The Map: A Window Into My Own Space

The Nature of Wildlife Conservation

Photograph Courtesy of The Temple: Home of the Tigers
The Temple: Home of the Tigers. 6 May 2010.



Like their ancestors, modern day human beings share the earth with a multitude of wildlife. For centuries, this great diversity of organisms has existed in an elaborate system of checks and balances. Some organisms preserve ecological balance by providing the sustenance that other species need to survive; predatory species, in contrast, help to maintain such balance by preventing prey from growing too numerous and exhausting environmental resources. No matter what role a given organism plays in its local ecosystem (a term referring to the systematic interactions between organisms and their surroundings), each form of wildlife is thus an important balancing force (Campbell et al. 1222). A redwood tree may initially appear to have little in common with a Bengal tiger or a wolf spider, but all of these life forms are united by their importance in upholding world ecosystems. Additionally, earth’s many forms of wildlife increase the planet’s beauty and inspiring power. As a girl who has spent most of her life in the eastern U.S., I have had few opportunities to actually meet the exotic creatures that live in far away lands; however, I have received glimpses of them through photographs and video footage, and these brief exposures have served as a foundation for my interest in preserving wildlife. All my life, I have been impressed by the African lion’s strength, awed by the humpback whale’s daunting size, and fascinated by the gray wolf’s howl. Many people—myself included--would be at a loss if any of these unique creatures were to disappear, particularly if human activities were the cause of such extinctions. For these reasons, the modern wildlife protection movement is extremely important. My own experience has shown that whether this cause is carried forward by large organizations like the World Wildlife Fund or by private individuals, the wildlife conservation cause can benefit man and nature by protecting plants and animals, by promoting human safety, and by increasing human appreciation for wildlife. This ecological cause therefore deserves widespread support.

Indeed, the wildlife protection cause can help to keep earth’s plants and animals safe and healthy. Although certain individuals maintain the opinion that conservation leads to extensive human involvement in nature and, in turn, to increased harm, conservation efforts do not always facilitate such destruction. I have had the opportunity to observe the positive effects that properly executed conservation practices can promote. Hanauma Bay, located on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu, is an excellent example of the good that the wildlife protection movement can do for nature. By the time I visited Hanauma for a snorkeling adventure, a local conservation group had already taken to protecting the bay’s wildlife while promoting human appreciation for these marine organisms. This organization was very strict in regulating human interaction with the bay’s wildlife: Visitors were encouraged to observe the fish, turtles, corals, and sea urchins of Hanauma but were forbidden to feed or touch the animals. Apparently, this system has worked very well for the bay’s inhabitants. Humans are able to experience the beauty of Hawaii’s ocean wildlife without disturbing the Hanauma ecosystem. When I snorkeled in the bay’s waters, I was utterly delighted by the vibrant, healthy coral reef and its denizens. Never would I have guessed that years before, the bay was suffering from human activities. At that time, careless swimmers frequently damaged the reef’s coral and disrupted the balance between fish species by scattering food in the bay. This practice had allowed the fish species who ate the food to proliferate at the expense of other species. Today, however, Hanauma has been revitalized by a controlled and careful conservation effort, and humans are once again able to enjoy a variety of beautiful fish and coral. The success of Hanauma Bay made me realize that conservation is essential and can be a very powerful means of preserving nature, as long as we take care to prevent our efforts from inadvertently harming the life we aim to protect. This realization made me a firmer supporter of conservation efforts and of the wildlife protection movement as a whole.

The wildlife protection movement can also benefit mankind by helping to promote human safety. This positive effect is especially clear in regions like Pennsylvania, where excessive hunting has already threatened the balance of local ecosystems. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the state of Pennsylvania was home to such predatory wildlife as cougars and wolves. However, these animals were later hunted to local extinction, and this change had a profound effect on Pennsylvania ecosystems. Freed from the regulation imposed by predation, Pennsylvania deer herds were able to grow significantly. Such unchecked growth is dangerous for any ecosystem, since the increasing demand for natural resources places considerable pressure on the local environment. In modern Pennsylvania, the overabundance of white-tailed deer has also had a particularly detrimental effect on humans. Because these deer have become so numerous—and because many of them have a tendency to suddenly dart in front of oncoming traffic—deer-related car accidents have become much more frequent throughout Pennsylvania. In my native township of Upper St. Clair, this problem became so serious that the township authorities actually resorted to hiring “deer snipers,” whose job was to thin out the local deer herds. In cases such as these, conservation takes on a different form, one in which human hunters must step in and serve as the local predatory species. As long as this hunting is practiced conscientiously and in moderation, it can help to preserve animals like the white-tailed deer by preventing them from overwhelming the local environment. In this way, ecological balance is preserved, and in regions like Pennsylvania, animal-related accidents may occur less frequently. As I witnessed this positive change in Upper St. Clair, I came to realize the importance of balance in nature. Where humans have disrupted that balance, they must work to restore it. Otherwise, both human and environmental safety may be threatened. Through conservation efforts, humans can therefore maintain the balance that ultimately allows human and animal populations to survive.

