.
If there was a place to accurately describe Marris’s view of a rambunctious garden. The high line embodies the idea of humans and wildlife living in unison. People are sitting, listening to music, reading, there are food vendors, and little kids playing. There was even a bride, groom, and their bridesmaids and groomsmen taking a stroll through the high line. The plants are also evenly distributed and in some areas it feels as if they completely surround the people at the high line.
With the merging of man and wildlife, there are still separations so neither is completely overwhelmed by the other. There are signs to remind people not to invade the area specific to the plants and concrete pathways for people to stay on. There is also an unspoken separation of pathways. While there is no sign or marker indicating which way to walk, the people organize themselves and keep to their right, allowing for a smooth walk with no obstructions.
While I visited the high line, I felt that while my timing had its pros, there were some cons. I couldn’t find any animals other than a single bird that made taking a picture of it incredibly difficult and a cabbage butterfly. There were other bugs, but they were too small to be caught by camera. I was disappointed by the lack of animals I saw because Statler’s statistics made me hopeful of seeing numerous animals I rarely see in the city.
proof if me there, next to the emergency call box
High Line
After many years and billions of dollars, the old railroad site turned into a rambunctious garden. When I first encountered the Emma Mariss’s idea of rambunctious garden, I automatically recalled my visits to the High Line Park. According to Staler, the park “consisted of 161 species in 122 genera in 48 families”. Located on the busy west strip of Manhattan, the park brings one of the most natural environments. Manhattan already has the Central Park to promote natural species and expansion of foreign species. What makes the High Line different from the Central Park is that from the High Line, you can see cars and stores from every corner.
strolling with a cup of iced-coffee
The Park does not consist the pristine nature that many environmentalist and ecologists seek for. The park is basically the rambunctious garden that Marris introduced. It merges the busy city ecosystem with most natural ecosystem. The park is not exactly polished like central park. Grasses, short trees, flowers, and weeds make exceptional natural feeling in the middle of the city. Also, the park made what-seems-impossible assisted migration possible. May foreign species became adapted to unique setting of the park’s nature and the city.
yellow flowers! (look close there is a butterfly)
I’ve been to the park several times before but I have not noticed the flowers, grasses, and animals so closely. The park was more diverse than I thought. There was many different species of flowers but mostly there was yellow flowers called asteraceae (Staler said that the asteraceae is one of “largest families of flora”) I looked closely and there was at least a single bee per flower bush. It was the pollinators that prospered the special ecosystem of the High Line. If the pollinators did not adapt to the setting, the garden wouldn’t be as prosperous as it s now. It was overwhelming to see well-working natural ecosystem in the middle of the concrete jungle.
do you see it?
a bee!
**sorry for the quality, the picture was taken with my smart phone
“Rambunctious Garden” Chapter 6 & 7
In Chapter 6 and 7 of “Rambunctious Garden,” Emma Marris investigates a radical way of thinking about natural conservancy: using “invasive species” to create “novel ecosystem.”
Invasive, or “exotic,” species have been receiving criticism from the scientific community since the inception of the label. Invasive species are yet another consequence of human’s tampering with nature, whether directly or indirectly, by moving them around ever since the agricultural economic system came about. Ecologists have attempted to solve this problem by actively eradicating species deemed exotic to the native land. The “strike teams” running the show claim a seemingly honorable reason for doing this “it is […] about maintaining ecosystems that can withstand the ecological changes that will inevitably occur” (101). The argument behind “socially sanctioned destruction” (103) of invasive species get its root back in the 50’s, claiming that these plants and animals tend to destabilize ecosystems and reduce their diversity.
But the “good versus evil” dynamic hasn’t been holding ground recently due to more and more evidence against the claim that introduced species are directly correlated to extinction. Mark Davis, ecologist at Macalester University, argues that “life is in fact much messier, more dynamic, and more complex than the black-and-white battle metaphors can capture” (104). Introduced species don’t automatically compete with or prey on natives. The Britain’s blue tits should have been all starved to death if it were not for the immigration of Turkey Oaks from continental Europe, providing them with abundant gall wasps just as delicious as their previous appetite, caterpillars.
Exotic species don’t necessarily destroy all lives on Earth but instead create more diversity in the future. Some will evolve to adapt and become diverse through genetic drift. Exotic species continue to move around, evolve, and form new ecological relationships, giving birth to a new concept: “novel ecosystems.”
Aside from being ecologically harmful, sometimes the exotic components of novel ecosystems have considerable cultural value as well. For instant, most of novel ecosystems function better than native ecosystems, as evident in the case of Puerto Rico, where researchers “couldn’t measure the trees without clearing all the new undergrowth” (113). A fascinating fact about novel ecosystems is that they are defined by anthropogenic change but are not under active human management; therefore, true “rewilding” can be accomplished. Erle Ellis at the University of Maryland in Baltimore estimates that 35 percent of the world’s ice-free land is covered with novel ecosystems.
Moreover, novel ecosystems have been proven to not abase the diversity of the native population, but to restore it. For example, the natives in Virgin Island use the shades of the tantan trees from Mexico to grow, a thing they cannot do under full sun (120). Furthermore, if the goal of conservation is to keep nature in its course of evolution, then novel ecosystems are worth protecting. It is even more so since novel ecosystems present ecologists with unrecognizable patterns in their growth, thus are not under human control. Novel ecosystems can truly be “wild” in the best definition of the term, that is, without human intervention.
Invasive Species and Novel Ecosystem
Exotic species often have a negative impression for most people because they are considered invasive species. Most people think, “as species invades, the ecosystem collapses, species go extinct, and complexity and diversity are replaced with a monotonous and weedy landscape dominated by invaders” (97). However, that is only some of the cases for exotic species. In many cases, exotic species are not necessary invasive. They can help native species as well. Invasive species can flourish to create a habitat for natives or become their food source. They sometimes help endangered species to grow in number. The problem is that most people and the government associate exotic species with invasive species, and try to destroy them as a conservation effort. However, removing invasive species is not feasible because seeds can survive for decades and target species can return after they had been killed (101). They need to realize the benefits of invasive species and to reduce their effort to remove exotic species.
One important benefit that exotic species can do to an ecosystem is to increase its diversity. Extinction is often outnumbered by invasion, where the types of species in an ecosystem actually increased. Also, some exotic species takes up the empty niches of the ecosystem, which makes the ecosystem more complete and balance. As a result, we should only deal with exotic species that are causing problems, and introduce the ones we want in order help develop a well-balanced ecosystem (108). We should forget about native and non-native categories when evaluating an ecosystem as long as the ecosystem is better off in terms of its functions. Also, we will embrace new species and invasive species as native species as time moves on and as generation passes. The line between native and non-native species changes as time changes. As a result, a novel ecosystem is a great and less confusing system to implement.
