By: Amanda Tarrach, Outreach & Engagement Intern
I find that reconnecting with nature through simple actions in local environments is one of the best ways to understand rewilding. When I slow down and take a walk through the woods, I am able to recognize the plants, animals, and ecosystem that exists around me, and further appreciate how vibrant, diverse, and vulnerable the space is.
One of my favorite trails is in the pinelands of Marlton, NJ. This trail has no concrete path, but there is a trail made from the continuous visitors of individuals like myself who enjoy taking in the natural beauty of the trees. The trail goes to a beautiful open space, and before it was possible to walk to the beaver dams, now it is only possible with a pair of muck boots.
What I found really interesting is how people before me put down sticks to make it across the flooded grass, which was also once walkable. These sticks were sturdy in the mud allowing us to walk across them as a bridge, it was the first time I had seen this before.
Spending more time outdoors and walking along paths consistently will enable us to recognize the change in the ecosystem. New species appear while seasonal ones fade away. Seeing how the water shifts with the climate and also noticing invasive species that take over. Moments like this help us grasp why rewilding matters, it’s not just about large-scale conservation projects, but also about small, cumulative choices we make in our communities.
Let’s get WILD New Jersey!
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