The conservation movement can also benefit both mankind and nature by promoting human appreciation for wildlife. I experienced such beneficial education during a summer vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. One evening, my family and I were exploring a boardwalk. As we wandered among the multitude of restaurants and souvenir shops, we came upon a small conservation center dedicated—interestingly enough—to preserving tigers. Several tigers were living at the station at that time, and we actually had the opportunity to observe them at a relatively close range. The staff gave regular presentations about the animals’ declining numbers and about the human practices that have endangered tigers and other species. Since I was already enraptured with the tigers in front of me, I listened very intently to these speeches on their behalf. Additionally, the conservation staff allowed certain visitors to have their pictures taken with a young tiger cub (under the watchful eyes of the staff members, of course) in return for a donation to the tiger conservation cause. Needless to say, I was left breathless at the very thought of such an opportunity. As I gazed in wonder at the little striped ball of fluff nestled in my lap, a special connection took place. Although I seriously doubt that I had much of an impact on that cub’s life, he had a lasting influence on mine. My brief experience with the cub at the tiger conservation station strengthened my affinity and appreciation for tigers and allowed me to appreciate the importance of the wildlife protection movement as a whole. I knew that the conservation movement’s ultimate goal was to preserve animals like the tiger cub I had fallen in love with, and for this reason the wildlife protection movement became more important to me. As my own experience illustrates, wildlife conservation efforts can allow humans to have thrilling encounters with wildlife and to develop a greater interest in those life forms. This interest, in turn, may drive these people to support and further the wildlife protection movement and to help protect the ecological balance that is essential to human and natural well being.

The current wildlife conservation movement can benefit both man and nature by preserving wildlife, by ensuring human security, and by increasing human appreciation for wildlife; for this reason, the conservation movement deserves widespread human support. In many cases, this cause can provide humans with opportunities to observe incredible animals and plants firsthand; these bonding experiences are frequently enjoyable and may even prove to be life changing for the people involved. Even more importantly, the conservation cause can help to fuel human interest in nature and may motivate them to preserve ecological balance by protecting all forms of wildlife. By behaving in this way, humans can preserve their own species, as well as the rest of earth’s life forms. Widespread support for the wildlife protection cause will also preserve the beauty and diversity that make earth such a unique and pleasing planet.

Works Cited

Campbell, Neil A., et al. Biology. 8th ed. California: Pearson Benjamin

Cummings, 2008.

Restoring a Connection to the Past

Once a part of Mayview State Hospital's farm, which was largely run by the hospital's psychiatric patients, this old stable looms ahead as visitors approach Upper St. Clair's recreation center from Mayview Road.


















Despite its age, the stable's facade maintains a quaint dignity.















Although some of the boarding is deteriorating, the stable's arched windows and deep red bricks increase the structure's aesthetic appeal.





















Ivy crawls up the side of the old stable; in the summer, its lush emerald complements the stable's scarlet bricks.















Old and new in tandem--the Mayview stable in the foreground, with the Upper St. Clair Township Recreation Center behind it.

















A single life form at the stable--isolation was once a key element of Mayview State Hospital and its working farm.















As visitors pass the Mayview stable and observe its exterior, they may connect to the lost era that it represents.








The new Upper St. Clair Recreation Center is the epitome of modern recreational facilities and is testament to the fact that this picturesque western Pennsylvania township is always looking toward the future. Every aspect of Upper St. Clair’s state-of-the-art community recreation center is absolutely pristine, from the glistening basketball court to the immaculate swimming pools. The building that houses these attractions is itself an impressive, crisp example of modern architecture. But right next door to the recreation center looms another structure, a quiet yet commanding building that was erected decades before the new recreation center was a figment of anyone’s imagination. Dating back to the 1940s or 1950s, this quaint structure once served as a cattle stable and was a working part of Pennsylvania’s Mayview State Hospital (opened in 1893). At one time, the patients of this well-known psychiatric hospital worked in the old stable that now resides next to the recreation center; the stable is thus a relic from a bygone age of isolated mental hospitals and primitive psychiatric practices. Although this old building is clearly historic, Upper St. Clair Township authorities have considered demolishing the structure, pointing out that its insides are probably unsafe and not conducive to frequent human entry. However, important benefits may come with restoring the building’s exterior—and allowing people to enjoy it from the outside--rather than destroying the structure altogether. Such recycling could aid the community by protecting the local environment, increasing the township’s aesthetic value, and providing residents with an opportunity to connect to the past.

