Marris Chapter 10

Emma Marris concludes Rambunctious Garden by suggesting there is a multitude of environmental decisions to be made that are influenced by a variety of factors. Given the amount of time, money and effort many of these processes require, there is undoubtedly going to be debate and controversy regarding which progressive action is best. I agree with Marris that reaching a “common goal” can be difficult since “no single goal will work in all situations” (154). Considering the variety of sources, of both utilitarian and intrinsic belief, and the wide range of opinions these sources feel strongly about, reaching a common goal can be “extremely difficult” (154). I agree with Aldo Leopold’s idea regarding how humans should perceive nature, specifically the importance of reaching the point when “taking care of ourselves becomes the same thing as taking care of the environment” (154).  If we, as a population, recognize that our existence is directly connected to both animal and plant species, perhaps we will learn that we can in fact coexist and that we have no option but to respect and appreciate the nature that surrounds us. We can then progress to make this coexistence possible by experimenting with the various processes Marris introduces, such as rewilding and assisted migration. Marris makes a valid point when she says that we must refrain from “shying away from the occasional bold experiment” (170) and work together to preserve biodiversity. This is only feasible if we are progressive and willing to try new things.  To compromise with those that oppose radical change, we could perhaps begin by testing our methods on a smaller scale and then, if successful, extend their implementation. Although I agree with the majority of Marris’ goals, I oppose that which focuses on solely protecting “genetic diversity” as it seems rather impractical if it implies practices, even if not as radical, as “bluebirds existin[ing] only as frozen tissue samples” (162).  One particularly interesting concept in chapter ten that illustrates the complexity of our ecosystem is that concerning elephants and the importance of having a balanced number of species in an ecosystem. Prior to this reading, given the rarity of elephants, it had never occurred to me that in some places too many elephants in an area have been of concern.  The consequences of having too dense of an elephant population can be detrimental to the ecosystem, threatening the continuous growth of crops and wildlife. This case illustrates both the complexity and interrelated nature of ecosystems. By studying elephant populations and the specific needs of their habitat, for example, we can recognize the importance of treating each ecosystem with a unique perspective without generalizing from one to the next. By doing so, we can work with local populations to meet goals that are both specific and more feasible in that particular region.  It is often human nature to be concerned with those things that are relevant to us, as is demonstrated by Marris’ discussion of ecosystem services. We must therefore emphasize that both animal and plant species directly relate to each and every one of us as we live in what Leopald refers to as “the grand web of life” (154). In parallel to the anthropocentric mindset, we cannot think of nature as a separate entity and must do what Marris suggests in the beginning of her book and “admit our role and even embrace it” (2). Marris concludes her book with a powerful message, emphasizing, “it is our duty to manage” nature and that we can do so for “different ends” (171). But in order to do so, we must be optimistic and recognize all possibilities with an open-mind, understanding that “aesthetic and spiritual values,” among others, “are not limited to native or pristine-seeming places” (168).