Get Out There
June 1, 2019
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Wild Lands Advocate editorial by: Ian Urquhart
It’s more than 10 years since I started out as editor of Wild Lands Advocate. It’s been a fulfilling decade for any number of reasons. But, I have to say that one of the greatest personal pleasures I get from this job is preparing and reading the June issue of the Advocate. Why? It’s the “get out there” issue. It’s the issue where we devote much of the space in our Features section to reflecting about why we care passionately for the natural world. It’s the issue where we ask staff and supporters to write about particularly meaningful activities and experiences in the outdoors. And sometimes I hope those reflections and stories encourage our readers to try something different or look at the natural world through a different lens.
The legion of AWA volunteers always has impressed me with their enthusiasm and dedication. Ed Hergott is one of the outstanding members of that cohort so I asked him to share his thoughts about why he is so devoted to getting out there and, through the Mountain Manics, helping others to experience Alberta’s mountains (and more). His essay “A Sense of Place” answers the question brilliantly. Lorne Fitch takes time off from analyzing policy to offer you a reflection inspired by his memory of a remarkable early morning scene. Nissa Petterson invites you to think about the value found in the “traditional” outdoor pursuits of hunting and fishing. It’s a story of personal growth and accomplishment. Read it and tell me if you agree.
Lindsey Wallis reflects on an activity that has yet to be pulled out of my “and now for something completely different” file. She writes about her passion for rock climbing. Although she didn’t quell all of the terror I associate with that sport, I have to say that seeing her daughter Karina on a steep rock face may encourage me to give it a try (please note…“may encourage”). If you’ve never considered rock climbing before, have you thought about experiencing the natural world by volunteering in a national park? Waterton Lakes National Park, in my opinion, has a superb volunteer program and I’m grateful to Dianne Pachal for finding time to tell us about some of their activities and plans for 2019.
I think Grace Wark’s article about wilding urban spaces and spending time in our urban green spaces is a must-read. Most of us live in Alberta cities; most of those reading this will spend the bulk of their time in Alberta cities. If getting outside is good for our soul, then we should be concerned about and committed to ensuring that green spaces are front and centre in urban land management decision making. Calgary is blessed with parks such as Nose Hill, Edworthy, and the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. One takeaway from Grace’s piece is that we should encourage our city politicians and officials to increase the connections between our urban green spaces.
If you’ve met AWA’s Joanna Skrajny at an event or at AWA’s Calgary office on 12Street NW you know she’s no Debbie Downer. But…her contribution to this issue’s theme is sobering. She considers how climate change is affecting our outdoor experiences. Hopefully, it’s an account that will help to convince policy makers that the need to address climate change seriously grows significantly with each passing season.
If you have the itch to get out there you may want to check out the update on hikes you will find in the Wilderness Watch section. That update is joined by others on parks/caribou, the Bighorn, Forest Week, the Peace Country. Poetry and the art of Kathryn Bessie also await you in this issue.
In the Association News section two pieces describe well the stellar character of AWA. Charity Intelligence gave AWA its highest ranking and the 28th Climb for Wilderness was an outstanding event.
The issue ends on a somber note. Stellar and outstanding are adjectives we often use to characterize conservationists whose passing we mourn. Dr. Diana Horton was such an individual. Many long-time members will remember Diana from the campaign to protect the McClelland Lake wetland complex from tar sands mining. Diana passed away last summer and we mark that sad event in our In Memoriam section.
–Ian Urquhart
