1. How do you think NYC is faring in its efforts to “go green”? Do you have any suggestions other than what was written in the book?

2. I’m curious about your view of Central Park. Central Park is man-made but New York City would not be as species-diverse without it.

3. I know that your book has attracted vast criticism. Are there any instances that you’re aware of in which you have been able to change conservationist minds, even a little bit? If so, what was it that resonated with them the most?

4. Is there a place (nation, park, etc.) that you feel best fits the “rambunctious garden” model? Can you give specifics about what this place does right?

5. What sparked the idea of “rambunctious gardens” in you? Have you always known that you wanted to go into ecology?

1. What is your idea about tradition conservation projects and current conservation projects?

2. What is your most recommended conservation for the urbanized area such New York City?

3. Do you think humans have more impact on the nature or the natural disasters?

4. In your thoughts, what is the best conservation project in the past that benefited the environment the most?

5. What was your favorite idea that you mentioned in your novel Rumbustious Garden?

Chapter 10 of Rambunctious Garden was the last chapter of the book and discussed some of the difficulties that come with conservation. Conservation often comes with a very high cost and limited resources so people have to choose which projects are worth taking on. Marris summarized several goals of conservation, which include protecting the rights of other species, protecting charismatic megafauna, slowing the rate of extinctions, protecting genetic diversity, defining and defending biodiversity, maximizing ecosystem services, and protecting the spiritual and aesthetic experience of nature.

An example of conflict between these goals can be seen in protecting the rights of other species and slowing the rates of extinctions. If Galapagos Penguins are endangered due to rats eating baby penguins, it makes sense to kill the rats and/or move the rats out of the ecosystem. However, this strategy can conflict with the rights of the rats. Some people would argue that it is not fair to the rats to kill them off or move them out of the ecosystem. Tough choices have to be made.

A very interesting theory is the protection of characteristic megafauna. The theory behind this is that people love animals like tigers, pandas, gorillas, and polar bears and are willing to donate money to save these animals. Its turns out however, that protecting these animals can also help smaller animals that live in the same ecosystems as those animals. These large animals roam long distances so conservationists can argue to have larger areas of land protected, which would in turn help smaller animals as well.

Protecting characteristic megafauna seems like a very good idea. People are willing to contribute to this cause because megafauna are very beautiful and exotic. This plan will also help smaller species. In addition, protecting the spiritual and aesthetic experience nature is a very important cause. While we should strive to take conservation tactics in cities, it is important to protect national parks. These provide wonderful recreational activities and are very peaceful. Spending time in these areas eases the mind and soul. Environmental experts have some tough decisions to make in the near future which will change the world. It is of utmost importance for people to get educated in the issues and help experts make the best decisions.

Chapter Eight of Rambunctious Garden is focused on designer ecosystems. The main point of the chapter was that conservationists should manage ecosystems to achieve a certain goal rather than recreate a pristine ecosystem. Marris gave the example of the Galapagos penguin. The Galapagos penguin is endangered because rats that were introduced into its natural habitat eat the chicks before they can grow up. Conservationists with outdated views of conservation would try to solve this problem by trying to exterminate all the rats on the island, which is a very time consuming and costly method. Instead, conservationists started drilling holes into the rocks on the island so that the penguins can use them to nest. These holes keep the chicks safe and can allow the penguin population to recover.

Chapter Nine of Rambunctious Garden is titled “Conservation Everywhere.” The main point of the chapter is that conservation should take place everywhere, not only in secluded natural parks. Marris argues that conservation can take place in cities. She also argues that individuals can help with the process by planting native species in their backyard. While this is not as pretty as a professionally designed landscape, it is better for the environment because it increases the biodiversity in the area. Marris wants Americans to move away from the notion that nature is a pristine secluded area. She wants people to appreciate nature everywhere, even in cities, which will lead to more conservation happening in cities.

I agree with Marris’ view that conservationists should manage for a goal rather than restoring and ecosystem to the way it was in the past. This method will save a lot of money and time and will have better results than stubbornly fighting natural progression and trying to bring back the past. Marris’ view on conservation happening in cities is also an admirable one, but it will be hard to achieve. People like having backyards that look nice so it would be hard to convince them to plant native species that will bring in many insects, causing the yard to not look as pretty. A modern view of conservation is better for the world and can work if everyone is willing to participate.

This page will aggregate posts by all authors on the site, with the most recent posts on top. To view an individual author’s feed, use the navigation menus above.