Portland 1-4

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Yi-Hsin Lin

Portland 1

  • Place is a location that one associates a unique meaning or characteristic towards in order to distinguish it from other locations. However, Banis and Shobe argue that there are many different framings and viewpoints that can be associated with a place. For example, this summer I am situated at Miami, Florida which is a place generally associated with year-round summers, beautiful beaches, and a diverse Latin setting. Although these characteristics are not wrong, Miami, Florida for me is much less glorified than what the populous thinks. I think of Miami as constant blistering heat wave, with overwhelming traffic roads, and the home of some of the rudest people in the states; I frame Miami in a way that sounds much more negative, yet also true nonetheless.
  • I have always stereotyped Portland as a city of hipsters and all things weird, as well as a city with a great appreciation for the outdoor scene and wildlife. Banis and Shobe support both of these assumptions in the introduction. Portland is referred to a city containing high densities of food carts, breweries, coffee shops, carless commuting, and a unique art. The people are much more relaxed and adopt a “countercultural lifestyle that puts quality of live over material possessions and social status which definitely strays from the norms of most cities (Callenbach). Moreover, Portland is also viewed as an “ecotopia” where its residents are extremely ecofriendly: cycling heavy, high renewable energy usage, low waste emission. There is also its association to the distinct Cascadian area.
  • Introducing Portland as a Cascadian City is just one of many perspectives. However, Banis and Shobe felt the need to frame Portland this way because it is a view that is not well known and can also be seen through many different lenses. Often times, people like to view Portland in conventional ways as part of Oregon, the Northwest, and/or the West Coast. By calling Portland a Cascadian City, viewers can understand Portland in “different contexts and starting points.” To be a Cascadian city is to be recognized usually through geographical factors rather than through sociopolitical boundaries. According to Banis and Shobe, the determinants of a Cascadian City can be its bioregion, subduction zone, its proximity to the Colombian River, the people’s mentality and lifestyle, and its location towards the competitive free-trade region.
  • The essence of Portlandness is the combination of its most iconic traits and how true to scale it represents the entire city of Portland. The maps can highlight which areas in the city certain traits appear to be more prominent such as food carts, breweries, and environmentalist. Moreover, Banis and Shobe combined these traits onto one map and created a visual representation of Portlandness in relation to the actual region of Portland. Maps are ideal in presenting these ideas because it displays which characteristics actually embody Portland’s image and which are more of a cultural subset.

Portland 2

  • The Once and Future City: The main concept behind this section is how present day Portland came to be and explores the city’s rich history. Banis and Shobe explain Portland’s first emergence as a city in 1845 and what led to some of the distinct characteristics of Portlandness today. For instance, several immigrant residential areas have left its mark on modern day Portland such as Chinatown. This is because many immigrants flooded the area either due to the excitements of the gold rush in the late 1800’s, the convenience of a temporary home before moving further east, or the opportunity of cheap housing.
  • From Isle to Peninsula: This perspective highlights the modification of Swan Island to accommodate Portland’s expansion and progression. By following the Swan Island’s drastic changes throughout the years, one can see how the times have shifted Portland’s necessities and requirements.

Portland has made great efforts to develop its city in the past. For example, it has transformed Swan Island from an island to a peninsula, a ship building site, an airport, and back to a ship building site. Even despite the failed peninsula airport, Portland remained resourceful and recovered; “Immediately after the airport’s closure the island became a ship building center” (Banis and Shobe). Thus, I view Portland as a city with a very forward mentality.

  • Title: Richmond’s Time Machine

Richmond definitely has a deep and rich history. It was the capital of the confederate states, home to several historic landmarks, and city of iconic architecture. A map that shows the history of some of these landmarks and areas would effectively show the shift in trends and mindset- especially after the Civil War. The map would be an appropriate visual representation to understand why certain buildings were replaced with others while others were preserved.

The map will portray the areas of Richmond that has undergone the most drastic development. These areas will be dotted with a color that represents the changing characteristics over the years. A key will be used to identify the new development that occurred. For example, Belle Isle and Brown’s Island would show a high concentration of dots which would represent its radical change of purpose- from a munitions manufacturer during the Civil War to a hydroelectric plant during the industrial age.Something like this but with P.D landmarks as well

Something like this but with P.D landmarks as well

Portland 3

  • Views of the City: This section expands on the idea of psychogeography through the popular reimagining’s of certain areas of Portland. Depending on the environment, certain senses and impressions are imprinted in us. For example, neighborhoods and districts such as west of the Willimete River generate a more positive buzz, while the east side is commonly viewed as dull and isolated. People often generalize an area together based on its location and proximity to other areas despite being completely different in reality. As a result, these preconceived notions impact the way one views an area.
  • Third Graders Illustrate the City: Most people tend to link an area with a distinct building or feature to distinguish it from others. This section portrays the characteristics most people associate Portland’s topography by and the features that left the strongest imprint on the city’s people.

Portland seems to be a very family friendly, suburban area. Some of the more common stores such as Wendy’s, Starbucks, and Target give the impression that certain areas are pretty gentrified. This shouldn’t be surprising as it ranks the 6th whitest city in the U.S. However, other features such as the race track, Voodoo doughnuts, and the Rose Garden contribute to the city’s hipster and outdoorsy vibe. Furthermore, given that this is taken from a child’s perspective, Portland definitely has a wide array of entertainment options.