A novel ecosystem is “new, human influenced combinations of species that can function as well or better than native ecosystems and provide for humans with ecosystem services of various kinds – from water filtration and carbon sequestration to habitat for rare species” (112). In most cases, exotic species are initially invasive when introduced, but they will behave over time (116). When exotic species grow in number, they become a big part of the environment. Native species learn to adapt to new species by building resistance (118). As a result, exotic species are not invasive if they are given some time. Exotic species-dominated ecosystems function better than native forests due to higher biodiversity and more balance when niches are filled. Therefore, we should not remove exotic species. We should to let the exotic and native species work things out on their own.
The fact that humans are part of nature, we cannot confine our idea of nature to a time before human arrived. Nature should be when the environment is on its own processes that are not under human control instead of a list of things that were there years ago without human intervention. It is important that we let ecosystems to balance themselves on their own against exotic species. We should introduce species to an ecosystem planning that they will benefit the ecosystems, and leave them to balance through natural selection. That way, a novel ecosystem is truly natural to let all niches to be filled for maximum completeness.
The High Line
A rambunctious garden, as described by Emma Marris, is not a place isolated by walls or fences, it coexists with humanity. Rambunctious gardening is proactive and optimistic; it’s not a romantic notion but a part of our everyday lives. A rambunctious garden can be found anywhere, one doesn’t have to escape his/her daily life to witness it, its all around us and develops with the humankind. A rambunctious garden is evolution in action, a practical form of conservation, which can flourish anywhere. The High Line, an abandoned railway line that runs along the West Side of Manhattan, fits perfectly with the notion of a rambunctious garden. It represents an ecosystem that coexists with the city life and continues to diversify.
The High Line possesses every characteristic, which makes it a suitable candidate for a rambunctious garden. It’s in confined to an area within a busy city, it continues to cultivate despite human disturbances and trampling, and possess an unlikely location. One may suspect that an abandoned commercial railway line, deprived of proper sunlight and nutrient rich soil, may never be suitable to sustain such large biodiversity per ha, but that’s what makes it rambunctious. Primary succession and pioneer species took over the abandoned place and cultivated it to withstand the human hindrances.
The railway line currently stretches 20 city blocks between 13th and 34th streets and parallels 10th avenue. It is no longer just an abandoned strip of land, but has become an urban oasis and a public walkway, which is constantly visited by locals and tourists. As investigated by Stalter in his study, the pioneer species at the site were primarily mosses and grasses. The growing and dying of pioneer species added organic matter, which allowed for vascular plants to grow and thrive and also contributed to the slightly basic pH of the soil.
Furthermore, Stalter’s study concerning the biodiversity and flora, reaffirms its classification as a rambunctious garden. The High Line is one of the most biologically diverse and species rich system in the New York-Tristate area with over 161 species, 122 genera and 48 families. The study also shows a density of 38.8 species per ha, which is greater than sites like Ellis Island, Liberty Island and Bayswater State Park.
The biodiversity of the highline is truly remarkable, and strengthens the support for maintaining and supporting rambunctious gardens, interestingly enough only 59% of the species at the High Line can be classified as “pristine” or “native”, but still the system continues to thrive and seems very natural. The high level of diversity has been made possible by human interactions, mostly humans are considered to be a hindrance for an ecosystem, but in case of a rambunctious garden, humans act as inadvertent pollinators.
Nevertheless, after visiting the High Line myself and examining the pollinators and the coexistence of nature and humanity I am convinced that nature doesn’t always have to be pristine and rambunctious garden can exist anywhere and support a species rich ecosystem.
High Line
Like Central Park, the High Line is a well known location of nature that is preserved. Even though I’ve been there before, I didn’t take the time to appreciate the plant and animal species. However, this time i was able to take my time and observe. I went during noon and surprisingly there weren’t many birds and pollinators around. After wandering around, I begin to stop pollinators and butterflies. It was nice to observe the High Line for its purpose. The plant life in the area seemed very well preserved. One interesting thing was that I was unable to find any trash or litter on the High Line. It seems that other people realize the importance of the High Line and refrain from littering.
Marris believes that “rambunctious gardens” are the way to preserve ecosystems. The High Line fits into her concept very well. The High Line is an area where people can interact with the nature while preserving it at the same time. An example of this can be when people refrain from throwing trash on the High Line. Every one is aware that the High Line needs effort in order to be protected. Even though humans have interacted with the nature present and may have brought non-native species, its that which makes the High Line special and an example of a “rambunctious garden.”
Stalter’s paper does not change how I view the High Line. I still believe this type of nature can be considered a “rambunctious garden.” Even though the article doesn’t provide any visual guides, it does state a lot of the species that reside there. It also gives a lot of statistics about the area that one would not know from visiting. Stalter’s article complimented my visit by making me more knowledgeable of the area and what things I could expect.
Invasive Species and Novel Ecosystems
Chapters 6 and 7 of Emma Marris’ Rambunctious Garden discuss the highly debatable concepts of invasive species and novel ecosystems. The first chapter focuses on the generally negative view of invasive species. I think this goes back to the initial discussion of these species when they were described in ways that promote disgust and dislike. “Invasive” is a word that hints at intrusion and taking over of an ecosystem. While this is true of some species that go from one environment to another it is not something that we should label all transitioning species as. The reasons for a species moving are never the same. While some come on their own, possibly in search for a better environment to support life, others hitch rides on humans and other human controlled articles. A major issue that is brought up in the book is the presence of National Park Service strike teams, who decimate the populations of invasive species in the U.S. Now this conquest would seem like a good idea if all species being killed were causing serious damage to the environments they were invading. The members of the team describe their task as “saving the plant communities that have been here historically.” This goes back to the debate on whether or not the environments present years ago are what we really should be striving for today. It seems that the goal is not to protect species in danger of extinction, but rather to keep the landscape strictly how it has always been natively. I do not agree with this stance because if the plants can find a way to live together in the same ecosystem, there is no reason to cause such destruction to a species, even if it is invasive.
The second idea discussed was novel ecosystems. A novel ecosystem is not an untouched piece of nature, but rather something that has experienced some human influence and then left to go wild on is own. I find this to be a fascinating concept because it is really interesting to see how nature can “reclaim” areas that humans once used. This is very reminiscent of the High Line in NYC. The wildlife in that particular park grows around the long since used train tracks. This interaction between nature and past human activity is quite incredible. It was stated on page 112 that a lot of scientists do not study these ecosystem because they think they aren’t worth the trouble. I think this is a serious overlooking of something that needs to be explored more, especially in the world we live in today. With urbanization taking over all around, the “pristine” areas of nature that are so renowned are dwindling. The novel ecosystem is something that will soon be the norm because of all the human activity going on. I think that research of novel ecosystems and how nature “reclaims” these areas are extremely crucial in order to preserve species in years to come.
Response to Chapters 6 and 7 of Rambunctious Garden
In chapters 6 and 7 of Rambunctious Garden, Emma Marris discusses the concepts of exotic species and novel ecosystems. Exotic species are species that are not native to a particular area and have been introduced by humans. Many ecologists and conservationists consider these species to be invasive, and believe them to be detrimental to the habitats where they reside. Novel ecosystems are defined as ecosystems that contain many exotic species but function as well, if not better, than native ecosystems. These novel ecosystems provide humans with many ecosystem services such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, and a habitat for rare species. They are altered by humans, but not actively managed.
