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WILDERNESS IS OUR COMMON GROUND
LA NATURALEZA ES NUESTRA CASA - en español
Photo: Jonathan Hanson, near Tucson.
Photo credit: Thomas VeneklasenAs a hunter, health of the habitat and well-being of game are my top priorities. Wilderness not only provides the best wildlife habitat, but also off ers the fi nest, purest hunting experience. Only beyond the sound of truck and ATV engines can I feel that I am a part of the chain of life, and not just some observer on a noisy perimeter. As Arizona’s human population continues to expand, it becomes ever more vital that we protect the remaining gems in our natural heritage. Whether I am hunting or not, I cherish the chance to experience these bits of the real Arizona—a land of silence and space and nature unspoiled by pavement and steel. See larger [PDF]
Photo, left to right, Members of the Arizona Ecumenical Council: Sarah King; Barbara Busse, Franciscan Renewal Center; David Sholin, Presbyterians for Restoring Creation; Rev. Doug Bland, Tempe Community Christian Church; AEC Executive Director, Rev. Jan Flaaten, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Dale Volz; & Rev. Linda Miller, Chalice Christian Church, Gilbert. Photo credit: Thomas VeneklasenAs leaders of congregations in Arizona, we are invested in the life of our community. Many of our parishioners have had moving spiritual experiences in the diverse natural landscapes of our state—on a mountaintop or by a stream or in the open vistas of the desert. This should not surprise us. Wilderness is part of our heritage, from Moses to Jesus to church retreats. While there are many issues that can divide us, there is a growing consensus in our faith communities that preserving the environment, reversing global warming, working for clean air and water, and protecting wilderness are values that we can all agree upon. As we find renewal and inspiration in the quiet places of God’s good creation, these values are impressed upon our hearts. Wilderness—God’s creation—is our common ground. See larger [PDF]
Photo, left to right: Ralph Alonzo, Nogales High School; Lois Howard-Morris (retired), Desert Shadows Middle School; Gary Jones, Santa Cruz Alternative High School; David Courtland (retired), Santa Cruz Alternative High School; Steve Morris, Nogales High School. Photo credit: Thomas VeneklasenAs teachers, we cover diff erent subjects but our common ground is Arizona’s wilderness. Hiking Peck Canyon, the view from Atascosa, swimming and collecting crawdads in Sonoita Creek, spending the night in Sycamore Canyon or climbing Mt. Wrightson—Southern Arizona is blessed with a living classroom. Our wilderness is a great place to learn important lessons of life: our connection to the land, the importance of open space, clean air and water—and our responsibility to protect these precious resources for our children and theirs. We’re proud to share this common ground with our families, students and Arizonans from all walks of life. Th e wilderness is more than just open space. It’s the place that opens up possibilities for everyone. See larger [PDF]
Photo: Bruce Pheneger, Tubac, Arizona;
Photo credit: Thomas VeneklasenAs an architect, I preserve existing buildings and create new ones. But I do something else that’s more important—I respect the open space and wilderness areas that draw people to Arizona in the fi rst place. We live here because there’s no place like it—the vast expanses of land, the wide open sky, the Santa Ritas and the Tumacacoris standing tall and pristine. At work and at play, I constantly think about ways we can work together to preserve this natural beauty. We need to minimize the impact that rapid development is having on the landscape and wildlife that surround us. We need to be smarter about protecting what we have. Because the wilderness is more than just open space. It’s the place that opens up possibilities for everyone. See larger [PDF]
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