By choosing to restore this old stable’s exterior instead of demolishing the whole building, Upper St. Clair Township could help to maintain a healthy local environment. Township authorities have already acknowledged that since the Mayview stable is so old, it may contain traces of building materials that are now known to be harmful. For instance, the building was almost certainly erected prior to the widespread discontinuation of lead paint sales, and it may very well contain traces of lead paint. Today, lead is associated with certain health risks; if the metal manages to accumulate in an organism’s bones or other tissues, it can act as a neurotoxin, damaging nervous connections and leading to various disorders. If the old Mayview stable does indeed contain lead paint, demolition of this building could harm local ecosystems by releasing substantial amounts of lead-contaminated dust and other debris into the environment. Such contaminants could prove to be dangerous if local residents (particularly humans) inadvertently ingest them.

However, the potential release of lead-contaminated debris is not the only hazard associated with demolishing the old Mayview stable. The stable’s age also gives rise to the possibility that the building contains a type of mineral called asbestos. Like lead, asbestos was once a popular building material; however, it has been identified as a carcinogen or cancer-causing agent. Inhalation of asbestos may result in lung cancer, asbestosis (a type of lung disease), or other serious health afflictions. As is the case with lead, demolition of the Mayview stable could release asbestos into the surrounding environment, threatening local inhabitants’ well being. By refraining from demolishing the old stable, Upper St. Clair Township could largely avoid these potential hazards. For this reason, reusing the stable and maintaining its place in the community would help to ensure a healthy local environment and would preserve Upper St. Clair as a safe, desirable place to live.

Preservation of the Mayview stable’s exterior would also add to Upper St. Clair’s aesthetic value. Although the stable is aged and is a little rough around the edges, it clearly remains an attractive building and still maintains an air of historic elegance. Vibrant red bricking adds to the building’s visual appeal, as do the various arched windows that characterize this old stable. In the summer, lush ivy creates splashes of green amongst the bricks’ ruddy hue and appears to reflect the quiet grace that age has bestowed on this building. The stable thus serves as a serene, historic counterbalance to the bustling recreation center next door. Old is juxtaposed with new, and the two seem to complement each other. Additionally, this large old stable (which could easily fit into a pastoral painting) helps to break up the suburban sprawl that has become prevalent in much of Upper St. Clair Township, adding a quaint dimension to the community. By restoring and recycling this building’s exterior, township authorities could perpetuate these positive qualities and could maintain the pleasant beauty that helps attract people to Upper St. Clair Township.

Moreover, the Mayview stable’s preservation would provide Upper St. Clair residents and visitors with a means of connecting to the past. This stable was once a part of the working farm that was largely operated by Mayview’s psychiatric patients. Such work was often a comfort to the patients, who frequently enjoyed the routine nature of the labor. In many cases, these excursions to the Mayview farm were their only means of leaving the hospital for an appreciable amount of time, for they lived in an age of isolated psychiatric hospitals and primitive mental health care. Antipsychotic medications had not yet emerged, and many techniques for treating perceived mental illness were unethical by today’s standards. Patients were often subdued by force in those days, and straightjackets were used liberally. Hot and cold compresses and steam cabinets were also common elements of treatment. With the December 2008 closing of Mayview State Hospital, the cattle stable next to the Upper St. Clair Township Recreation Center has become one of the last remaining local links to this era of psychiatric treatment. The preservation of this structure can therefore provide Upper St. Clair residents with a means of connecting to this time period; it may also help to increase their appreciation for modern medicine and health care.

Restoration of the Mayview stable’s exterior could benefit the Upper St. Clair community by maintaining a healthy local environment, by adding to the township’s aesthetic value, and by providing a link to local history. These benefits reflect the advantages of restoring, reusing, and recycling historic buildings rather than destroying them. Such recycling prevents contaminants associated with demolition and extensive construction from being released into the environment and helps to keep local inhabitants healthy. Additionally, these historic structures allow people to connect to the past and to learn from it. In these ways, restoration of historic buildings serves both human beings and the environment.

A Hawaiian Education

Photograph Courtesy of Best Hawaiian Activities
Best Hawaiian Activities. 6 May 2010.



I tugged experimentally at my goggles and tried breathing through the snorkel. Everything seemed to be in order. I had received a brief education about the wildlife of Hanauma Bay through a pleasant thirty-minute video; now my goal was to actually meet some of O‘ahu’s marine wildlife firsthand. I cast one final glance at the pewter sky, decided that now was as good a time as any, and slid between the waves. The sounds of the beach abruptly vanished, almost as if pillows had been pressed over my ears. Squinting through the dim water, I noticed mountains of coral looming ahead of me and began to struggle toward them. My progress was hampered by the waves, which constantly shoved me back toward the shore. By the time I reached the coral peaks, I was breathing heavily through my snorkel and my body was aching. As I continued to bob along the surface, hovering just above the coral and taking care not to touch it, I realized that cold, wet droplets were pounding the back of my head. The rain had arrived after all, and my mood took a bit of a downturn. I began to wonder if any animals would come out of their hiding places in such conditions. But just as this negative thought crossed my mind, my eyes found black and white stripes. Swimming lazily in front of me was an angelfish. I gasped in delight, and all of a sudden I began to notice incredible fish in every direction I turned. My eyes had been opened. As the day progressed, Hanauma increased my understanding of O‘ahu’s animal and human inhabitants; the bay also illustrated the fact that conservation efforts can truly benefit both humankind and nature.

