In 1995, 14 wolves were released in Yellowstone National Park.
No one expected the miracle that the wolves would bring.
It started with the wolves hunting the deer, this led to a rapid decrease in the deer population. The wolves' presence also made the deer avoid parts in the park where they were and easy prey.
Thanks to the deer's absence, those parts started to regenerate. Forests of aspen and willow trees started to flourish.
That's when things really started to happen. With trees and bushes came more berries and bugs. As soon as that happened, various bird species started moving in.
With the increasing tree population, also another species was attracted. The beaver, previously extinct in the region, moved back. And the dams they built provided habitats for otters, muskrats and reptiles.
The wolves also killed coyotes, which meant more hawks, red foxes, badgers and weasels in the park. Even the population of bald eagles and ravens rose.
But here's where it gets really interesting. The wolves changed the behavior of the rivers. With more balance between predator and prey came the possibility for other species to thrive. There was less erosion because of increased vegetation. And the river banks were stabilized, the channels narrowed, more pools formed, and the rivers stayed more fixed in their courses.
So the wolves did not only transform the great ecosystem of Yellowstone, they also changed the park's physical geography.
If I do not start the day with a walk I often feel really lousy. Today, it was an hour's walk at Ara Damansara Park with my Nordic poles. What a gorgeous place! Reminds me of the parks in Adelaide with it's streams and little hills.
MRS. J. MILLER WOULD HAVE MEMORIAL - Oakland Tribune, November 09, 1913
Wife of Poet Gives Reasons for Wishing Oakland to Have Big Park.
"The Heights," Replete With Interest, Offered as Worthy Memento.
In the following letter, teeming with interesting facts about the personal life of the late Poet of the Sierras, Mrs. Joaquin Miller sets forth her reasons why she believes "The Hights" should be purchased by Oakland as a memorial park:
oh #Toronto
"I’d like to know who’s been getting all these signage contracts the last few years. It’s completely out of control. This city is obsessed with branding and communication… yet, is unable to deliver any services, very John Tory"
It’s good to be here, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for this platform. Time for an #introduction. I am a Canadian writer, photographer and former radio and television broadcaster and constituency assistant, progressive and passionate about #socialjustice. My interests include #parks, #films, #travel, #dogs, and #hiking. Links to my writing are at lawrenceherzog.pressfolios.com, and images at lherzog.picfair.com
I’ve enjoyed being on Mastodon these last nine months. Time for a refreshed #introduction. I am a Canadian writer, photographer, sometime constituency assistant and former radio and television broadcaster, progressive and passionate about #socialjustice. My interests include #parks, #films, #travel, #dogs, and #hiking. Links to my writing at lawrenceherzog.pressfolios.com, and images at lherzog.picfair.com