  • Title: Richmond More or Less

Similarly, a mental map would be ideal in portraying the most prominent and distinguishable characteristics of Richmond. The city is very diverse, from the family friendly neighborhood, Carytown, to the downtown district that hosts it’s famous “First Fridays”. The map would be useful in determining which part of Richmond sticks out to most people and leaves the strongest impression.  The map will display Richmond’s topography according to my interpretation. The UR campus will be my starting point as I begin to plot the other areas around it. To the NW from there is the heavily gentrified area of Short Pump where I would depict the movie theater and mall. To the SE is the quaint neighborhood of Carytown where I would draw the local hipster shops and restaurants like Shnydigz and Carytown Burger and Fries. Further SW is the downtown district where I would draw the health center where I intern and UR downtown. Further south from there is the James River and the Brown Island- my favorite place.

Portland 4

  • Social Relations: This section explains the social dynamic between the inhabitants of Portland (government, residents, and the different races). Banis and Shobe depict the actual reality between the people of the city: the increasing surveillance on the streets, the overestimated green impact, the neglect of its homeless, and the gentrification of black neighborhoods. It is easy to idolize a city such as Portland from afar: its eco-living, the friendly people, and a general countercultural movement, but it’s these relations within the community that puts the truth into perspective.
  • Redlining and Gentrification: Redlining is a very prominent issue in the Richmond area. There are still many areas in Richmond that are predominantly black because of redlining. It not only impacts the living condition of its inhabitants, but also tied to educational opportunities and job access. From my short time in Richmond, I have learned of the flawed Richmond Public Schools and the faulty transportation system. Both issues are centered around the limited neighborhoods accessible to the black population. Redlining creates a slippery slope for African Americans and only continues to contribute to racial inequality.

Portland remains a very gentrified city and can still improve on reducing its racial gap. It doesn’t come as a complete surprise because Banis and Shobe have hinted that the Cascadian city and its beautiful outdoor scene tends to attract upper-class white residents. Furthermore, Portland ranks the 6th whitest city in the U.S which gives the connotation that racial equality is not a priority and that African American residents are often left behind. Only once Portland acknowledges the severity of this issue and not brush it off like with their homelessness situation, will they be able to progress.

  • Title: Richmond’s Racial Gap

I would create a map that represents the housing disparity between African Americans and other races in Richmond. There is still a high concentration of predominantly black neighborhoods within the city. The map would portray the widely separated racial neighborhoods between African Americans and Caucasians. The east side of the city will be highly colored to represent the higher concentrations of African American residents due to redlining practices in the past whereas the west side will be lightly colored to represent the Caucasian dominant gentrified areas of Richmond.

More or less what I had in mind

More or less what I had in mind

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HJA 1-4

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Yi-Hsin Lin

HJA 1

  • Although I have never been here, I’d like to assume that the forest will be very similar to the Hammock Habitats of Florida: dense and thick vegetation that block the sun, humid and cool atmosphere, and the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Nonetheless, I am still excited to see conifer trees that protrude through the sky and the famous Lookout Creek.
  • Like with any topic, not everyone will interpret the forest the same way as others. People best digest information that is suited to their interests. To a hunter, the forest may be broken down to a more physical set as he maps out a series of routes and obstacles that can efficiently trap game. On the other hand, a writer may interpret the forest through how it makes them feel in order to express that feeling into their work. Often times we often see creativity and scientific inquiry as mutually exclusive; one view supports abstract ambiguous expression whereas in the other, accuracy and validity reign supreme. In reality, these two ideas go hand in hand and paints a clearer picture. Scientific inquiry needs character to give its findings meaning; it’s not enough just to take notes on what you see. However, creative inquiry needs to be based off of some physical inspiration or feeling. In a sense, looking at something through a fixed mindset is superficial.
  • The long-view predicts the future that humanity’s actions are currently leading to. As a result, we can remedy and prevent an undesirable outcome from occurring such as Global Warming. Most importantly, the long-view simply makes people consciously aware of what they can improve upon. In doing so, we can make gradual changes in our lives to eventually correct this issue. For example, I never would have reduced my meat intake if I hadn’t known how much CO2 is emitted to produce a pound.

HJA 2

  • “Research and Revelation” is an appropriate title for this section because it presents the forest in a way that most people overlook. The research is the observation of the forest’s system and being. The revelation is the understanding of such mechanics and functions. The section gives the forest its context and shape as it translates its hidden “language” (47) for people to understand. It expands on the forest’s overall identity: its history, its ecosystem, its relationship to other beings, and the rest of its complexions. The forest is gradually revealed to us through a new lens and “revelation.”
  • From the text, I’m definitely expecting to see the feathery conifer trees, the iconic Douglas Fir, and red cedar. However, there will probably be stretches of land that are clear due to past wildfires and/or clear cut logging. At the same time, I’m hoping to see some of those tree stumps sitting on slopes. Furthermore, as it rains fairly heavy in this region, thin layer of water droplets will probably cover the topography of the area.
  • The forest’s features, characteristics, and history is elaborated upon in the Ground Work essay “Natural history of the Andrews Forest Landscape.” It explains which plants are dominant, why parts of the landscape look the way they do, and what contributes to the forest’s overall temperament. However, through creative storytelling, the information becomes a much more relatable experience as seen in the essay “Interview with a Watershed.” The speaker addresses the forest as an alien being that humanity has lost connection to. He views his work as translating the forest’s language (measuring clarity of the streams, charting its temperatures) and re-bridging this divide.
  • I’m curious as to the approach researchers such as those in the essay take to minimize their impact on the field. What tools do they use, and which ones are they allowed to purposely leave on site? Is there a specific clean-up procedure at the end of their research?