My snorkeling experience at Hanauma Bay empowered me with new knowledge and understanding of the various forms of wildlife that lived there. As I spied on the inhabitants of the coral reef, I quickly became aware of the extent to which all of Hanauma’s creatures—from sea turtle to eel--depended on the coral reef. For some animals, the reef provided shelter. As I swam along the coral, peering into its crevices, I was surprised to see little purple spines protruding from many of the holes in the coral. When I moved in close enough, I realized that the spines belonged to various sea urchins. To these prickly little animals, the reef served as a sort of marine apartment complex. I later learned, however, that the sea urchins were not the only animals that depended on the reef for shelter. During my exploration, I received a rather nasty surprise when an eel suddenly poked his head out of another hollow in the coral. Apparently, he too had made his home among the coral. As I continued to observe the reef’s inhabitants, I also noticed that many of them depended on the reef for feeding. I watched all sorts of colorful fish flit about the coral, nibbling on the algae that colored parts of the reef’s rough surface. To my utter amazement, a green sea turtle even drifted in to graze on these patches of algae. All of these observations reflected the interconnectedness of the coral reef and its inhabitants, and I soon realized that these creatures would struggle to survive without the reef. Hanauma Bay thus showed me the important role that coral reefs play in maintaining the balance of various marine ecosystems, and I began to understand why so many scientists and environmentalists are currently concerned about human destruction of coral reefs.



Photograph Courtesy of Reef Builders
Reef Builders. 6 May 2010.






The animals of Hanauma Bay also increased my understanding of Hawaii’s human residents. During my snorkeling adventure, I was surprised to find that the fish, turtles, and eels were remarkably easygoing. They were completely unruffled by the rain assaulting the surface of the ocean, and they did not appear to be bothered by my presence. Although these animals were by no means tame, they were very relaxed and seemed to have no problem with human visitors. As I observed this interesting behavior, I could not help but liken the animals’ amiable nature to the friendly, “hang loose” attitude that seems to be so typical of Hawaii’s human inhabitants. No sooner had I made this connection than I began to realize that the people of Hawaii were, in turn, much like the animals of Hanauma. I had already noticed that Hawaii’s residents displayed admirable patience and friendliness toward the numerous tourists who came to stay in O‘ahu. Like the creatures of Hanauma Bay, these native Hawaiians gracefully tolerate masses of visitors and always maintain a calm, approachable demeanor. My snorkeling experience at Hanauma thus helped me to understand that the people of Hawaii are truly gracious, always willing to let others experience the natural paradise that they call home. As a result of this realization, I became even more appreciative of Hawaii’s human inhabitants and developed even greater respect for them.

The wonderful experience that I had at Hanauma Bay served as a testament to the fact that conservation efforts can be very beneficial for humankind and nature, provided that the proper measures are taken to prevent those efforts from harming the environment that they aim to protect. As I swam through the waters of the bay, I was impressed by the apparently healthy state of the reef. Hanauma’s conservation staff had ensured this health by asking that visitors refrain from touching or feeding any of the animals, and I was pleased to see that practically all of my fellow visitors respected this rule. By enforcing these regulations, the Hanauma conservation staff preserved the bay as a safe, natural haven for wildlife, as well as an incredible attraction for human beings. The animals and environment thrived, protected from destructive human practices, and the human visitors were able to enjoy the experience of a lifetime. The Hanauma conservation effort was therefore beneficial for everyone involved, and it facilitated a deeper connection between humans and nature by giving people the chance to swim among O‘ahu’s beautiful marine wildlife.

My snorkeling experience at Hanauma Bay led me to a greater understanding of Hawaii’s inhabitants—both human and animal—and showed me the positive results of properly executed conservation efforts. As I swam among the creatures of Hanauma and learned more about them, I came to appreciate them more, and my love for marine wildlife grew. While I had already seen pictures and even videos of these animals, the experience of meeting them was far more powerful and enjoyable. Snorkeling at Hanauma also increased my understanding of the Hawaiian people, who calmly allow scores of people from around the world to meet Hawaii’s marine wildlife firsthand. I left Hanauma Bay with the firm belief that people in every part of the world should emulate the Hawaiians by giving visitors the opportunity to experience local wildlife. The only way that humans can provide such opportunities is by preserving that wildlife. In the end, Hanauma Bay helped me to understand the importance of conservation efforts, and I am sure that many of my fellow tourists left the bay with a similar attitude. If we can learn to preserve and freely share earth’s ecosystems, we will be doing a service to both mankind and nature.