Many ecologists today argue that exotic species are detrimental to ecosystems and lead to decreased species diversity and extinction. Although this is true for some exotic species, Marris argues that for the majority, it is not. In fact, she argues that exotic species can be beneficial to habitats. The benefits of exotic species include supporting rare native species, controlling undesirable species, removing toxins from soil, and regulating erosion. Marris also points out that exotic species may create more species diversity in the future because they will evolve by adapting to local habitats.
Marris uses novel ecosystems to support her view that exotic species are not detrimental. She points out that many novel ecosystems, made up of exotic species that did not evolve together, function better than native ecosystems. In fact, many novel ecosystems are more diverse than their native counterparts. However, many ecologists shun these ecosystems because they are not pristine. Nevertheless, these novel ecosystems have the most potential for evolution, since exotic species need to find ways to survive. This can lead to new species and increased species diversity. In fact, many hybrid species, or combinations of native and exotic species, are being created in novel ecosystems.
Marris brings up some interesting points in these two chapters. After digesting all the evidence, I believe that exotic species should not be removed from ecosystems; they should be embraced. This is because exotic species benefit habitats in many ways. There is no need for ecologists to waste a tremendous amount of time and money on eliminating exotic species when most of them are beneficial. Exotic species rarely cause extinctions. In fact, exotic species are taking over the roles of extinct species and can help native species flourish, as demonstrated by Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean. This Island saw three endangered species saved by the introduction of exotic species.
I believe ecologists should invest money in studying novel ecosystems, including urban environments. Very little is known about novel ecosystems and why many of them are able to function so well. In addition, more money should be devoted to studying which exotic species will benefit an ecosystem and which will harm it. I believe the only exotic species that should be removed are the ones that are sure to be detrimental to the survival of the ecosystem. All the other exotic species should be allowed to stay. This is because, as the reckless invader hypothesis states, the dominance of an exotic species will decrease over time.
This chapter has left me with one question: Will there be a point where native species no longer exist and all species are exotic? I believe this will happen, but only time will tell.
The Rambunctious High Line & Salter
The High Line seems to be the embodiment of Emma Marris’s idea of a “rambunctious garden” because it is an ecosystem that interacts, grows, and coexists alongside human development. For over 12 years, the park has been able to survive the destructive human hand and is currently flourishing in the backyard of New York City.
The High Line’s resilient nature and improbable location already distinguishes it as a rambunctious garden. The park is cultivated on top of an old railroad line that runs along the West side of Manhattan. Along the elevated strip of land, nature is cramped and constricted by the boundaries of human development. Plants are confined to patches of soil that are bordered by fences and walkways. In addition, skyscrapers limit sunlight in some areas, while noise and air pollution add extra burdens to the ecosystem. Yet, plants and their pollinators have managed to bypass such substantial hindrances and continue to grow within the constraints of their new environment. As a result, the High Line matches the description of Marris’s “rambunctious garden” because it is cultivated in our own “backyard” and has withstood the harsh conditions of an urban environment.
Richard Salter’s study on the flora of the High Line mostly reaffirms my viewpoint that there is no better example of a rambunctious garden than the one embodied in the High Line. In addition, the study also allowed me to understand that rambunctious gardens are feasible and should be encouraged. For example, Salter observed that the High Line’s species richness was greater than four nearby New York City sites. Meaning, even on that narrow stretch of compact soil, the ecosystem was thriving more than some city parks. However, my only reservation is the fact that primary succession is limited. This should inevitably lend itself to more plant diversity. In addition, since a walkway runs through the middle of the High Line, humans inadvertently transport seeds and new species to the environment. Hence, the high species richness of the High Line could have less to do with the actual environment and more to do with external factors that promote its growth and diversity. Yet, regardless of what factors contributed to its development, the High Line still stands as a good example of what a rambunctious garden should entail.
Overall, our visit to the High Line helped to place Emma Marris’s idea of a “rambunctious garden” into visual perspective. I can now envision the possibilities of integrating a highly developed urban environment with nature that once seemed fragile. In addition, the pollinators of the High Line helped me pay close attention to interdependent characteristic of ecosystems. Regardless of Salter’s explanation for the high species diversity of the High Line, I believe that “rambunctious gardens” are plausible and should be supported in cities like NYC.
Invasive species as exotic species in novel ecosystems
In Chapters 6 and 7 of Rambunctious Garden, Emma Marris reinforces the main concept of this book by using examples of positive change in ecosystems by redefining invasive species as “exotic species” and discussing the need for novel ecosystems rather than exotic ecosystems. She strongly suggests that the ecological and scientific community has been stubborn on studying new ecosystems and, once again, changing their beliefs in a baseline, except the baseline now features all native species.
Apparently, scientists have turned their back on the so-called and negatively phrased invasive species that have in some cases “turned out to help rather than hinder” ecosystems all over the world (98). The “culture of fighting ‘invasive species’ is very well entrenched in conservation,” writes Marris, and “one hear a lot more about these villains” – harmful invasive species – “than the shier foreigners, and for many ecologists and conservationists, they have become the enemy” (98-9). The aim of governments for decades has been to make ecosystems invaded by other species “livable for native plants” and appropriate for unyielding conservationists, who stick to their beliefs despite the research that defies them (101).
Marris proves to us that “extinctions that are directly attributable to introduced species are quite rare,” and that ecosystems are “much messier, more dynamic, and more complex than the black-and-white battle metaphors can capture” (104). In some cases such as in Hawaii, introduced species, formally invasive, are “taking over roles once performed by extinct native species” and hybridizing with native species in no harm to their ecosystems (105). And these places are novel ecosystems: “new, human-influenced combinations of species that can function as well or better than native ecosystems and provide for humans with ecosystem services of various kinds” (112).
When some novel ecosystems are compared to the native and relatively unaltered ones, they are “richer in species, had greater aboveground biomass, and used nutrients more efficiently” (113). Native and nonnative species exist in hybrids or in diverse mixes, where forests in Puerto Rico and so-called praires in the Midwest of the US flourish. Marris continues criticizing conservationists, by saying that they were “more interested in maximizing the number of native species than in minimizing the number of ecosystems,” blatantly ignoring the potential to assess positive change in various ecosystems (121). Instead, they pursue their own goals, whether or not writers like Marris and like-minded ecologists can persuade governments to change their attitudes and adapt, just like their environments have.
While Marris’s argument is overall very convincing, the scope of applying exotic species to worldwide ecosystems is limited; there’s a reason that she devotes a couple of pages in Chapter 6 to discuss the often disastrous consequences of exotic species in ecosystems, and why they have been called invasive species by the scientific establishment for so long. Additionally, not all ecosystems are novel, meaning that they’ve in a positive way – many simply haven’t, and they won’t for years to come. Lastly, Marris portrays the scientific community in more and more of a negative light for each chapter that she writes; I’m not so sure if they’re as stubborn and outdated in thought as she makes them out to be.