HJA 3

  • “Change and Continuity” explains the natural occurrences that affects the forest. Change is explained as “decades of boredom punctuated by chaos” (120). There is the common conception that change is negative to an environment and the forest must endure the “chaos.” Yet at the same time, it is necessary to fluctuate the ecosystems development and progress species evolution. Wildfires, landslides, and floods have and will only continue to alter the forest. However, they offer a new understanding for the terrain and promote new growth.
  • There will probably be very drastic differences between areas in the forest. Some areas that have recently been affected by a disaster may look much newer with fresh growth sprouting. However, other areas may look untouched and much older. At the same time, I’m also really hoping to see a Northern Spotted Owl.
  • The Ground Work essay “Northern Spotted Owl” explains the radical decline of these endangered species due to habitat loss. Despite being a tragedy, these owls are represented as mere statistics -as faceless beings without any character. As a result, it becomes harder to sympathize and relate to these creature. Thus, creative story-telling is necessary to truly understand the issues at hand. From Maloof’s poem, Clear Cut, the reader sees the perspective of an owl witnessing the loss of its home. Despite gradual recovery, many owls are displaced and perish in the meantime.
  • Are there any intentional man-made changes applied to the forests such as a controlled-burn? If so, how does one weigh the cost and benefit of such actions to the ecosystem?

HJA 4

  • The section “Borrowing the Eyes of Others” addresses how people often generalize and perceive something from just one perspective. However, there is so much more going on around us that people commonly overlook such as the calls of native birds. The central message in this section is to go into something with a new mindset and fresh perspective. Relay ideas and views off of others because it will lead to a fuller experience.
  • The experiences we will come across in the forest may not be as clear-cut as I once thought. Everyone may -and probably- will interpret each scene and subject much differently than the other. For example, I know I’m probably going to focus on which plants are the “bullies” and outcompeting others when I look at the trees, whereas others may focus on the kinds of organisms that these plants attract. The takeaway here is to hear everyone out because it will add to everyone’s experiences.
  •  The Ground Work essay “Soundscape” explains the subtleties and sounds of the forest. There are many tones that people cannot hear and thus, we must rely on external machines to detect them. Despite our progression at understanding these sounds, we are still “very new to sensing and understanding the whole soundscape” (221). The essay, “Mind in the Forest”, paints a personal account of the speaker’s interaction andpsychogeography with the forest. His appreciation with a large Douglas Fir and the questions he has for it closes the distance between humanity and the wild. It’s soothing and creates an anodyne situation. The creative story-telling portrays the forest’s appeal and interaction with an “outsider” such as the speaker.
  • If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? Just kidding- does adapting a malleable and varied perspective encourage the notion that there are no definite, correct answers?
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HJA

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Rachel Lantz

HJA 1

IMG_5077

Pacific yew in the Old Growth Forest

What do you expect to observe when we visit the forests of the H.J. Andrews?

I imagine I would see mosquitos due to the excess rain, the trails will be neat while the rest of the woods will be cluttered with plantlife and wildlife. The forest will also be unlike anything I have seen before due to the various data collection methods by scientists in the forest and the authors that are welcomed to the forest to reflect on their observations and find inspiration.

What are some different ways of telling the story of these forests? How do methods of creative reflection support scientific inquiry and vice versa?

The story of the forest can be told through imagination, metaphor, direct experience, and research. Since scientists and professional writers are present in the forest, their perspectives are both unique. The various thoughts in the forest bring the arts, humanities, and science together. These different viewpoints of reflection in the forest help to protect the land and to become closer to it.

Why is the long-view critical to understanding the role of humans in the natural world?

Committing to long-term observation and reflection in the H.J. Andrews forests will hopefully keep the forests alive since they will have someone to speak on their behalf. Two hundred years of commitment to this program will likely help the forests and give people hope that the forests will still be there in the future.

HJA 2

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A device collecting stream flow data in the Old Growth Forest

Why was this theme chosen (e.g., Research and Revelation for Part One) to tell the story of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest?

Research and Revelation was chosen as the theme for this section because each of the pieces are related to the impact of science on understanding the forest. The authors each showcase how scientists, their equipment, and the data impact the forest in unique ways. Scientists use this forest as a space to collect data and it is important for the authors to reflect on this relationship.

What do you expect the landscape to look like from the passages in this section?

Upon entering the forest, I would expect a mountainous terrain, evergreen conifers, and Douglas fir trees. The land suffers from floods during the rainy seasons which is almost year-round and landslides can happen occasionally. The trees will be newer due to a forest fire in the 1800s. Additionally, there will likely be wet and dry meadows, a quiet “biophonic landscape” (Brodie, et al. 36), and data collection by scientists.

Provide an example or two of how the scientific context presented in the Ground Work essay is reflected in creative storytelling for the section.

On pages 63 and 64, the author first explains the ecological “stem maps” and their use in the H. J. Andrews Forest and second reflects on the maps’ contributions to understanding the forest. While the first paragraph is an exposition of the tree mapping, the second provides commentary on the impact of these maps. This style of writing is important to understanding the impact of the science taking place in the forest. Also, instead of a textbook-like style of writing, the author takes a much more interesting route. The Ground Work chapter on decomposition begins by explaining that “decomposition is not very sexy” (Brodie, et al. 84). This hook’s the reader immediately and provides a different type of experience for the audience than reading a Wikipedia article about the forest.

What’s a question you have about the forest from reading these passages?

This chapter on Research and Revelation frequently refers to the data collection taking place within the forest. To what extent do the scientists’ devices and materials take away from the beauty of the forest?

HJA 3

IMG_5084

Overturned logs in the Old Growth Forest

Why was this theme chosen (e.g., Research and Revelation for Part One) to tell the story of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest?

The author chose the theme Change and Continuity for this section because each piece discusses both the changing and constant aspects of the H. J. Andrews Forest. For instance, the author discusses the disturbances that occur in the forest which include floods and landslides. There are many changing pieces of the forest that are emphasized in this section.

What do you expect the landscape to look like from the passages in this section?

