Why I Need the Wild

    I think we need the wild. One of the most meaningful experiences that showed me this was a trip to Broken Bow, Oklahoma last fall. I had not been that immersed in nature for an extended period since I was younger. I had experienced nature before through trips to different countries, but those environments often felt more developed and tourist oriented. In contrast, Broken Bow felt less controlled and more immersive, making the experience more meaningful. Hiking along the river and swimming in it reminded me of how peaceful and beautiful the natural environment can be. Being surrounded by trees, water, and open space felt different from everyday life, which is often filled with noise and distractions.

    After my experience in Broken Bow and what I learned in my ecology class, visiting the nature center for this course deepened my understanding of why we need the wild and how it is affected by human activity. I learned how complex ecosystems are and how sensitive they are to noise, light pollution, and invasive species introduced by humans. These experiences helped me notice environmental impacts more clearly in places I see every day.

    Living in the suburbs, I often see deer, ducks, horses, and cows nearby. While it can feel exciting to see these animals so close, it also makes me think about how much of their natural habitat has been taken over by development. As neighborhoods expand, these animals are pushed into smaller spaces, which affects their ability to live naturally.

    Because of these experiences, I realize that I need the wild not only for its beauty, but also as a reminder of what exists beyond the environments we have built. It helps me slow down, reflect, and better understand the impact we have on the natural world.

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