The Man Among the Trees

When I walk to the very edge of my backyard and stand with the house at my back, I leave the suburbs of Pittsburgh behind me. In front of me is the forest. As soon as I turn my attention to the forest, I become more sensitive to it. My eyes dart around, coming to an abrupt halt every time they see an animal move among the trees. I immediately check the thicket to my left. The dense trees and shrubs provide good cover, so deer are likely to bed down there; sure enough, there are three hunched forms lying quietly—yet attentively—among the old leaves. A bird suddenly cries out high above me, and I jerk my head up to see broad, short wings and a light underbelly etched against the sky. Without missing a beat, the words red-tailed hawk surface in my mind. As all these little bits of knowledge flit through my head, I inevitably end up thinking about the man who first gave them to me: my uncle, Randy Shope. I have associated Uncle Randy with the forest for as long as I can remember. An avid outdoorsman, my uncle is linked to the forest by his extensive knowledge of its workings and by his very personality; he possesses the forest’s patience and vitality, as well as its sense of humor.

Although I am familiar with the ways of the forest and its inhabitants, my knowledge pales in comparison to my uncle’s. One of the reasons my uncle is so inexplicably linked to the forest is that he has spent a significant part of his life learning about the forest and the animals that live there. Uncle Randy is a complete nature-lover, and he is very passionate about hunting and fishing. Although the concept of an animal-loving hunter may initially seem a bit self-contradictory, in truth hunters tend to have a pervasive interest in the animals that they occasionally pursue. My uncle, for instance, is fascinated by deer, and his many years of hunting have allowed him to accumulate an impressive amount of knowledge regarding their behavior, as well as their feeding and breeding habits. This love for deer and other forest-dwelling creatures has led my uncle to devote a significant portion of his life to observing them in the forest. In the process, he has developed a bond with the forest itself and has come to respect it. His passion for forest life doesn’t end with animals, however; it even extends to the trees that make up the forest. As a carpenter, my uncle has long possessed an interest in different woods and trees; he has therefore taken the time to learn about various tree species. All this learning and exploring in the forest has made Uncle Randy into a veritable encyclopedia of forestry, and for years he has maintained his position as the family forest authority. For this reason, I always envision my uncle tromping through the woods, scouting for deer or providing a commentary on the trees. His knowledge has fueled my own interest in the forest and has provided me with a sort of technical understanding; he has taught me about the life forms that make up the forest and has made me aware of the balance that exists between those organisms. As a result, I have come to believe that humans should respect all life forms and that mankind must practice moderation in utilizing environmental resources.

Uncle Randy’s knowledge is not the only thing that binds him to the forest, however; he even possesses some of the forest’s personality traits. Like the forest, my uncle is patient and resilient. The trees and animals of a forest are remarkable in that they can stand almost any amount of natural torture. They patiently endure stifling blizzards, violent winds, and overwhelming storms, always managing to thrive after the trauma has passed. My uncle, too, is ready and willing to endure trying situations. When he is out in the woods scouting for deer or birds, he sits patiently and quietly for hours on end, even if the weather is less than ideal. At times, my uncle also faces storms of a different kind. His mother, who is getting on in years, is often under the mistaken impression that Uncle Randy steals her possessions. She frequently harasses him on this account, despite the fact that he pays for her apartment and cares for her. Yet even in the face of his own mother’s unkindness, my uncle displays the patience and resilience of the forest; he quietly tolerates her accusations, waiting for the storm to pass, and continues to help her. When his mother finally calms down, Uncle Randy simply jokes about her antics and moves on with his life. Like the forest, my uncle is able to bear difficult situations and to bounce back when they pass. I have always admired my uncle for possessing these traits; since the forest shares these characteristics, I have also developed a greater appreciation for the unbeatable resilience of the forest.

Another characteristic that my uncle shares with the forest is a clear sense of humor. Any individual who has spent a significant amount of time in a forest can attest to the fact that forests love to mess with their visitors. For instance, a hiker might be making his way along a favorite trail, feeling confident and at peace with the forest, when he suddenly finds his path obstructed by a newly fallen tree and is consequently forced to slip and slide his way down a steep hill in order to proceed. If the forest is in a particularly flippant mood that day, the hiker will probably step in a pile of deer feces when he reaches the bottom of the hill. During such times the trees’ rustling leaves sound remarkably like sniggering. My uncle shares this sense of humor. For example, he once decided to play a joke on his son Jared, who had just received a brand new dirt bike for his birthday. When Jared wasn’t looking, Uncle Randy placed a smoke bomb in the bike, and he laughed heartily at Jared’s frenzied reaction to the black clouds billowing out of his treasured birthday present. On another occasion, Uncle Randy managed to trick me into smelling a strange looking liquid that turned out to be red fox urine (he later explained that this foul smelling substance is useful for covering one’s scent when one is out hunting), and he was utterly amused when the stench practically knocked me out. Clearly, my uncle and the forest share an affinity for playing jokes. This shared trait strengthens their connection and has actually helped me to better understand the forest. I can never be sure when Uncle Randy will choose to have a laugh at my expense, and since he and the forest are so inextricably linked, I have come to expect such jokes from the forest as well. As a result, I have a better appreciation for the somewhat fickle, unpredictable nature of the forest and am careful not to let my guard down when I am exploring in the woods.