After reading this section, I imagine that the forest will be filled with Douglas fir trees, shrub fields, rocky patches, and streams. There will also be many elevation changes that will prove to be exhausting. Along the path, we may see barred owls, white trillium, redcedars, spotted owls, and possibly the sounds of coyotes.

Provide an example or two of how the scientific context presented in the Ground Work essay is reflected in creative storytelling for the section.

In the chapter Ground Work: Disturbance, the author describes a flood that took place in the Andrews Forest. He describes the storms as “wet ‘pineapple express’” ones. The author provided specific details of the flood, especially the observations of the “stalwart” researchers (Brodie, et. al 120). Additionally, in the chapter Ground Work: Northern Spotted Owl, the author explains the declination of the northern spotted owl population and current solutions to saving the species. The author uses an expository writing style to discuss the owl species and its current status in order to fulfill the common theme of change and continuity.

What’s a question you have about the forest from reading these passages?

Are there certain species in the H. J. Andrews Forest that have been declining in population over the years?

HJA 4

IMG_5356

Making observations of the forest

Why was this theme chosen (e.g., Research and Revelation for Part One) to tell the story of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest?

The theme for this section of the novel is Borrowing Other’s Eyes because each piece is written in order to place the reader in the observer’s shoes and to imagine what the author sees. The purpose of the theme is to connect the reader to the forest and to create a sense of belonging for the reader. Most readers have not visited this forest or are about to and it is important that they are able to picture themselves in this environment.

What do you expect the landscape to look like from the passages in this section?

I expect to see water everywhere. In the Ground Work section on Water, the author describes the damp landscape and the excessive rainfall each year. Although in August there may not be as much rain, it rains the rest of the year. There are also likely to be mosquitoes since the forests are damp.

Provide an example or two of how the scientific context presented in the Ground Work essay is reflected in creative storytelling for the section.

In the Ground Work section on Water, the author illustrates the extent of rainfall the forest receives. He walks you through the forest and explains the feeling of dampness in the air as well as the sweat from trekking into the forest. Through the specific descriptions, one can truly imagine how much water is in Portland. The author’s style is similar in Soundscape since it is extremely vivid.

What’s a question you have about the forest from reading these passages?

Since the forest receives so much rain most of the year, are there times when the forest does not receive the proper amount of rain, thus affecting the wildlife and plants?

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Portland

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Rachel Lantz

Portland 1

IMG_5320

A classic symbol of Portland

Both books emphasize the study of place. Define the geographic concept of “place”. Illustrate the concept by describing the place where you are this summer.

A place can be defined by countless characteristics including mountains, rivers, buildings, and transportation systems. I am spending my summer in Glen Allen, Virginia which can be described as a suburban area not far from the James River and Short Pump Town Center. I live on the outer edge of Glen Allen which has many farms nearby, but I am also a five-minute drive from Staples Mill Road and the Crossridge shops, so there is an essence of both country and suburban living.

Before reading this book, think about your preconceived idea of the City of Portland. From this introductory material, describe two things that matched your preconceived notion of Portland. Describe two things that you had not previously associated with Portland.

Before reading both of these books, I knew about Portland’s food culture since Richmond is extremely similar. I also was familiar with the unique hipster style of Portlanders, especially their love of organic food. However, I did not realize the extent of the environmentalist views in the city and the book clearly shows that there are many people who advocate and vote for environment-related issues. Additionally, I learned that there are countless outdoor activities in the area. I knew that there were similar activities to do, but I was unaware of the large number of them.

Why did the authors choose to introduce Portland as a Cascadian City? What does it mean to be a Cascadian City?

The authors describe Portland as a Cascadian City because the meaning of Cascadian can be interpreted in many ways. The purpose of the book is to provide various maps that each portray a different aspect of the city. In the introduction, there are multiple maps that each explain Cascadia in a different light. Some focus on the geography while others emphasize trading. Since Cascadia can be defined by different characteristics, the Cascadian City is the best way to describe Portland and its unique culture and geography.

What is the essence of Portlandness? Why are maps a useful way of presenting this idea?

Portlandness conveys that Portland is more than just a food lover’s and environmentalist’s city. There are so many layers to the culture of Portland and each individual can feel different emotions and senses when visiting. The maps are a useful tool to express this point because cartographers choose how to describe a place through their maps and each map can show a unique trait of Portland.

Portland 2

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A fountain in Portland

What is the main concept illustrated in this section (e.g., what is an Urban Landscape)?

The concept of Views of the City relates to how people experience a place through sight, taste, smell, and feelings. For instance, I think of the James River, the variety of food, and the smell of smoke when I think of downtown Richmond. There are specific emotions and senses that are evoked when recalling a given place. The maps in this section of the book explain the feeling of being in Portland.

What perspective did you choose to read for this section (e.g., Bridgetown, Under the Bridges, Where the Sidewalk Ends… or Naked City)? Why? How would you describe Portland according to this perspective in a few sentences?

I chose to read Imagined Population Densities because I was surprised that Portland is not a dense city since it is very well-known. I thought it would be interesting to look into how Richmond compares to Portland and other cities around the world. According to the maps in this section, Portland is considered much less dense than the largest city in the world, Dhaka, Pakistan. If the residents of Portland were to live according to the population of Dhaka, they could live in just a fraction of the area of the city. Portland is also not much denser than one of the United States’ least dense cities, Salt Lake City, Utah.

What map would you produce for Richmond to represent this concept? Why? What would be the title of the map? What might the map look like?

I would produce very similar map of Richmond compared to the maps displayed for Portland. I would compare different cities’ population densities to that of Richmond, which is smaller than Portland. I would title the map “Richmond: The Populated, But Expansive City.”

Portland 3

What is the main concept illustrated in this section (e.g., what is an Urban Landscape)?

