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Op-Ed: Let's Celebrate The Importance Of Nature On Earth Day

By Christopher Kocher, Wildlands Conservancy

This op-ed first appeared in the Allentown Morning Call on April 22--

Today celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This annual event calls together diverse groups to focus on the environment.

From that first Earth Day, we saw the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and passage of landmark environmental legislation such as the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

I know it is hard to think about celebrating during these trying times. These last weeks have brought monumental changes to our daily lives. It is a struggle to navigate this new reality, while keeping our families, friends and community safe and healthy.

While many of these changes are testing us, I hope others have revealed some true bright spots. Our families are at the center more than ever. Our sense of community is stronger than ever.

Our appreciation of nature is greater than ever.

That first Earth Day set in motion a movement to protect and restore nature — forever. It put in place a movement that has done so much to protect and restore our cherished natural resources.

I am thankful for the visionaries who paved the way for cleaner water, cleaner air and preserved open space.

Wildlands Conservancy was born out of that same movement and, since 1973, the organization has protected over 55,000 acres of open space, created many miles of trails, restored the health of many streams and educated generations of children to better appreciate and steward the environment.

For many in our region, our preserves, trails and parks are a haven more than ever, a place of calm and a salve for our minds and hearts.

The recent events prove that a healthy, natural environment is a necessity for sustaining all of us. So, in turn, we must sustain it — not as a luxury for the most fortunate — but as an accessible place for every single person.

Nature is the foundation of any thriving community. It helps grow healthy, creative and confident children and reduces stress and fatigue for all.

Wildlands supports our communities with 2,800 acres across 13 public nature preserves, and we offer hundreds of experiential education programs to tens of thousands of people each year.

Numerous studies — including the Lehigh Valley Return on Environment — confirm that nature adds significant economic benefits to our community.

A healthy environment helps us to reduce health care costs by producing cleaner air and provides outdoor, nature-based recreation and tourism, supporting jobs and spending.

Nearby protected open space raises property values (an average of 14 percent in the Lehigh Valley) and naturally cleans the environment, avoiding costly infrastructure.

A healthy, sustainable, protected environment makes people want to work here, live here and visit here.

The Lehigh Valley’s long-term economic success and quality of place calls on us to take care of nature right here at home.

These last few weeks have changed us. Pausing our fast-paced lives gave us more quality time with our loved ones.

Our communities are coming together to provide comfort, kindness and help in ways we could not have imagined.

But the resilience and importance of nature is unchanged.

This pandemic has thrust into the forefront our need to be outside, to have open spaces, to connect with nature and to witness firsthand the beauty and calm of the natural world.

I have never felt more committed to Wildlands’ mission.

The need for our work has never been clearer.

With resolve, we will continue to save natural places and protect open spaces, connect our communities with trails and greenways, restore our rivers and streams and teach our children about the wonders of nature.

So, this Earth Day, let us remember the importance of family, community and nature. Let us hold on to these bright spots and let them light our way through our ever-changing reality.

All of us at Wildlands Conservancy hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe.

There is a better tomorrow in all of this and, when it comes, let nature continue to play a significant role in your life. Happy Earth Day.

[For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Wildlands Conservancy website. Like on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and Join on Instagram. Click Here to support the Conservancy.]

Christopher M. Kocher is a Lehigh Valley native who began his career with Wildlands Conservancy in 1995 and is now the president of the Emmaus organization.

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