My uncle Randy and the forest are truly inseparable. They are two links in a chain, connected by my uncle’s extensive knowledge of the forest and by the traits that they share. For this reason, I have trouble envisioning either the forest or my uncle alone. Over the course of this partnership, each one has exerted a notable influence on the other, and the two of them serve as a clear example of the deep bond between human and environment. Uncle Randy has taken care of his local forest by planting numerous trees, by re-stocking a forest pond with fish and plants, and by helping to keep the deer population to a healthy size; in turn, the forest seems to have transferred its patience, toughness, and sense of humor to my uncle. As a result of his bond with the forest, my uncle has come to respect it and recognizes the importance of preserving each form of forest life. This attitude toward the environment is extremely important in today’s world, where ever-increasing human development threatens the safety of the natural world and, consequently, humankind. In modern society, respectful attitudes like my uncle’s will allow for the preservation of human beings, as well as the environment.

The Most Cherished Ideals of Dear Old Upper St. Clair

Upper St. Clair, a picturesque western Pennsylvania township located in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, has a reputation for affluence. Indeed, Upper St. Clair Township is full of pretty homes—some of them quite large—with well-maintained front yards. It is also home to a rather significant number of financially successful individuals; people working in traditionally high paying jobs like plastic surgery and law are well represented in Upper St. Clair. For these reasons, certain persons in surrounding townships have come to regard Upper St. Clair as a land of snobbish wealth. Even at scholastic events, it is not entirely uncommon for Upper St. Clair students to be referred to as “rich USC kids” by children from neighboring townships; as a former Upper St. Clair student, I have been on the receiving end of such comments on more than one occasion. However, most Upper St. Clair residents realize (or at least hope) that this stereotype is meant to be more teasing than caustic. For Upper St. Clair’s inhabitants know very well that their community does not focus solely on wealth and appearances. While it is true that the authorities of Upper St. Clair Township place emphasis on visually pleasing dwellings, the township attaches even greater importance to the values of education, respect for nature, and community.

Almost any denizen of Upper St. Clair will attest to the fact that our township values well-kept, presentable homes and yards. Other townships may simply hope that their residents will choose to maintain visually pleasing abodes; Upper St. Clair, on the other hand, has certain regulations. For instance, there is a rule for how high the grass in a front yard may grow before the owner of said grass must mow his or her lawn. The township is very thorough in its quest for promoting visually pleasing residences, and therefore it does not stop at monitoring the height of the grass growing in people’s yards. Upper St. Clair is very specific about the types of fencing that residents may erect in their yards and where that fencing may be installed. Fencing in any part of one’s front yard is generally not allowed, since such an act may cause the individual’s house to be obscured. Where fences are present, they tend to be wooden or wrought iron as opposed to chain link. Although these regulations may at first appear to be a bit excessive, they really do help to make Upper St. Clair a beautiful, pleasant place to live. On a personal level, these regulations have taught me the importance of caring for one’s property.

Amazingly, the township’s love of beauty is exceeded by its passion for promoting its other major values, particularly education. Indeed, Upper St. Clair is as well known for its excellent education system as it is for its affluence. The township pours money into its educational facilities in order to ensure that Upper St. Clair students can receive a solid education. Almost all of the schools in Upper St. Clair are newly renovated and are constantly being endowed with the latest in educational technology. When I was in high school, for instance, the school district provided nearly every classroom with a very expensive new learning device known as a Promethean Board. These interactive “Pro boards,” as they came to be known, were essentially large computer screens that teachers could connect to their laptops and use to display information stored in their computers. Using a special pen, instructors were able to write and erase on the Promethean boards, and they could also generate graphs and tables instantly. In almost no time, the Promethean board became an extremely useful classroom tool for our teachers. Upper St. Clair teachers, incidentally, also tend to be top-notch. The school district puts a considerable amount of effort into finding passionate educators who have a deep, lively interest in their chosen field of study. Most of these teachers have high standards for their students, but they are willing to work hard to help students meet those standards. Upper St. Clair also does its best to ensure that teachers prepare students for life after graduation by familiarizing them with such processes as thinking critically, writing research papers, and delivering speeches. This emphasis on concrete education is evident in Upper St. Clair school district’s high graduation rate, college acceptance rate, PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) test scores, and average SAT scores. Upper St. Clair is considered to be one of the foremost school districts in the state of Pennsylvania; the hard work that allows for this ranking is a clear reflection of how highly Upper St. Clair values education. This dedication provides Upper St. Clair students with the foundation they need in order to become good college students and productive members of the working community. As a graduate of Upper St. Clair school district, I can attest to the lasting, positive impact that the USC school system tends to leave on its students. My years of interaction with passionate teachers have made me interested in learning, and the academic skills I learned through the Upper St. Clair school district have already proven to be useful in college.

