Tao of the open road: save the beauty of planet earth - thoughts of ecology and conservation
The beauty of traveling cross country rather than taking another mode of transportation is the opportunity to experience the wondrous sights; and to really immerse yourself in the beauty of the earth environment that surrounds us everywhere. The journey itself is so enriching that you will want to preserve the sights you see forever for others to enjoy.
Beauty is worth preserving. Taking photographs allows you to focus on small sections of the view taking notice of the light, clouds, trees, birds, mountains and even the road itself in a new way. Objects that you many have taken for granted before when focused only on the destination, will suddenly become noticeable.
The daily sunrise and sunset renews us in yet another awe inspiring opportunity to see the yellow-golds, reds, pastels, or purples that appear. The weather offers further changes in cloud formations and colors that are thrilling and inspiring. Even the storms appear in rainbows and light shows. Still issues with global warming remind us of the threat to our rainfall and weather patterns.
Even stopping at the rest stops as you travel, provides educational information, wildflower butterfly gardens, and wildlife sightings for your enjoyment. The experiences of the road are so enriching that you will want to preserve them for generations to come and your thoughts will naturally turn to wondering about various conservation efforts.
Many species of birds, animals, butterfly, and lizards are endangered today. Some are being pulled back from the brink of extinction like the peregrine falcon. Not all will be saved nor maybe should be saved, but you will be inspired perhaps to do your part in that effort. We even wonder and worry about what is happening to the bees that pollinate our crops.
Currently, conservation organizations across North America, including accredited zoos and aquariums, are engaged in the captive rearing and reintroduction of endangered butterflies, protection of endangered butterfly habitat, and are conducting research about their unique habitat needs. However these efforts have not been focused on all species evenly. Recovery plans exist for fewer then half of the listed endangered and threatened butterfly species in the US!
www.butterfly-conservation.org
Yes, travel cross country is enjoyable, inspiring and thought provoking. And more than anything, reminds us why we call this country “America the Beautiful.”