The Social Relations section describes the interactions between residents of Portland through maps of homelessness, art, and environmentalism. Portland is a unique city and the ideas communicated between one another are important to understanding the relationships within the city. These relationships are critical in developing an identity for Portlanders.

What perspective did you choose to read for this section (e.g., Bridgetown, Under the Bridges, Where the Sidewalk Ends… or Naked City)? Why? How would you describe Portland according to this perspective in a few sentences?

I chose to discuss The Invisibility of Homelessness due to the large homeless population of my hometown, Richmond. I was interested in learning more about this issue in Portland to compare my experience of seeing homelessness in my own city to the city I will visit in just a few weeks. According to the map, there are between 306 and 474 homeless individuals in the center of the city along the Willamette River. Although there are a great number of homeless people in city for its low population density, there are several organizations such as R2DToo that are working to provide shelters.

What map would you produce for Richmond to represent this concept? Why? What would be the title of the map? What might the map look like?

I would create a population density map for homeless people in certain areas of Richmond. For example, I would compare the Fan, Downtown, and Glen Allen. Each of these areas have vastly different homeless populations which would be expressed in the map. I would title the map “Homelessness at Home.”

Portland 4 

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The food carts in Portland

What is the main concept illustrated in this section (e.g., what is an Urban Landscape)?

Portland is known for its food variety and organic food production. This section on Food and Drink explains the different aspects of food that make Portland unique such as restaurants, food carts, and breweries. Portland is surely made for food lovers.

What perspective did you choose to read for this section (e.g., Bridgetown, Under the Bridges, Where the Sidewalk Ends… or Naked City)? Why? How would you describe Portland according to this perspective in a few sentences?

Over the past decade, restaurants, especially fast food, have popped up all over the world. Food is an important part of Richmond’s identity as well and I read this section to see the similarities between Richmond and Portland. Portland has the highest density of restaurants in the metropolitan area which is strange for a city, but not surprising for Portland. This city is known for its food and its 5,287 restaurants in the metro area proves that fact.

What map would you produce for Richmond to represent this concept? Why? What would be the title of the map? What might the map look like?

diningmap

The map above demonstrates the key concepts I would address in a map about Richmond restaurants. It expresses the large number of dining areas in the downtown area; however, I would have expanded the map to show a decrease in restaurants further from the city’s center. I might title the map “Richmond is for Food Lovers.”

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Forest Under Story

Posted on August 6, 2016 by

Section I

 What do you expect to observe when we visit the H.J Andrews?

I anticipate to see the Lookout Creek Watershed within the Willamette National Forest, the long-lived conifers, associated wildlife and stream ecosystems, first-hand data collection and analysis, and the four Reflection plots.

What are some of the different ways of telling the story of these forests? How do these methods of creative reflection support scientific inquiry and vice-versa?

There are several ways of telling the story of forests. They include both scientific and artistic methods such as through poetry, observation and experiment, and through myths and math. Creative use of language, concepts and metaphors shape what scientists can see and imagine thus enabling them ask novel questions, propose innovative solutions thus better communicating their ideas that can become part of peoples’ lives. Creative writers on the other hand, draw on the rich vocabulary and conceptual insights of science to help people understand the value of the world and feel a visceral connection to an issue to act upon it.

 Why is the long-view critical to understanding the role of humans in the natural world?

Comprehending the long-view is significant due to the dynamic nature of both societal and environmental contexts regarding the role of humans in the natural world. Because of this, there is need for humans to imagine and enact strategies that will help ensure the continuity of environmental systems, by cultivating a community of interest in people, and committing to have faith in the future of these systems.

Section II

Why was this theme chosen (e.g., Research and Revelation for Part One) to tell the story of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest?

Research and Revelation

The writer chose this title as part one probes an inquiry into the nature of the old growth forest from the out view, decomposition and human-ecological interactions. This section also reveals a lot about the nature of the landscape and the need for humans to adopt the long-view so as to understand their role in ecological systems.

Change and Continuity

The writer chose this title to illuminate the changing relationship between the forest and human culture. This has resulted in the change in the nature of forests from species’ evolution and co-evolution, vegetation succession and extinction of certain species. The continuity describes nature’s response after disturbances from vegetation succession to restorative land forms.

Borrowing Others’ Eyes

The writer chose this title to emphasize the need for us to learn from other people’s experiences. This is because humans have the tendency to perceive acute changes relatively quickly, while overlooking small gradual changes that may have a significant effect on ecosystems.

 

What do you expect the landscape to look like from the passages in this section?

Research and Revelation

The landscape has a high elevation ranging between 1300 to 5300 feet. The lower rocks are volcanic composed of lava flows and mud flows. Conifers dominate the old growth though other species such as Douglas fir, wet and dry meadows, herbs, shrubs and deciduous trees exist. There are also several streams crisscrossing the landscape.

oldgrowth 1

Change and Continuity

The landscape has suffered the effects of disturbances such as floods, landslides and wildfires. There are new stream channels formed from the rearrangement of previous stream channels. There are also clear-cuts and sections containing post disturbance vegetation such as shrubs and herbs. Present also are dead decaying logs.

oldgrowth2

Borrowing Others’ Eyes

The landscape is characterized by dense growth. There is plenty of water resulting in pervasive dampness and excessive humidity. There are soggy mats of moss draping tree limbs, and fungi and algae on the forest floor. There are also geophonics of small and large streams.

oldgrowth3

 

Provide an example or two of how the scientific context presented in the Ground        work essay is reflected in creative storytelling for the section.

Research and Revelation

Log trucks full of ancient trees were barreling down the valley at a rate of one per minute. This depicts the excessive deforestation of the old growth.

Change and Continuity

Big wads of logs cruised down Lookout Creek. This shows the extent of flooding as an ecological disturbance in the forest.