Upper St. Clair values respect for nature nearly as highly as it values education, and the township puts considerable effort into promoting this respect for wildlife and the environment. At Upper St. Clair’s Boyce Mayview Park, people can adventure through a beautiful wetlands ecosystem flourishing with impressive plants and animals. In order to encourage Upper St. Clair children and their families to visit the wetlands, the school district sends students on field trips to explore the wetlands and hosts various summer activities that involve learning about the different forms of wildlife that make up the wetlands ecosystem. The USC school district also promotes regard for nature by sending all of its sixth grade students on a field trip to a wooded, mountainous part of Pennsylvania known as Deer Valley. During this trip, Upper St. Clair kids participate in numerous nature-related activities that include dissecting and analyzing owl pellets, determining the pH of a large lake, hiking, learning about different types of trees, and simply sitting quietly and listening to the sounds of a Pennsylvania forest. Although my own Deer Valley experience was cursed with seemingly endless rain, I thoroughly enjoyed being among the various forms of Pennsylvania wildlife and developed a greater respect for the dynamics of nature. The township also encourages interest in the various wooded areas throughout Upper St. Clair itself by installing trails that allow residents to walk through the woods and appreciate their beauty. As a child, I spent hours wandering these wooded trails with my friends; our woodland adventures (which frequently led to close encounters with deer, turkeys, snakes, and other wildlife) increased my affinity for animals and deepened my appreciation of nature in general. As my own experiences clearly indicate, the township’s efforts help its inhabitants to develop a greater respect for nature and wildlife, and its nature-related events also serve as enjoyable community activities.

The public activities that Upper St. Clair offers its residents reflect yet another of the township’s most important values: community and family. The township promotes this value with as much enthusiasm as it does education and interest in nature. The month of May is marked by Community Day, a huge event complete with games, a parade, home cooked foods, and various contests for pet owners and their animal friends. Through such township-sponsored events, Upper St. Clair dwellers are able to form new friendships with people they may not have met otherwise. Upper St. Clair’s emphasis on community and family also manifests in various recreational facilities. Throughout Upper St. Clair are parks and playgrounds erected by the township in an effort to encourage interaction and friendships among its inhabitants. However, Upper St. Clair has not stopped at building playgrounds. In the summer of 2009, the township finished constructing a state-of-the-art community recreation center. This immaculate new facility is complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, running tracks, a large basketball court, a party room, several outdoor sports fields, and the latest exercise equipment. The swimming pools and sports fields have already become popular meeting places for friends and families, and weekly exercise and dance classes provide additional opportunities for community members to meet and interact. By bringing all these people together, Upper St. Clair’s interest in promoting community has helped to build a stronger, friendlier township.

Although it is certainly true that Upper St. Clair values well-kept houses and yards, the township is not solely concerned with superficial ideals; in reality, Upper St. Clair is even more interested in upholding the values of education, interest in nature, and community. The township’s emphasis on these respected values makes Upper St. Clair a pleasant and desirable place to live. Growing up in Upper St. Clair has caused me to adopt all of these values and to emphasize them in my own life. I am now a person who firmly believes in the importance of responsibility, learning, respect for nature, and community. These are universally important values, and any individual would do well to uphold the ideals that Upper St. Clair treasures. Far from being a community of stifling snobbery, Upper St. Clair is, in truth, a friendly township that presents its residents with life-shaping values and a wealth of positive opportunities.

Maintaining Balance: The True Nature of Wildlife

To some people, the term wildlife is a charming one, a word that evokes romantic images of trumpeting elephants, roaring lions, howling wolves, breaching whales. However, these individuals frequently live side by side with people who—thinking of the deer that habitually ruin their tulips or the coyotes that ransack their garbage—tend to regard wildlife as an annoyance. Still others think of wildlife as a sort of expendable resource. By dictionary definition, the term "wildlife" simply refers to “Animals and plants living in their natural environments” (Webster’s Dictionary, 436). Yet there remains an overall lack of agreement on the true definition of this term, and in light of the recent environmental movement, this disagreement has escalated into an important global issue. In today’s world, environmentalists clash with individuals who exploit wildlife for commercial purposes; these conflicts are clearly grounded in contrasting definitions of the term wildlife. In spite of this disagreement, however, the world is becoming increasingly aware of the fact that the various forms of wildlife are part of a balanced existence. Numerous scientific studies have unveiled the important role that wildlife plays in balanced ecosystems (which consist of interacting organisms and their environments) throughout the world, and still more studies are proving that humans are not immune to the negative consequences of disrupting that balance. Since these findings have such important implications for mankind, the basic dictionary definition for wildlife must be expanded. Wildlife is not only plants and animals living in nature; it is different types of undomesticated organisms that are all important elements of world ecosystems.