Chapter 6 – 7
Marris’s Rambunctious Garden, Saving Nature in a Post-Modern World delves into the topic of invasive species, or rather “exotic species” in her next two chapters. In chapter 6, Marris begins by providing examples of previously native specie inhabited lands that have undergone a “take over” of sorts by an invasive species. However, the label of an invasive species seems to be based on prejudice. This label was originally attached to those exotic species that inhabited foreign lands. Now the label is predominately circling around those species which cause harm towards humans. Studies have shown that most invasive species in fact do not cause as much harm as we may believe. One example of this new approach towards invasive species came under great debate amongst scientists. The example mentioned how islands that were consumed by invasive species did have problems where several isolated species suffered extinction. However, the fact remains that the number of species on these islands more than doubled. Some argue that the number of species was a result of many common species found on other foreign lands. Another example brings to light the question, “If newly arrived species have an advantage because natives have not evolved resistance to them, isn’t it also true that they will have no evolved resistance to the wiles of the natives?” (Marris Page 105). The chapter goes even further to discuss the possibility of hybridization between an invasive species and a native one. The hybrid product of the two species could be either invasive or native, creating confusion in identification. The problem is not because of the species that happen to move to a new land. The problem lies within ourselves. We are the ones drawing lines between species. If a species can freely mate with one another, who are we to keep them from doing so, or to eradicate the parent species? The problem returns to the introduction of the chapter – the problem is us: our prejudice towards invasive species. It seems that we, human beings, do not fear the imminent result of an extinct species, but more likely that we, ourselves do not like any change. What purpose do we have for naming a species invasive if we were the ones who introduced it to its new lands several thousand years ago? Are they no longer invasive? Even if we go back in time and find which species lived where, the process seems futile to return species to where they once belonged. Why not let species live and dwell as they choose naturally? The answer to this lies within humans, not nature. The second chapter discusses “novel ecosystems”. These novel ecosystems are the results of an invasive species that has gone and rampaged throughout the specified land. The name provides a lighter and more positive description to some, but to others, the positivity holds true. One example provided explained how, despite what studies have taught scientists throughout the ages about how theses “novel ecosystems” would suffer and die out, the actual result shows that the ecosystem is faring much better than any normal one. Novel ecosystems are now more common than native ones. Generations of human beings will begin to see a new land dominated by a new species again become dominated by another new species. Ecosystems will grow more complex and fuse. Studies have even showed how invasive species “calm down” over time. They become less harmful as more species are introduced that hinder their booming growth. The natives will also, one day, gain resistance. It is not a losing battle, but rather a new perspective of the winner.
High Line, Stalter – 9/20
It’s hard to believe not only that we have the High Line within New York City, but also the number of people who are still unaware of it. Located along the West side, on 10th avenue and stretching 20 blocks is a fresh oasis in a city with a reputation needing one. The High Line, originally a commercial railroad, which became abandoned, was relatively free from human intervention. This allowed vegetation to grow “unmolested by human and train traffic” (Stalter 387). I’ve been to the High Line countless times before, however, I have never stopped to notice or wonder about the helpful pollinators that help make this happen.
A few handsome gentlemen and I were able to observe a variety of pollinators. From what we saw, bumblebees seemed to be most popular, though not dominant. We also observed other species of bees (honey, long-horned, and leafcutter), as well as butterflies, and other insects whose functions we were not completely educated on. We found a majority of the pollinators we witnessed from 23rd street up to about 27th street. Unfortunately, many were unapologetically photo-shy or too into their work.
Most of the anthropogenic interference was atmospheric rather than direct tampering. Stalter’s study was published in 2004, before the High Line’s redevelopment took a change in course. In Stalter’s study, he reports observing high vascular plant species. The species per area are compared with contrasting locations. These include islands that receive high human traffic (Ellis Island) and more isolated ones (Hoffman Island). Some of the factors he credits the vast diversity to are in fact committed by humans, albeit unintentionally. Countless conditions have played a part in the vegetation of the High Line. As a relatively undisturbed environment which high sun exposure, the High Line may be a special case. Stalter explains that “xeric succession on the abandoned High Line may have been altered by the rate at which soil forms or accumulates…the growing and dying of the mosses, lichens and grasses added organic matter to the soil” (389).
The Friends of the High Line have made it their mission to preserve the High Line. In a city with high real-estate value, letting nature run wild was not an option. A happy compromise has been reached with The Friends allowing nature to flourish, yet keeping it in check. The vegetation of the High Line has been chosen by The Friends to recognize the wild pioneers that had colonized it.
I definitely believe that the High Line embodies Marris’ idea of a rambunctious garden. As mentioned, human interference, such as transporting seeds and new species through visitation, can help explain the diversity. Up to this point, we have mostly been learning anthropogenic changes affecting nature. In this case, nature and humans are beneficial to each other. The High Line is living on a man-made structure and being tended by man. In return, the High Line has spurred development to its surrounding areas, giving back to its neighbors.
Marris Chapters 6 and 7 Response
The term “invasive species” often has a negative connotation associated with it. Many ecologists assume that “a species invades, and the ecosystem collapses, species go extinct, and complexity and diversity are replaced with a monotonous and weedy landscape dominated by invaders” (97). While some species do destroy ecosystems, exotic species or “invasive species” can actually benefit some ecosystems and species living in the area.
According to Marris, Davis argues that exotic species can help native species flourish by providing more to the ecosystem. He describes that the introduced species can take “over roles once performed by extinct native species” (105). Furthermore, exotic species can create more habitats and landscape. As Davis explains, “[disturbance] create a more variable landscape, with more kinds of habitats, thus increasing the changes that one niche will suit the arrival” (105). The introduced species can also bring new opportunities and availability of food and nutrients. With all these benefits, it is difficult to see why ecologists would even label exotic species as “invasive.”
Marris also points out that there is some bias associated with the type of species considered to be “native” or “invasive.” Ecologists loosely define these two terms. Since they are loosely defined, almost any species can technically be “invasive.” For example, Kristin Saltonstall confirms that the Phragmites is not an exotic species. Instead, it is a global species that exist in places such as America and Europe. However, it ended up being an aggressive species, so it “behaved” like an invasive species (108). While ecologists strongly believe that these exotic species are causing problems, they are already in many ecosystems. Most are already benefiting the ecosystems and it is entirely possible that these “invasive” species are actually native species. Marris points out “the despised invaders of today may well be the keystone species of the future’s ecosystems” (109).
The ecosystems Marris sees in the future are novel ecosystems. Novel ecosystems are essentially ecosystems that have significant human influence, but they can “function as well or better than native ecosystems and provide for humans with ecosystem services of various kinds” (112). Of course, many traditional ecologists reject this idea because this implies that an ecosystem filled with many exotic species can perform better than a natural ecosystem. Despite their beliefs, “novel ecosystems are now more common than intact ecosystems” (114). In addition, these novel ecosystems look remarkably similar to a “normal” ecosystem. If a regular person was to compare a novel ecosystem with a regular ecosystem, it would be extremely difficult to notice any large differences.
