Over the past couple of months, I’ve seen how critical the outdoors and access to nature are to people around the world. I’ve also seen reports about how the environment seems to be healing with reduced levels of human interaction. Some may see these phenomena as a rallying cry to take better care of our natural world when things go back to “normal.” I don’t believe things will go back to “normal.” But, while things have changed globally, it is not all for the worse. I am filled with hope.
I hope that when things reopen and people are out and about again, they will be riding their bikes more, using less water and being more mindful of food waste. I hope this crisis brings awareness to the inequities in outdoor access. I hope people will take time to learn more about and value local agriculture, and will volunteer with stewardship organizations. I hope people will recognize how critical conservation is to their quality of life.
The wonderful thing about working at Keep It Colorado is that I don’t have to merely hope for that last one; I get to work on making it a reality.
As a coalition, Keep It Colorado has an opportunity to help make conservation a priority across the state; we do this by highlighting conservation as a tool and resource for a better future. As a conservation community, we can spread the word about the benefits of conservation and how it will lead us through the “new normal” – while actively supporting conservation in our work, our volunteer efforts and our daily lives. As people living in and sharing space in this state, we can all take a fresh look at our situation and commit to supporting a healthier environment and economy through conservation.
After all, that connection with the outdoors that people are craving is made possible by conservation. As a bonus, conservation will also help get us through this time economically. In the coming months, Keep It Colorado will share some stories about how conservation and stewardship of our conserved lands creates economic opportunities. Please watch for these stories – and if you have a story to share about conservation’s contribution to the economy, I invite you to share it with me.
Until then, stay safe, stay healthy and stay close to home. Thanks for what you do to Keep It Colorado.
-- Melissa Daruna, executive director
Photo credit: Colorado Public Radio
