In chapters eight and nine of the Rambunctious Garden, Marris talks about designer ecosystems and conservation on less than ideal lands. Throughout what we have read, Marris discourages the way environmentalists and conservationists think about how nature should be. Many think that nature should be returned to their baselines, before mankind has altered it in any way. However, Marris introduces the designer ecosystems in chapter eight, which is an ecosystem to be altered for the better by humans, and how advantageous they can be. Marris quotes that, “… a designer ecosystem may be better than a recreation of a historical ecosystem.”
Marris gives an example of the Galápagos penguins as a successful result of the designer ecosystems. Because of the rats preying on the baby penguins, the penguins were at risk of extinction. Exterminating the rats to lessen the risk of the penguins is a long and difficult process. Instead, scientists drilled more nesting holes into the rocks for these birds. According to Marris, “This manipulation doesn’t return penguin habitat to any particular baseline; it makes the habitat better than “normal” for the birds.” There were instances when it has had negative effects, which led to a new domination of the area by a kind of grass. Despite its successes and failures, Marris points out that designer ecosystems are better than conserving areas the traditional way because designer ecosystems work with the growth of the environment, rather than against it. They are also cheaper and more efficient compared to the conventional method. This ties in with chapter nine. Marris writes how unexpected places can provide to be great habitats. She gives an example of a sunken ship housing coral reefs. And so, just like the Galápagos penguins, it would be like making an environment “normal.” “Nature”, such as trees and grass, would be added to urban areas, like the rambuctious garden.
As I read furthermore in the Rambunctious Garden, I see Marris’ idea of this whole rambunctious garden as more and more plausible. I feel like designer ecosystems will be of greater efficiency and cost. Although the idea of the “pristine wilderness” is still in the back of my head, reaching the baseline of an area is nearly impossible. While the possibility of that idea is almost zero, the idea of the rambunctious garden is completely possible and right in front of our noses. Many people do not like change, so it is rather better making small adjustments than to completely alter everything. I think this will be a great way to bring a small piece of nature to everyone’s front steps to admire.