Novel ecosystems create many benefits for the native species. This ecosystem provides certain habitats for native animal species if the original content disappeared. Furthermore, it also provides many services such as filtering water and controlling erosion. Marris describes the ecosystem as “vital and energetic” (121) and compared it to human cultures. Again, it is hard to see why ecologists would despise exotic species and novel ecosystems from this list of benefits. Since there are many novel ecosystems around the world, these ecologists should be studying why these ecosystems are successful instead of ignoring them. There will probably be even more exotic species in different areas in the future. The growing number of novel ecosystems around the world makes them “the future of our planet” (122).
The High Line and Stalter
I visited the High Line for the first time on Thursday, September 20th and I was quite amazed by what I saw. I started off at 23rd street and then walked up a few blocks, and then down to 20th street. I saw many different plants and pollinators, including different bees, small flies, and butterflies. The High Line is so different from the surrounding areas, with all the buildings, and stores and traffic and whenever I looked around and saw the buildings and then at the plants again, it felt like two different worlds. This, I thought, was a large part of the beauty of the High Line. It’s pretty amazing to see how a railroad could be transformed into a place filled with different plants and species and it really fits in with Marris’s concept of a rambunctious garden.
Marris believes that we shouldn’t try to restore ecosystems of the Earth into pristine wilderness that was supposed to have existed before humans disturbed it, but rather to have humans accept that they are in charge of nature and to mange it and make it so that we are creating environments where nature and humans can coexist and interact. The High Line is just that. It is not just a closed off space of nature, but rather a place where nature is being conserved and restored and people can go there and connect with nature. People restored and manage the place, but they aren’t just putting any plants and making their own ecosystem. Many of the species there are native species. Those species, along with many others might not be there if not for the management of humans. Having native species grow back while humans manage the area to fit into the urban environment is a good example of rambunctious gardening.
Stalter’s paper doesn’t change my view of the High Line, but it does make me appreciate it more. In his study, Stalter found that “species richness at the High Line is greater than species richness at four nearby New York City sites.” The High Line has 38.8 species/hectare while at Hoffman Island, it was 21.8 sp/ha, 37.9 sp/ha at Bayswater State Park, 19.8 sp/ha at Liberty Island, and 22.8 sp/ha at Ellis Island. I wouldn’t have thought that the High Line would have so much species richness since it’s in an urban environment and was created not so long ago. One of the possible reasons Stalter gives for the high level of plant species is “human disturbance including trash deposition, trampling, oil compaction and fire.” The disturbances in cause the habitats to keep on changing, but the species there are still able to adapt to it. Just as Marris said, nature is resistant and adaptable. I think the High Line is a great project and should be an example for future conservation projects, especially in cities.
Highline, Marris, & Stalter
What comes to mind when you hear “New York City?” Most people would say skyscrapers, yellow taxis, and a (for lack of a better word) loudmouthed group of people. You’d be hard pressed to hear a native New-Yorker say “a beautiful oasis where people can relax and enjoy sitting by the water.” 
However, upon further inspection of Manhattan’s west side along 10th avenue between Gansevoort Street and West 34th street, New Yorkers and tourists alike are exposed to a beautiful landscape. An elevated commercial rail line once used in the 1930s now houses the gorgeous Highline Park. The Highline Park provides us city-goers with a safe haven from the bustling concrete jungle just beyond 9th avenue. 
Benches and greenery span the abandoned railway, not only providing people with a pretty picture, but providing the city with various ecological benefits. Now, I’ve been to the Highline once before last year for IDC, and as I walked around the Highline for the second time, I still found myself forgetting that I was actually in New York City. The cacophony from the streets below vanishes almost immediately as you start walking. But once the awe dissipated, I started to think about the reading from Marris’ Rambunctious Garden and how this park is a prime example of the conservationist efforts outline in the book.
Marris suggests the idea of a “Rambunctious Garden” – in the title nonetheless – quite a bit throughout the book. The idea of a “Rambunctious Garden” stems from the notion that humans should somewhat abandon old conservationist efforts, and instead embrace the impact that humans have had on the Earth’s ecosystems, and restore it to a specific baseline. The Highline most definitely fits into Marris’ concept of a “Rambunctious Garden” as after the railway was abandoned in the 1980s, humans converted it into a park, thus attracting many new species to the area. According to Stalter, over 161 species are currently present at the Highline; mostly consisting of plant species and their respective pollinators (birds, bees, etc.) Simply by walking through the park, a number of species can be found if you look closely enough. And once you look closely enough, you’re already buying into Stalter’s idea that the main purpose for the Highline is for nature and man to interact with one another. 
The High Line
In the book Rambunctious Garden, Emma Marris criticizes that many conservationists approached conservation in a misleading way. Marris believes that there are no such things as pristine nature. There are evidences of human influences everywhere in the world. I think that the High Line fits into the concept of Marris’ rambunctious garden because it is heavily shaped by human, and yet still have its unique natural characteristics. According to Stalter, human visitors to the High Line accidentally bought seeds and different soils to the site, it creates various habitats for different species to live in. Other human influences such as “trampling and cutting vegetation, and the smothering of plants by debris such as tires, bottles and additional trash (Stalter 387)” also play an important role of soil composition and species diversities in the High Line.
The High Line used to be an elevated commercial railroad from 1934 to 1980. It sketches from 13th and 34th street between 10th and 11th Avenue. However, the 1950s Interstate Highway System decreased the rail freight on the High Line. The High Line rails were abandoned in 1980. Friends of the High Line, which is a non-profit organization, proposed to transform the rail lines into a pedestrian walkway. During the primary succession lichens, bryophytes, forbs, grasses and some other vegetation started to appear. Then with the growing and dying of the mosses, lichens and grasses, the soil composition become richer, which allows more species to better flourish themselves (Stalter, 387-388).
During my first visit to the High Line I was impressed by its species richness. I visited t
he High Line on last Tuesday; it was windy and rainy. I saw all different colors of flowers, fruits, and trees. As what Stalter reported in his paper, “the vascular flora at the High Line consisted of 161 species in 122 genera in 48 families (Stalter 388).” It is amazing that this human-made strip of nature is right in the city. I also saw a lot of pollinators like honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies and etc. It was a worthwhile trip to the High Line; I can see all different types of flora without travelling outside of the city.
I believe that the High Line supports Marris’ concept of rambunctious garden, because it is not pristine, but still have its unique beauty. According to Stalter, compare to Haffman/Swinburne Island, Bayswater State Park, Liberty and Ellis Island, the High Line has the greatest number of species. Also, “The High Line may have one of the highest levels of species richness of any temperate zone urban environment in the region (Stalter, 389).” Although many conservationists believe in pristine nature, and that nature should be kept away from human interference; the High Line proves that human and nature can be coexist, and create this strip of nature with the most species diversities.