In every ecosystem, diverse forms of wildlife interact in a manner that upholds a balanced community. Some organisms help to maintain an ecosystem’s balance by ensuring that a population of organisms is able to reproduce. Bees and certain other insects, for instance, help to pollinate plants as they move from flower to flower collecting nectar. Without the aid of the bees, it is difficult for certain plants to effectively fertilize others; for this reason, many plants depend on bees and other insects in order to produce offspring. The plants themselves provide a sufficient supply of oxygen for the oxygen-breathing inhabitants of the ecosystem. These organisms, in turn, exhale carbon dioxide, a gas that plants utilize as they grow and produce food for themselves. Even though they may not be very dramatic, these passive, gentle relations are a crucial element of maintaining the various forms of wildlife in an ecosystem.

However, peaceful exchanges are not the only forms of balancing interaction in an ecosystem; there are also forms of wildlife that help preserve an ecosystem’s balance in a more aggressive manner. These organisms service the ecosystem as a whole by preventing other forms of wildlife from becoming too numerous. The cougar (or mountain lion) is a form of wildlife that exemplifies this beneficial predation. Cougars feed primarily on deer, and as a result they help to keep deer populations—which proliferate quickly—in check. If not for the intervention of cougars and other predatory wildlife, a growing deer herd would consume and deplete more and more of the ecosystem’s plant life. If such a trend were to continue, the environment would eventually reach a point where it could no longer support deer or other herbivores. Sharks, tigers, wolves, killer whales, and other predatory wildlife play a role similar to that of the cougar, helping to maintain balance and a healthy environment in their respective ecosystems. These environmental dynamics provide insight into the intricate relationships between the various forms of wildlife and the ecosystems that they comprise. Each form of wildlife—plant and animal—plays a part in upholding the entire ecosystem, and the various types of wildlife in an ecosystem depend on each other for survival. For this reason, the removal of any of these forms of wildlife can have a detrimental effect on all of the ecosystem’s other inhabitants—including humans.

The important role that wildlife plays in every world ecosystem is clearly reflected by the negative consequences that ensue whenever a given form of wildlife is largely removed from an ecosystem. In many cases, human actions cause these detrimental changes. For example, cougars and wolves once preyed on Pennsylvania deer herds, helping to prevent the development of excessively large deer populations. However, humans hunted both of these predatory species to local extinction, and as a result, Pennsylvania white-tailed deer herds have become disproportionately large. This overpopulation has placed increasing stress on the deer’s environment, and the humans that are part of the deer’s ecosystems have also been negatively affected. As Pennsylvania deer populations have continued to grow, there has been a corresponding increase in deer-related car accidents. Needless to say, these accidents are a serious problem for both the deer and the people, and they are a testament to the important role that all forms of wildlife (particularly cougars and wolves, in this case) play in world ecosystems.

The effects of excessive sealing provide another illustration of the fact that all forms of wildlife are important elements of world ecosystems. In certain marine ecosystems, commercial sealing has decreased seal populations to such an extent that killer whales, which normally prey on seals, must begin eating sea lions and sea otters. As killer whale predation begins to cut down sea otter populations, sea urchins (one of the most important elements of the sea otter’s diet) become more numerous. In turn, the proliferating sea urchins deplete ocean kelp forests, and the ecosystem suddenly becomes unsuitable for fish species that depend on the kelp for survival and breeding. When the afflicted fish are species that are normally harvested by humans, this chain of disruptions ends up having a harmful effect on the human fishing industry. These unfortunate events make it clear that when humans define "wildlife" as an expendable resource, mankind often ends up paying an unpleasant price.

The ramifications of excessive hunting have already shown that negative consequences occur when humans fail to define "wildlife" as a significant element of world ecosystems; for this reason, it is important that mankind define "wildlife" not merely as a bunch of plants and animals living in nature, but as a group of organisms that each play a crucial part in upholding ecosystems around the globe. Human beings will be doing a service to themselves and to all other life forms by recognizing this expanded definition and by choosing to respect wildlife, particularly by practicing moderation in hunting and in harvesting trees. If humans wish to maintain a healthy planet, they must choose to emulate the world’s wildlife by helping to maintain balanced ecosystems.












Works Cited
Kauffman, Liz, ed. Webster’s Dictionary. Watermill Press, 1997.