BIOL 1120-Introduction to Conservation Biology
_ The signature assignment for Biology 1120 was to read an essay
entitled “The Land Ethic” by Aldo Leopold and write a paper reflecting on what we learned from it. In his essay, Leopold explained his
beliefs on how everyone and everything on earth is a part of a biotic
community. His main emphasis was on how humans should treat the land as equals
and do the things which are mutually beneficial for humans and the land to
flourish. As I was reading this essay, the whole time I just kept thinking to
myself, “YES! YES! YES!” Leopold had passionately and beautifully written all
the things I have adamantly believed since I was a child about how we should
treat the land. I was so excited about this assignment, that I started it
immediately following my reading, even though it is not even due for nearly a
month! Reading “The Land Ethic”
made me realize that the beliefs I treasure have not always been the norm. It
made me reflect on how truly blessed I have been to be raised in this time
where children are taught about conservation and respect for the earth from infancy!
I do realize that there are those who do not value the land or other creatures
occupying it, and we have a long way to go to reach the ideal of being equals
with nature and living in a way that is mutually beneficial to land, animal,
and human. However, this essay has increased my hope and dedication to
obtaining that ideal biotic community. This essay has inspired me and will definitely
be a part of my curriculum when I become a teacher. The following document is the paper I wrote in response to this amazing essay.