We Are But Wee Babes! (Conservationally)

Though fewer creatures tend to grow at high elevations, I was surprised by the lack of wildlife in the Italian Alps. 12,000 years of human occupation will do that.

Last month, I went on an adventure I never expected to do in my life. I hiked in the Alps! Sure, I only hiked a four-mile trail, but my heart rate rose to 178 bpm on the final climb, so... it counts!

The range I hiked was dramatic and beautiful in its own way. But it was also a bit eerie. The weather was comfortable, yet there were almost no birds. We didn't pass a single tree, but walked past dozens of cow patties. I saw many flowers, but practically zero insects.

Every inch of the mountains that hooves could handle was being grazed. And in winter, those same inches would be covered with alpine skiers. I could have expected this much—the Alps have been occupied (and altered) by humans for 12,000 years.

Much of Europe's history of environmental degradation is not exactly rosy. Thousands of years of human presence will do that. But that's exactly why Southern California is such an inspiring case for conservation.

Though indigenous tribes have been here for almost as long, it wasn't until just a few hundred years ago that agriculture and industrial expansion arrived and began destroying the landscape.

In other words, compared to similar places around the world, California is young! We are new! Just wee babes, full of potential.

In our little corner of the country, much of our native habitat remains (for now). Our large mammals haven't all been pushed out (yet). Birds, insects, and reptiles still reign, and our seas are rich with life (currently anyway). Of course, things here are far from perfect, but I believe they're even farther from hopelessness.

I haven't lost hope for the Alps, but my travels were a great reminder to keep supporting, exploring, and sharing San Diego nature — it is far more precious than we realize.