Borrowing Others’ Eyes

If you walk hard wearing rain gear, you’re drenched with sweat from the inside, and a trickle bisects your shoulder blade. This shows intense humidity that characterizes the outgrowth.

 

 What’s a question you have about the forest from reading these passages?     How can we use science and art to enlighten the community on the need to preserve forests?

 

References:

https://www.google.com/search?q=hj+andrews+experimental+forest&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=667&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZx9eLxtXOAhWmJMAKHd9RC78Q_AUIBygC#imgrc=_

https://www.google.com/search?q=hj+andrews+experimental+forest&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=667&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiZx9eLxtXOAhWmJMAKHd9RC78Q_AUIBygC#tbm=isch&q=tree+stumps+at+hj+andrews&imgdii=t-BQ56SGo2Ph4M%3A%3Bt-BQ56SGo2Ph4M%3A%3Btk3ELmfIt9ajfM%3A&imgrc=t-BQ56SGo2Ph4M%3A

 

 

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Portlandness

Posted on August 6, 2016 by

Section 1

  • Geographic concept of ‘place’

A place is an area that has unique characteristics that define it. These attributes could be as a result of natural and/or human influence.

This summer I was in Richmond.

richmond

Richmond has unique attributes such as forests, the James River, Appomattox River, rolling hills, all which were naturally formed. There is also infrastructure and settlements which are as a result of human influence.

  • Matched preconceived notion of Portland
  1. I always envisioned Portland as a green city that was very conscious of the environment. I was therefore not surprised to learn about Portland’s energy conservation strategies.
  2. I always imagined Portland as an agriculturally viable region. I was therefore not surprised to learn of the farm markets in Portland.

Did not previously associate with Portland

  1. I have always thought of Oregon as a conservative state. I was therefore surprised to learn of the liberal freedom in Portland such that there is a vibrant LGBTQ community, and people are relatively free and safe to express their sexuality.
  2. I had never associated Portland with the high number of breweries that characterize it.

 

  • Why Cascadian City?

The authors wanted to avoid the conventional and often stereotypical attributes which people associate with a place due to its location in a particular region. As a result, the authors wanted to use a better way to portray Portland’s uniqueness.

Cascadian City?

A Cascadian City means being part of a bioregion, which is a region not defined by existing political state or provincial boundaries but rather by proposed boundaries due to common characteristics such as watersheds, soil and terrain.

cascadia

 

  • Essence of Portlandness

To show people’s perspectives about the city of Portland. This includes attributes either stereotypical or factual that people associate with Portland.

Maps have great power that help structure how people see places. In Portlandness especially, maps have a visual appeal that powerfully displays a particular notion and show how ubiquitous the notion is.

Section 2

Urban Landscapes

This section aims to redefine our skewed interpretation of the word landscape by examining the setting of Portland and its neighborhoods from many unconventional perspectives. For a long time, people only associated landscape with natural settings, and as a result failed to recognize the intriguing stories that pastoral and urban landscapes reveal.

Perspective chosen: Where the sidewalks end

Why? Given the information I gained from the introductory material on Portland’s robust carless commuting and energy conservation, I was interested in finding out how the people conveniently get their way around the city.

Describe Portland according to this perspective: A significant number of roads lack sidewalks. Pearl District in particular either has dead-end walking paths, sidewalks reclaimed by vegetative growth or no sidewalks at all. Some of the neighborhoods lack sidewalks too.

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What map of Richmond to represent this concept? I would design a map to show availability of sidewalks in the city of Richmond. Unlike the city of Portland that has a robust public transport system, Richmond has a menial public transit system since most of the people commute using their own vehicles.

Title of the map: An all driving city?

The map would probably not look any significantly different from that of the city of Portland. Most roads in the central district and downtown Richmond would probably be lacking sidewalks due to the huge number of people who use their own vehicles to commute.

 

The once and future city

This section aims to explain how the city of Portland has progressed from its ancient times and how such change has contributed to the present outlook of the city. The authors examine the elements of the city that are no longer present or never came to be. For the missing elements of the city, the authors invite us to imagine and engage with the past in trying to discover what role such elements played in defining the present Portland.

Perspective chosen: Ethnic Imprints

Why? This perspective seeks to explore the effect of the different ethnic groups of early settlers on the present outlook of the city. These immigrants caused major ethnic segregation in Portland in the early 18th century.

Describe Portland according to this perspective: Despite the huge levels of ethnic segregation that were caused by the early European settlers, Portland has progressed to be an all-inclusive city. Much of the early immigrant groups are absent from the contemporary landscape and very little remains of Portland’s European immigrant neighborhoods compared to the cities on the East coast.

What map of Richmond to represent this concept? I would create a map that shows the effect of race relations on the settlement patterns in the city and the neighboring areas. Much of the city is still racially segregated.

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Title of the map: Racial Divide

How the map would look like: The map would portray a huge disparity in settlement patterns which are largely influenced by racial affiliations. Eastern sections of the city would show an immense number of African-American residents which is largely due to the historic red lining practices, while the west side would be predominantly white.

 

Social Relations

This section aims to explore the relationship between people and people, people and authorities, and people and ideas. Some of these relationships both historical and contemporary are sometimes very noticeable to people and invisible to others too. The authors hold the view that by examining the relationships that are often hidden, provide particularly useful glimpse at perspectives of a place different from our own.

Perspective chosen: Mission Invisible- The path of least surveillance

Why? I was particularly interested in finding out how the city of Portland was able to maintain very low incidences of crime. It was interesting to note the huge reliance on surveillance cameras in the city.

