Anonymous | Duluth, MN

Why does wilderness matter to you?

The interconnectivity of wilderness is unreplicable. Wilderness is special because its pieces are all around. It is the tree in the front yard, the dragonfly hovering over the lily pad in the pond, and the flock of geese flying overhead. Additionally, for those lucky to experience wilderness in its vastness, the feeling of pure calm that comes with being completely surrounded by growth and nature is the most special feeling in the whole world. When the bottoms of my feet can feel the dirt, when my nose can smell freshly fallen pine needles, and when my ears can hear various buzzings and bird calls my whole body feels an immense peace.

Share a story about a special experience you have had in wilderness.

I jumped into the creek off a large that stands to the right. It is late spring and the water is still icy cold. It shocks my body. I can feel my heart jump right into my abdomen. My skin erupts in goosebumps. My body feels many sensations at once but as I turn my face up to the sky and float on my back, my mind is finally still.