Rambunctious Garden: Chapter 6 & 7
Within these next two chapters, Marris discussed the opposing views regarding exotic species. The argument that many ecologists and scientists agree with is that exotic species are invasive species–they take over, the ecosystem collapses, species go extinct, and complexity and diversity is diminished. Ultimately, that exotic/invasive species dominate over native species and deteriorates the native ecosystem. Regardless of whether or not exotic species are useful or beneficial, like the exotic tree species that were reforested on Rodrigues Island and revived native bird species, proponents of this argument fight for legislation and action against “enemy” species. Governmental and non-governmental efforts come at a high financial cost, though. Like Rita Beard, strikers against invasive species believe it is not a matter of aesthetics, but a matter of “saving the plant communities that have been here historically. It is also about maintaining ecosystems that can withstand the ecological changes that will inevitably occur” (101). Charles Elton’s theory states that invasive species take over native niches, as opposed to finding their own niches elsewhere, causing detrimental effects.
The opposing argument states that exotic species are truly not as devastating to native ecosystems as they’re made out to be. Dov Sax found that certain oceanic islands had increasing overall diversity due to the outnumbering of invasions over extinctions. And, “extinctions are almost never the result of introduced species” (104). Ecologist Mark Davis argues in favor of exotic species, stating that “change is the order of the day in all ecosystems, and that species move around constantly, on multiple scales” (104). Disturbance is thought to make resources–food, nutrients–more available in time. Invasive species are often times more beneficial to their new environments. Ariel Lugo found that “the exotic-dominated ecosystem was functioning better than nearby native forest, if function is measured as brute production of biomass” (113). So what really makes people go against exotic species? Marris poses the question, “More broadly, when we attack ‘invasive species,’ are we acting out of prudent caution to avoid likely extinctions, or do we merely fear and dislike any change?” (107).
Ultimately, the baseline of either argument is human interaction with nature. Anthropogenic change is either direct, as in species movement, or indirect–climate change. “Exotic pests and pathogens are introduced to control undesirable exotic species” (109). Ecologists like those who use non-native species to control other non-natives, who are against exotic species but in favor of assisted migration, are hypocritical. It boils down to the initial argument over humanity’s hand in the natural world. Once it’s accepted that man is inevitably affecting the world’s ecosystems forevermore, then the argument over exotic species seems more clear. We humans are apart of the natural world, as well. Whether some take actions like introducing non-native species or indirectly affecting areas, it is all apart of natural evolution. I am an advocate of, considerably, a “laissez-faire” environment, which does not exclude human interaction. “As the planet warms and adapts to human domination, it is the exotic species of the world that are busy moving, evolving, and forming new ecological relationships” (109). Novel ecosystems are not under active human management, but still defined by anthropogenic change. Essentially, Marris sums up my opinion of these two chapters when she says that, “We may have introduced the various parties to one another…but the rhythm of life they take up and the interplay of selection pressures they produce on one another are all up to them” (121).
The High Line: A Natural Experience in NYC
One of the most visited nature sites in New York City is the High Line. The attraction spans from 14th Street to 34th Street along 10th Avenue. It was my second visit to the Highline and the first time that I actually saw the plants and paid attention to pollinators. People of all different races, genders, and styles visit the High Line to appreciate the natural elements, plants, and spectacular views of Chelsea. 
Upon climbing the stairs of the 23rd Street entrance of the High Line I was surrounded by a diverse people. There were young men and women holding hands, young children begging for ice cream, old ladies telling them to be quiet. Business people looking for a break in the day, a saxophone player accompanied by a vocalist, jamming out; these were the people of the High Line. What united them? Was it nature? Was it the sounds of the birds? What was it?
Personally, I think people go to the High Line to relax. It is very peaceful up there. Especially considering that 20 feet below you sits the heart of Chelsea (on 23rd Street). Nature, on the West Side of Manhattan, seems out of place up there, but highly appreciated. What types of plants were there? I am no botanist, so my best summary is: a rainbow of all the colors you could see, but one color on one plant; some had thorns; some were dying; some were thriving; some had birds all over them; some had insects and bees pollinating like wildfire; it was different.
Pollination. Many overlook the process. It truly is an art form, and those who are good at it are relentless. 
The bees will stop at nothing, not even 40 mph winds. 
The birds only seemed to be around one plant, the fruitful looking purple one. 
The small orange insects that I have never seen are nested along a brown leafed plant. 
The day was windy, overcast, and overcrowded with New Yorkers, but these animals were in their own domain. Shielded by a fine green line, they were in their own habitat, created by humans, untouched by humans since. You get the feeling that some plants are more loved than others: some appear more vivacious. That could be a result of something that Slater points out.
He says due to shallow soil profile, soil depth ranges from 1 centimeter to 70 centimeters (over 2 feet). Perhaps this is a reason why some plants appear brown on the last day of summer and others are thriving with beautiful colors. 
Slater brings up an interesting point saying that the High Line has the highest species per area with respect to 4 other major coastal sites including Ellis Island and Liberty Island. It is easy to see why this may be the case. The High Line is only 20 blocks long, and just over 20 feet wide. The total number of species on the High Line is 163, which is third following Ellis Island and Bayswater Park.
Is the High Line a Rambunctious Garden? It would appear so. The High Line is a natural space strategically created by Kelco. It is built to serve nature and humans. There are practical and artful uses for this great space. Ultimately, this is now nature, that is created, should be enjoyed by the masses.
the Highline and Stalter
Although I went to the highline a year ago for IDC to see the Chelsea Galleries, upon my second visit, it was a completely different experience. This time I turned my attention away from the architecture and artistic displays, and refocused it on the inconspicuous pollinators along the boardwalk. I started the journey on 23rd street and 10th avenue and immediately I saw a bee on what I believe to be a Rosaceae plant. The bee was attracted to the inner most part where the pollen is located. As I walked towards 19th street I noticed that the bees were predominately settling on the parts of the plant with a lighter color. The bees were rarely nesting on the green plant leaves. Less common were the wasps, I managed to come across a wasp on the Rosaceae plant, but unlike the bee, its stripes are more defined and it was located on the green leaf rather than white bulb.
Other than bees and wasps, I also came across flies. The flies were harder to find because they moved around often and tended to blend with the green leaves. Most of the flies were on the tip of the leaf and towards the side closest to the boardwalk. Within a block’s distance of the fly was a ladybug. In comparison to the bees, wasps and flies, the ladybugs are less apparent. In fact, the insect was almost hidden within the leaf. Given the insect’s unusual green color, it was a bit ironic that the ladybug was hidden in a reddish colored leaf. The last of the pollinator species I came across were birds. The birds tended to nest either on the fence or on poles. I believe this is the case because the species of plants nearest to the fence is the Poaceae flora, which resembles tree branches, which birds use to create nests. In fact in the picture below it seems that the group of birds are working together to create their own habitat.
