In Celebration of Earth Day

 Senator Gaylord Nelsen's Idea Realized

On April 22nd. people across the world join together and participate in Earth Day  to share in their appreciation for our planet.  It is a time for us with different beliefs and cultures to stand united with one common goal, the protection of our home, the Earth. 

Earth Day evolved over 40 years ago and was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelsen, under the administration of President Kennedy for the purpose of getting the environment in to the political agenda.  Since 1962, Senator Nelsen's idea has grown in to a world wide event. In 2014, it is even timelier with the significance on coming together for our sustainable future.  http://earthday.envirolink.org/history.html

In my appreciation of Earth Day 2014, I would like to take a look at a few of my favorite places that might not be preserved as they are today had it not been for the efforts of conservationists like Senator Nelsen. 

White Sands National Monument is located in south central New Mexico.  Standing at an elevation of 4235 feet (1291 m) the white gypsum crystal sand dunes comprise an area of approximately 275-mi²(710-km² ) that is also shared with the White Sands Missile Range.  White Sands National Monument preserves the terrain and inhabitants that have adapted to this ever changing environment in the world's largest gypsum dune field.

Death Valley National Park, located in the states of California and Nevada is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and had been declared an International Biosphere Reserve, with 95% of the park designated as a wilderness area.

 International Biosphere Reserves are areas that are forecast to have the most difficult challenges with maintaining and conserving the diversity of the ecosystem while at the same time meeting the material needs of the growing population.  Known for its extremes, Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the summer with an elevation that ranges from the saltpan at 282 feet (86 m) below sea level to the sub-alpine conditions found on the summit of Telescope Peak, which rises to 11,049 feet (3,368 m).  

 Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located the Mojave Desert and is approximately 15 miles (24 km) west of the sprawling city of Las Vegas, Nevada.  In 1990, special legislation changed the status of the Red Rock Recreation Lands to a National Conservation Area, which provides funds to maintain and protect the 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) as a National Conservation Area.   A one-way 13 mile (21 km) long paved loop road provides access to the colorful topography of large red rock formations and sandstone peaks that make up the 3,000 feet (910 m) high canyon walls. 

With the growing world wide population, as we use more and more of our natural resources, I believe the responsibility for our sustainable future must come from all of the Earth's citizens. Not only are we responsible for handing down a legacy of natural wonders to future generations but also for nurturing our planet in order that it will sustain us for generations to come.  

http://www.earthday.org/2012

 http://www.nature.org/earthday/index.htm?src=CPC.sgoogle.CE3.AG269.CC71.CL2.MT3.KW2520&gclid=CL3w7_-Mwa8CFRJlhwodqSlzvw

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

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 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

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