Nature Essays

Like so many other animals in the refuge, mankind also seeks to take advantage of its abundant resources. Oil, minerals, and many other treasures are buried deep in this wild place. However, our arrival to the refuge is more of an intrusion rather than a migration. We are not part of its ancient endless cycle of life. Some say that our impact could be minimal to the life that lives here. However, like a stone thrown into a pond, secondary impacts can be worse. Mining operations for example, may have less impact but the resulting human trash could attract additional predators to the area, knocking out the balance of life and death, and threatening the many species of birds, plants and other animals that depend on this rich breeding ground. As we look into the future, perhaps the refuge's most valuable resource of all is its pristine wildness. It gives us a benchmark for the future and serves as an isolated island of unscathed land. It's a gift and treasure for all living things and perhaps it is the perfect place where we can reflect and be reminded of our own place here on earth.