The highline is unique space that allows New Yorkers who want to escape the crowded streets of the city to enjoy a more serene stroll above the traffic. The highline does fit into Marris’ rambunctious garden. In her novel “Rambunctious Garden” she states “this garden isn’t restricted to parks and protected areas. Conservation can happen in parks, on farms, in the strips of land attached to rest stops…” (Marris 2). From this excerpt it is clear that the highline represents a rambunctious garden because it is not a secluded area of nature. Marris’ definition is inclusive of all and any type of nature that is set aside no matter the size. Given the small area of the highline, it can very well be a rambunctious garden because a major goal of the highline according to Stalter is to create a space for people and nature to interact. Based on the Stalter piece, the highline was an abandoned area that once served as a highway for freight trains, but with the organization “Friends of the High line” it became a “rambunctious garden” or a place where people and nature can coexist. I must admit that initially I did not think that the highline was in any way a “rambunctious garden,” because it seemed that the same plants were distributed throughout the entire highline. However, after reading Stalter’s work, I learned about the many species that thrive in the highline including the Poaceane, Rosaceane, Asteraceae etc. The highline may only have an area of 4.2 hectare, however it is the home to 163 total species and the embodiment of Marris’ rambunctious garden.
A green ladybug on a reddish colored leaf.
At the highline 23rd and 10th avenue. I am second from the left.
Birds creating what seems to be a nest.
Marris Chapters 6-7
The negative perspective towards invasive species is fueled by emphasis on such “new germs and viruses [that] can make people and animals sick” or the “introduced species [that] can cost farmers and ranchers big money, as they destroy crops or displace more palatable species on the range” (Marris 99). By focusing on such cases as the introduced brown tree snakes species that “has killed off ten of twelve native forest-dwelling birds on the island of Guam,” (99) we are only considering the negative aspect of introducing new species to a region. When it comes to invasive species, similarly to other topics Marris addresses in her book, we could perhaps benefit from being more open minded with the ability to recognize the possible beneficial impact a species could have on the new ecosystem it is being introduced to. One example that illustrates the potential benefit of new species is that in Britain, where climate change caused chicks to hatch early, leaving them without caterpillars to eat. In this case, the newly introduced European Turkey Oaks were beneficial to the survival of the chicks as they brought with them wasps that served as food in lieu of the caterpillars. Examples like these are necessary as they illustrate the recurrent benefits that many so called “invasive species” can have on ecosystems. Marris brings up a valid point by questioning why we are inclined towards disliking the introduction of new species. I agree with the notion that perhaps it is because we “merely fear and dislike any change” (107). I also agree “the invasive species paradigm is so easy” and that it is simply convenient for us to implicitly immediately judge new species as invasive and dangerous and solely welcome natives in ecosystems (108). Ecologist Mark Davis brings up another valid idea, suggesting we should “forget about where they came from, identify species that are causing us problems…and then deal with them” and perhaps we could deal with each species as a “separate case” rather than categorizing based on native or invasive status (108). I appreciate Marris’ introduction of novel ecosystems, as they appear to be a good balance between complete conservation and radical moves such as assisted migration. Novel ecosystems are “defined by anthropogenic change but are not under active human management” (114). I am optimistic regarding the concept of introducing a species to an environment and allowing it to thrive, perhaps even assisting the processes of evolution and natural selection. My optimistic outlook towards the idea of introducing new species to an ecosystem stems from the positive results from scientists such as Ariel Lugo who “found that the novel forests [in his study], on average, had just as many species as native forests” (119). Although I, like Mascaro states, recognize that ”we will always have to deal with the risk [new species] pose to other systems,” I think we should further work towards and research novel ecosystems as it would be unfair to simply dismiss their potentially beneficial role in our environment.
High Line/ Stalter
I have been to the High Line a few times before, but I had never noticed how large the population of pollinators was until my last excursion with Melanie. Even though it is early autumn now, insects were buzzing around flowers everywhere, luckily for us. It was clear from the start of our walk down the High Line that the park supported a diverse population of flora and fauna. Pollinators we saw included an array of bees, wasps, birds, flies, other insects and a moth. It was truly interesting to see which bugs liked which flowers. The pollinators clearly had preferences for certain nectars, and some flowers were definitely more popular than others.
The compass plant’s yellow flowers were a big favorite, drawing bumblebees, flies, moths, and wasps all over. Honeybees seemed the most tolerant of any kind of flower, going from asters to [pink flowers I cannot seem to identity] to white wild spurges. We did see other insects and beetles of which we were unsure whether we could label pollinator which are not included here.
I don’t think the High Line is as much of a Rambunctious Garden as I think Marris attempts to describe in her book, but I do see where the two share characteristics. The park is not in a place where plants are supposed to thrive, but we have brought them up unto where the old railroad tracks once were, “intervening” with Nature’s Way. The process has naturally brought more animal life and more plant life as we plant more blooms and people visit. It is very much a garden in the sense that the plants are cared for and monitored. As a public park, the High Line flora are maintained, and the structure of the park makes sure the plants have the right amount of water. However, the High Line is not as much of a hands on project where we introduce species like puzzle pieces from other areas. Plant diversity was high before the High Line became a managed park and caring for those plants is a focus of the High Line project. Besides this, the aim of the High Line is not to recreate an ecosystem, but just help make the previous landscape of the abandoned railway become more appealing and accessible to the public. The plantings here are mostly based on aesthetic value of the bright flowers and that feel of the abandoned railroad, while also keeping the native species as a priority. There is no active introduction of animal species as far as I can tell, and according to the park’s website, 161 of the 210 plants species of the part of the park we traversed are native to New York.
Many of the plants that were self-seeded (those not artificially introduced to that land by humans) before the High Line came to be integrated in the park. The statistics in the Stalter paper show that the High Line environment had really created itself and shown that it was ready to be developed before we realized that we could exploit it for our own interests.
The High Line & Richard Stalter
During my trip to the Highline, it was very windy which was unfortunate when it came to spotting pollinators in mid-flight. However, I was able to spot quite a few species hovering in and around the various plant-life on the sides of the walkway.I would have to say the most numerous or prevalent pollinator species seen that day were honeybees, carpenter bees and bumble bees. These species mostly hovered around flowering bushes that alternately sprung up along the walkway, so their presence was viewable throughout. I also saw smaller flies whose species I do not know the name of as well as a small bird species that gathered in groups underneath the bushes. Something that I also found interesting at the Highline was the sound of what I think was a grasshopper coming from a particular purple bush that was planted towards the end of the strip. On my past trips to the Highline, I only vaguely made note of the plant life around me in the routine of quickly walking by urban nature. This trip, I was able to actually able hear the life that existed in such a compact and yet densely inhabited space. Here are some of the pictures of my trip and the pollinators I was able to capture in their daily routine:
Carpenter bee
Honeybee
One of fly species
Before reading the Stalter article, I thought the Highline may be a good example of a rambunctious garden by Emma Marris’ definition, because she pushes us to see any and all plots of land where plant/ animal life exists as nature, whether its an open pasture or surrounded by the worlds highest skyscrapers. From my previous visits, I was prepared to blindly walk down the strip and acknowledge a static scene of plant-life. However after my visit and reading Richard Stalter article, I was made privy to just how much live existed at the Highline and how the fact that it was an urban garden potentially help to aid this biodiversity.
