My environmental humanities class has been focusing on the definition of wilderness. We have learned how the current definition of wilderness that most people hold revolves around the idea that wilderness is absent of human activity. However, we have learned that it may be more beneficial to alter this definition. We, as humans, are in fact a part of wilderness. While considering ourselves a part of wilderness, we should also realize that smaller examples of nature, such as a tree or a pond, are also parts of wilderness, just like Badwater Basin in Death Valley (pictured). Just because something is cultivated by man does not mean it is unnatural. Considering these lessons helps us realize the vast areas of our life that are wild, and how important it is to take care of these areas for both the well-being of the rest of wilderness and ourselves.
Sincerely,
Death Valley National Park
A world of extremes, Death Valley is the nation's driest, hottest and lowest place, but also features mountains over 11,000 feet high that experience below-zero weather and snow, as well as colorful badlands, sand dunes and canyons. Its dramatic mountains, valleys and dunes are world renowned for their complex and diverse geology. The park also contains a wealth of well-preserved archaeological sites and petroglyphs.
State(s): California Nevada,
Established: 1933
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Greetings from Death Valley National Park
We absolutely loved getting to see a rainbow in Death Valley National Park, a place that only receives an average of 2 inches of rain per year! Experiencing the diversity of this unique ecosystem with my kids has been a true pleasure.
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Greetings from Death Valley National Park
We were able to spend 2 days at Death Valley helping the park rangers clean up areas that they had not been able to get to because of staffing and time. It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to spend more time there.
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