Douglas Everglades

“There are no other Everglades in the world”(Douglas 104)

In this world there are very few places in the United States that can relate. For Florida to hold such a vast piece of land is not only a place for future wildlife to thrive but also a National Park for our future generations to learn about and love. The natural environment plays a huge role in our world and without it we wouldn’t exist. The Everglades is a key asset to our Sunshine state and there is no other place like it.

“Only one force can concur it and that’s fire” (Douglas 111)

The initiation of controlled fires is a major part of keeping a balance in the ecosystem. Without fires there would be an overgrowth of old and dead plants causing a buildup of muck. Controlled fires are an effective way of dealing with this situation and it is a good option. I do feel that there is other ways out there though that the environment can be controlled other then fires.

Off and on for those four hundred years the region now called “The Everglades” was described as a series of vast, miasmic swamps, poisonous lagoons, huge dismal marshes without outlet, a rotting, shallow, inland sea, or labyrinths of dark tree’s hung and looped about with snakes and dripping mosses, malignant with tropical fevers and malarias, evil to the white men” (Douglas 105)

I would honestly think the same thing if I lived in the rural areas of the everglades back in those days. The swamps would be infested with creatures much larger and not startled by humans. The everglades muddy trenches would startle me as well. The glades to play an important role in the environment and even though people didn’t know this back in the day. the natural beauty of the everglades really is portrayed in this quote.

A Land Remebered

Tobias MacIvey shares a strong bond with the Florida wilderness through maintaining composure while going through the experience of moving his family to the Florida wilderness. Also being able to start surviving from scratch in the the untouched parts of Florida. Tobias experiences a strong sense of place when he starts a prosperous cattle driving business and makes what he can with his surroundings. Even though there is not a lot around him he makes the best of everything. Tobias will leave behind a business and will pass down his learning’s from one generation to another. I relate to this character because I feel like I would do the same thing he did by securing my family and making a move that saved there lives from the war. I also feel like me and Tobias are similar since we both share a common love for nature.

Leopold A Land Ethic

"An ethic may be regarded as a mode of guidance for meeting ecological situations so new or intricate,or involving such deferred reactions,that the path of social expediency is not discernible to the average individual" (Leopold 59)

In life you face many obstacles and hurdles but in return you learn from them to better your lifestyle and your choice making skills. Ethics are something that comes into play after the lessons learned and is the things you live by in your everyday life. My life has been one bug maze and the amount of lessons I’ve learned is probably a lot more then the average 21 year old. I’m glad I learned them while I was young and can teach my kids to not start off their adulthood like I did.  This quote is exactly that and gives you a better understanding for what ethics involve.

"All ethics involved rest upon a single premise:that the individual is a ember of a community of interdependent parts" (Leopold 60)

All the ethics involved in my life do not rest upon a single premise rather multiple premises.All the ethics that i have learned over the years have either been taught through lessons through mistakes or taught by role models who have lived through mistakes i haven't yet made.I disagree with his view on a single premise existence yet oversee what he is trying to conceive.  In my community there are many different cultures and sexualities all thrown into one island and a single premise does not exist in Key West,FL where i call home.

"Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land." (Leopold 62)

Conservation is a big part of my life life and my families life and i feel that Leopold is really connecting to me with this quote.Without conservation there would be no harmony between man and land since we would be destroying it.There needs to be a simple balance between man and land and thats exactly what is trying to be taught.The quotes really hammers the nail spot on and contradicts all who disagree with saving the earth.

All pictures credited by me-Austin Cerkleski

Orr Biophilia vs. Biophobia

"We relate to the environment around us in different ways,with differing intensity,and these bonds have different sources" (Orr 193)

Being a person who loves the outdoors i always feel a connection to nature.I agree that you can relate to the environment in different ways and really feel that the ocean is what enviorment i relate too.Whenever I'm in the water my body takes over and my mind is at rest. All of my problems go out the door and the calming feel of the water makes me relaxed and connected to the outdoors.

"In varying degrees humans have always modified their environments.I am persuaded that they generally have intended to do so with decorum and courtesy toward nature-not all and everywhere to be sure but mostly" (Orr 188)

Growing up on a small island and watching it transform into a tourist attraction over the years really makes me disagree with this quote.In my eyes humans have always monied their environments but most of the time there is barely any courtesy to nature.Tearing down forests to build structures and buildings without relocation of nature is what i see. These animals are forced out of there homes and not given a place to live and thats why i disagree with this.

"And immediately ahead is the transformation of human consciousness brought on by the conjunction of neuroscience and computers in machines that will simulate whatever reality we choose."(Orr 190)

The future actually scares me in a way and these technological advances are a scary thought. All this technology and human advancement really shines on this quote. Being part of a family who likes doing things simple and old-fashioned it really makes my realize the future holds grey change.

"To take nature and natural play away from children may be tantamount to withholding oxygen."  (Louv 11)


Nature is a cure for all things going wrong.When I'm stressed or feeling down nature is one way i can take a break from reality and really just soaking the world out there.My favorite and most convenient part of nature is the ocean.The ocean and I share a bond like no other and really can connect.Growing up in Key West i was brought in contact with the ocean at a very young age and i am thankful too have explored the oceans like i have.The amount of life out there in the sea is amazing and really makes you appreciate life.

"Could it simply be that he needs more physical activity?  'No, he gets that in sports,' she says."  (Louv 4)

I grew up playing sorts and being a team player is not only helpful in everyday life but at being successful in life.Being part of a team is a bond and a special relationship that you can get through physical activities such as sports.Not only are physical activities good for the soul,body, and mind but also can really help you with gaining people skills.Without physical activitiesi don't know what i would have done.

"Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle maintains that each hour of TV watched per day by preschoolers increases by 10% the likelihood that they will dvelop concentration problems and other symptoms of attention-deficit disorder."  (Louv 4)

Growing up in Key West,Fl made me realize the beauty the world has to offer and how we are one with nature. My mother used to wake me up i and bring me outside in the morning just to watch the sunrise over the beautiful view of our balcony where you overlooked the ocean.I never was that kid stuck inside watching TV rather the one always outside finding shenanigans to get into in my neighborhood.