|
 Let me introduce myself. My name is John Gallagher. For many years I directed the Kamana Naturalist Training Program for Wilderness Awareness School. For more than a decade I helped thousands gain a deeper connection to the natural world. I am excited to take you on this NatureWalk.
TODAY, there is about 3 minutes of text to read..most every day of the walk will only be 30 seconds of reading...
Learning about nature is so much more than just knowing the names of species.
When you think about it, a name is just a name. Imagine meeting someone at a party and you learn their name and that’s it. While all you know about them at this point is their name, you just assume that there is a depth to that person that goes far beyond what you currently know about them.
 You just assume that they have friends and family that really know them like you know people in your family. You assume there is a connection between them and their community. And that if that person were to pass away, there would be a piece of their community’s and family’s lives missing.
Well, you could learn the name of a mammal or a tree. But, do you really KNOW that mammal or tree? Does simply identifying a bird by its call help you understand the role of that bird in the greater bioregion?
It surely is important to learn the name of various species. Consider it a “handshake” with the species, like you learning the name of someone at a party. But you know that if you want to really get to know that person, you need to spend time with them. Just as if you are really going to understand the natural world, you need to spend time in nature.
In time, you will feel like a “native of your land,” meaning that you have a relationship with the natural world where you live. Not only do you know the names of things, but you have a deeper ecological understanding.
How does one begin to gain a deeper ecological understanding?
 Well, learning the names of things is the easy part. In our culture, we are used to such academic exercises. However, what we are less familiar with is developing our awareness.
Developing our awareness comes with spending time outdoors. Luckily, this web site and free course exist, so we can get you started in a guided fassion.
You’ll always learn faster with a guide or a mentor. Of course, if you want to get into this stuff right away, you can check out the Kamana Naturalist Training Program or the Residential Program at Wilderness Awareness School right now.
However…until then, start right here.
Your first assignment:
For the next 6 days, you are going to take a 10-minute walk every day...
“OH MY GOSH! I don’t have time for that!”
Well… you signed up for a nature awareness course, and do you really think we could teach you from your computer? At some point, you will need to go outside. ;)
“Where should I go?”
Is there a trail near your neighborhood? A local park? A park or trail to or from your way to school or work? There must be a place nearby you can walk. If you live in a city, I am sure there is a park someplace a bus or train ride away.
“I can’t find the perfect walking spot!”
Please, just pick any place you can walk. It does not have to be an ideal wilderness setting. Are their trees and some grass? You’re good to go.
“I can’t think of any place!”
Well, on your way home today, look closely. Perhaps there are some parks in your town you didn’t know about. Look at a map of your area. You might discover a park or wilderness area you didn’t even know existed.
“I really don’t have time for this.”
 I really think you do. Something in you caused you to put in your email address for this program. 10 extra minutes on your way home from work or school can surely be arranged no matter how busy you are. If you are really that busy, then let me suggest to you that taking some time out in nature regularly will help your health and productivity.
OK! I think I addressed all your red flags that came up. Right?
When I return tomorrow, we’ll take our first walk. I will give you a fun task to do on your walk that will deepen your awareness of the natural world around you.
Have fun finding your walking spot!
See you tomorrow!
OH! I forgot to mention that all of the photos on this page were taken by DeAnna Dailey, a volunteer and student of Wilderness Awareness School.
|
