day 3

Today was a historical and cultural experience that I really enjoyed. We explored two ADK museums and natural history centers that explained so much about the history of the park. Seeing the animals and plants that thrive in the area and their contribution to the environment and the peoples of the ADK mountains was helpful in explaining the delicate balance that needs to be achieved to keep the ADKs how they should be. The effects that humans have had in upsetting that balance and in many cases working feverishly to maintain it have ben well documented in the two sites we visited today.

I have always felt that it is important to understand all of the elements that natural life has on an area as well as human impact on both. I watch the logging and feel sad, however, I write on paper and live in a wooden house, so wood must be taken from somewhere. What is the balance to be? None, all, some? Who should decide? Locals, APA, the state, Feds?

The main idea of these facilities, I think, is to just put the information out there in an accessible context and let people make educated decisions about these difficult topics. Of course the key idea here is EDUCATED decision. Hence the purpose of these museums and natural history centers. In difficult situations people are supposed to educate themselves well and then make decisions based on their learnings. Sounds easy enough, but will people do it on their own accord?

Josh

A very EDUCATIONAL experience.