Describe Portland according to this perspective: There are many surveillance cameras in the city of Portland such that the authors coin the title ‘the path of least surveillance’ implying that whichever route one takes in the city, there is a likelihood that one is being monitored. A huge concentration of the security cameras are in the central district area with 400 of them also discernible focused on streets in downtown Portland. There are also more surveillance cameras at ATMs and others which are hidden.

What map of Richmond to represent this concept? I would design a map that shows the distribution of security cameras in the city of Richmond and its environs. With Richmond ranking as one of the cities in the US with moderate to low incidences of crime, it would be interesting to find out if the low incidences are as a result of the presence of many surveillance cameras.

Title of the map: A watchful city?

How the map would look like: The map would probably show fewer surveillance cameras compared to those in Portland. With the modest levels of crime in Richmond, there would be no need to have numerous surveillance cameras. The map would therefore show Richmond having a more robust police department for supplementary surveillance.

References:

https://www.google.com/search?q=sidewalks+portland+oregon&biw=1093&bih=458&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiqoMLj8tPOAhUIbR4KHfKKDUEQ_AUICSgE#tbm=isch&q=racially+segregated+housing+in+richmond+VA&imgrc=MwAwIDdxpYGQ0M%3A

https://www.google.com/search?q=sidewalks+portland+oregon&biw=1093&bih=458&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiqoMLj8tPOAhUIbR4KHfKKDUEQ_AUICSgE#tbm=isch&q=cascadia&imgrc=Xl_iLJ9ADrQshM%3A

https://www.google.com/search?q=sidewalks+portland+oregon&biw=1093&bih=458&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiqoMLj8tPOAhUIbR4KHfKKDUEQ_AUICSgE#tbm=isch&q=richmond&imgrc=Xp3w862FrKuuQM%3A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Benedict Roemer Forest Under Story Reflection

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Benedict Roemer
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View of Wolf Rock and Western Cascades from peak of Carpenter Mountain (Photo by Benedict Roemer)

  • HJA 1: In the introductory material (pages 1-14) the author asks the fundamental question, “What’s the story here?” After you have read the first chapter, answer the following questions (no more than a short paragraph per answer):

* What do you expect to observe when we visit the forests of the H.J. Andrews?

I hope to observe both sides of the forest that the book describes: the clear-cut, majestic cathedral side and the wild, thick shrubs and vines side. Seeing both personalities will give me the full story of the forest. I also hope to see a wide variety a wildlife while exploring the cathedrals and thickly shrubbed hillsides. While the trees are of course very important to telling the story of the forest, I believe that the wildlife which inhabits a forest is also instrumental to filling out the story.

* What are some different ways of telling the story of these forests? How do methods of creative  reflection support scientific inquiry and vice versa?

The story can be told creatively and imaginatively through essays or poems, paintings or photographs. It can also be told analytically and scientifically through  instrument reading and graphs and data. Both approaches to telling the story are very important, and actually support each other because one approach alone could not tell the full story. Pure scientific analytics and data cannot describe the ancient beauty of the forest or the feelings that it invokes in visitors. However, the scientific data is also essential to understanding the history of the forest as well as the many life forms that call thee forest home. Together, the science and creativity narrate the full story of the ancient forest.

* Why is the long-view critical to understanding the role of humans in the natural world?

Only by studying a forest like St. Andrews for many, many years can one begin to study the role of humans in the evolution of that forest. As the book points out, it takes about two hundred years for a fallen log to decompose and transform back into soil. Therefore, the forest should be studied for at least that long in order for scientists to document the full cycle of change. This includes the long term effects that humans have on the forest. In two hundred years scientists can see the long term effect of logging projects and forest fires. Naturally, as society evolves, so will the ways in which we interact with the forest and therefore we will never know exactly the effect that we are having on the natural world in any given moment, but we can certainly get closer to understanding our role in the natural world around us.

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Forest along trail up Carpenter Mountain (Photo by Benedict Roemer)

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View of Three Sisters from McKenzie Pass (Photo by Benedict Roemer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • HJA 2-4: For each of the main sections of the book (Part One, Two, and Three), read the Ground Work essays and at least three other entries for the section. Then answer the following questions (no more than a short paragraph per answer):

 

* Why was this theme chosen (e.g., Research and Revelation for Part One) to tell the story of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest?

2. The name of this section is a perfect introduction to the forest because research leads to revelation. By learning about the research conducted in the forest, the nature of the forest is slowly revealed to us. Once we become more familiarized with the forest, we can move forward in the book and our knowledge of the forest.

3. As we all know, change is the only constant. The same is especially true for the Andrews Forest where the ecosystem is in a state of constant change. Sometimes this change moves slowly, like the rotting of a log, and sometimes it comes suddenly and quickly with a massive storm or wildfire. However, along with the change is a certain amount of continuity, although even part of what is continuous is change.

4. This book has already focused on the importance of approaching research of a place from many unique directions. Therefore, it makes sense that the final section of the book would be titled “Borrowing Others’ Eyes”. This section of the book shows how different areas of research, such as hydrology and soundscape ecology, can contribute to the story of the Andrews Forest. All of these many methods are brought together in one place in this book and the most complete version of the story is told through the eyes and ears of many scientists from different fields and poets and writers simply exploring and observing the wild beauty all around them.

* What do you expect the landscape to look like from the passages in this section?

2. From the descriptions in this section of the book, I developed an image of a dark forest full of grand, tall trees, both conifers and deciduous. Rushing down the steep slopes are small creeks full of stones and interruptions from small waterfalls.  Lying around are fallen logs in various stages of decay and covered in small mushrooms. Scattered across the hills are areas  wiped almost bare by wildfires and logging, but even here saplings are starting to reach towards the often cloudy skies.