Originally, before the planned reconstruction of the Highline, it had sprouted various plant-life and become somewhat of a “pristine garden” due to its lack of human contact. However, what I got from Stalter’s article is that the fact that the Highline grew out of and into an urban area with the incorporation of human interaction has lead to its increased biodiversity. Seeds, soils and minerals spread by winds, humans and pollinators from across the local city area along with the changing environmental conditions has created a home for opportunistic plants as well as those that thrive best at certain parts of the Highline. What I found interesting and a testament to the affect of environmental conditions on certain species, was how at the 29th street section of the Highline, woody species thrived due to the shadiness of the area. All in all what I could conclude both from my visit and the Stalter article is that not only does nature exist in urban areas, but urban areas and human contact can actually be beneficial to nature in certain cases.
Here I am (second from the right) at the High Line
Richard Stalter’s piece changed my view of the rambunctious garden that Marris describes because it presented he case that nature should not be shut away from human contact and that such contact may be a boon to a natural environment. Rather than just appreciating the nature in the urban areas around us we should become a part of the natural community I helping it thrive.
High Line and Stalter
The High Line is a unique park situated on abandoned elevated railroad tracks parallel to 10th Avenue between 13th and 34th Streets. In the past, the tracks were considered an eyesore that lowered nearby property values (Stalter 388). With the many changes made to preserve and transform the tracks into a park, the High Line is a beautiful green space in the middle of concrete that is loved by New York City residents and tourists alike.
Last Thursday I visited the High Line for the second time with Jenny. Despite the fact that my two visits were only about 3 months apart, I was still able to see some changes in the scenery. Both visits I started around the 23rd Street entrance and ended at 30th Street. Due to the change in seasons, many of the wild grasses and plants were beginning to wilt and the leaves on the bushes and trees began to change color. What surprised me was that there were still wildflower blooming. Between 23rd Street and 26th Street there were many little patches of yellow wildflowers, white wildflowers, and purple wildflowers scattered between tall grasses. I found it interesting that one species of these flowers would dominate that specific patch; if it was a patch of white flower plants, the entire patch was of the white flowers. Some pollinators we found in these blooming areas were a few different species of bees, flies, and birds. I found the High Line to be consistent with Stalter’s study in terms of species diversity. I was able to see a large variety of species simply by walking through the park. The environment initially seemed more grassy and meadow like, but as I walked further north, the grass and bushes changed to bigger shrubs and larger plants, having a forest, woodsy feel to it. Yet when we walked further into more sunlit areas, the plants were more meadow like once again.
Moth
Bumblebee on Aster Plants
Bird pollinating flowers
Fly
Honeybee
The High Line fits with Marris’ idea of a rambunctious garden. The High Line is certainly an example of a “half-wild” garden tended by humans (Marris 2). Before the High Line was transformed, there were already examples of primary succession found on the tracks, showing that nature was already reclaiming the space that humans no longer used (Stalter 388). After the High Line was transformed, humans help maintain and preserve the plants. As the plants on the park continue to grow and bloom, people help encourage its growth. The High Line is nature thriving in the middle of a city.
Jenny and Me at the High Line
Visit to the High Line
What used to be an elevated commercial railroad built to transport goods for more than thirty years, High Line is now a popular site for New Yorkers and tourists alike. The railroad was abandoned after the emergence of the Interstate Highway System, which made transportation of goods much easier and efficient. Some parts of the railroad were destructed and the demolition of the High Line was preferred by the real estate owners of the property beneath it. It guaranteed an increase in its property value (388, Stalter). The Railbanking program and Friends of the High Line together worked to preserve and not only to preserve but to transform the railroad to a public walkaway that exists today.
Around 14th Street. Railroad tracks still visible through the plants.
The park runs from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Streeth between 10th and 11th Avenues. Starting with the first section in 2009 followed by the second section three years later, it is now building its last section of the park which will continue until West 34th Streets.
Walking on the High Line, I was completely surrounded by different green plants and flowers of all colors yet when I fixed my gaze to a distance not too far off I saw the city filled with crowded tall buildings and streets. This rather fits Marris’ idea of a rambunctious garden. The point of the park is not to restore the already damaged nature to its “pristine wilderness” but to create more and more nature on the planet just as it is . Instead of the park existing apart from humanity, it exists with it. Plant succession on the High Line resulted in a wide variety of plant species and consequently pollinators (388, Stalter). Many could be seen throughout my walk on the park.
Bees on flowers. Near 14th Street.
I personally believe that the park is amazing. It is in the middle of the bustling city and gives so much contrast and a peaceful resting place in the midst of a routine-led, hectic life. And an example that nature does not have to be untouched to be nature. Taking an abandoned railroad, more nature was created in the middle of one of the busiest and advanced cities in the world.
The Highline
When you think of nature and greenery in Manhattan you automatically think of Central Park. To be honest, I had never heard of the Highline but it sure did make a lasting impression on me. An elevated area of flowers and plants is an incredible sight that quickly grasps your attention. Many people come to sit on the benches and enjoy the surroundings of the beautiful city as well as this sort of out of place patch of elevated nature. As I walked around the Highline, I was struck by its layout. There were distinct walking areas surrounded by vast amounts of nature. What I noticed was a manhole that was hidden by some plants. This shows that humans, even though they do allow the greenery to grow naturally, they do provide a proper drainage system to make sure the plants aren’t overflowed during rains.
The Highline, located on Tenth Avenue between Gansevoort Street and West 34th, was an elevated commercial rail line built in the 1930s used to carry rail traffic above the New York streets. Currently, it’s a vast green escape for New Yorkers from the typical city blocks that include nothing but skyscrapers and taxis. The Highline is filled with lichens, mosses, plants, flowers, pollinators as we as birds that pay the area a visit. Walking through the Highline was a great experience. The small strip of nature brought a sense of peacefulness, which is really difficult to find in the big apple. The diverse plants brought numerous bees and other insects to pollinate the greenery.
The Highline definitely fits into Marris’s concept of the rambunctious garden. Marris believes that humans shouldn’t impede nature but rather attempt to restore it to a specific baseline. The Highline was abandoned during the 1980s leading to lichens, forbs, grasses and woody vegetarian to grow uncontrollably and most importantly, naturally over the area. Further, humans have transported many foreign species to the area, making it a developed and diverse scenery. According to Stalter’s study, over 161 species as well as 122 genera in 48 families can be found at the Highline. These facts justify why the Highline can e described as a rambunctious garden. The Highline was allowed to develop on its own without human intervention as well as being populated by foreign species. Marris would appreciate the Highline for its vast diversity of species as well as its beauty in a city that doesn’t have much green outside of Central Park.