3. This section of the book paints a much more ragged and scared image of the forest. Now I imagine a landscape hillsides ravaged from mud slides or avalanches, and massive areas burned out by fires. I also picture acres of new growth forest full of barren, rocky fields and messy shrubs.

4. The first Ground Work essay in this section paints quite a vivid picture of a damp, moss and fog filled forest eternally dripping. However, this is during the rainy season in the winter, so I will not see that side of the forest. Many of the creative writings also speak about bright green beds of moss or clearings filled with green ferns, so I do still expect a landscape filled with a million shades of green. The landscape will be filled with the dark green of the needles in the treetops, to the bright, light green of new moss covering stones and fallen logs, and everything in between.

* Provide an example or two of how the scientific context presented in the Ground Work essay is reflected in creative storytelling for the section.

2. The storytelling in this section tells the story of the forest as well or even better than the Ground Work sections. They communicate what is taught in the Ground Work sections but then expand on that creatively and paint an even more complete picture of the forest. For example, the poem Cosymbionts by Vicki Graham talks about how the forest can be dissected into many minute parts, and how poetry can do that as well, describing each little detail. The first Ground Work in this section describes the landscape of the forest in many separate parts as the poem does, describing each part separately, but then as a whole as well. Another poem by Vicki Graham reflects on how an old growth forest is never still and how research plays a role in the constant activity of the forest. at the end of the poem, Graham concludes by saying that all the signs of research found in the forest show that the forest must be loved.

3. In Bill Yake’s essay Forest and People, he speaks extensively about the word change. He gives a dictionary definition and then he speaks about what it means in the context of the forest. He reflects that in the forest change can mean slow evolutionary change rapid, cataclysmic change. He also reflects that people’s opinions about the forest can also change, which relates to the third Ground Work piece which speaks about public opinion and the conservation of the forest. The poem Ten-Foot Gnarly Stick by James Bertolino muses on the passage of time. He finds that the characteristics of a stick that he finds reflect the path of his life. However, those knobs and dark spots can also show the story of the forest through time.

4. Jane Hirshfield begins her essay titled Wild Ginger by saying “The journey from ignorance to seeing is made by borrowing others’ eyes.” It is very possible that the editors decided to name the section off that fantastic quote because it so perfectly encapsulates what the section is all about. If I am not a hydrologists, I cannot teach myself what is described in the Ground Work essay on water, and I therefore must rely on the hydrologist’s eyes and understanding to end my ignorance of the subject. The same is of course true for soundscape ecology. However, Jane provides a much simpler, but just as important example of how this is true, by saying how  friend might point something out to you that you missed, and now you can not only see that thing, but also see it when it appears elsewhere. All the other creative essays and poems in this sections, and really in the whole book, are tributes to the value of borrowing others’ eyes because without them our own vision would be far too limited to see all the beauty and intricacies of the world around us.

* What’s a question you have about the forest from reading these passages?

2. The first Ground Work section says that their are not many sounds of wildlife in the forest. Is this because there simply aren’t many vocal birds and other creatures in the forest, or does something about the forest muffle any animal sounds that may be made?

3. Even though this forest forms a world of its own, it is not immune to the changing environment of our planet. Therefore, I am wondering how the warming temperatures and new and extreme weather patterns of climate change will shape and change the forest in the future.

4. This section about viewing the forest through other perspectives leaves me wondering if non natural scientist scientists have ever studies the forest. For example, has a psychologist ever studied the effect of forest on our mind? Or have economists ever studies or written about the monetary value of the forest? Not only the lumber contained in the forest, but also the value of medicines that can be found in the plants, such as the bark of the pacific yew than is a treatment for breast cancer.

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Benedict Roemer Portlandness Reflections

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Benedict Roemer
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Iconic sign in downtown Portland

  •  * Both books emphasize the study of place. Define the geographic concept of “place”. Illustrate the concept by describing the place where you are this summer:

A place is an area defined by the the context in which it is placed or the way in which is is described. For example, the authors of “Portlandness”, David Banis and Hunter Shobe, begin their introduction by speaking about the many contexts in which they could begin to describe Portland, and how that would give the reader a certain perception of that place. I could describe the place where I am working this summer as a birthplace of American Industrialism, the less beautiful and less prosperous side of Bethlehem, a beautiful example of revitalization, or the home of the nations largest free music festival. These are all ways to describe the same place: the Southside of Bethlehem PA. However it is best to view a place in many ways as possible because “it is through our understanding of places that we make sense f the world.” (Banis and Shobe)

* Before reading this book, think about your preconceived idea of the City of Portland. From this introductory material, describe two things that matched your preconceived notion of Portland. Describe two things that you had not previously associated with Portland:

Before reading Portlandess I shared in a view of Portland that I’m sure many people would agree with. I imagines Portland as a cold and rainy city full of environmentalist liberals. This book confirmed that Portland does receive a fair amount of rain every year, and it does have a very liberal population who do a lot do protect the environment through using public transportation and green energy and eating local food. Two things that I did not know about Portland are the popularity of food carts and the prevalence of micro breweries in the city.

* Why did the authors choose to introduce Portland as a Cascadian City? What does it mean to be a Cascadian City?

Portland is best introduced as a Cascadian city because placing it within any other context would only hold it within stereotypes already associated with Portland. The Authors want to introduce us to Portland in a new way that is also free of stereotypes so that we can view Portland with an open mind. Ultimately, a Cascadian City is city of diversity. Just as Cascadia can be described in so may different ways, Portland can also be seen through a diverse set of windows, as this book illustrates.

* What is the essence of Portlandness? Why are maps a useful way of presenting this idea?

Though the word “Portlandess” sounds like it might come from the Portland based comedy Portlandia, it really means much more than the Portland depicted in that show. The true essence of Portlandness is the amazing diversity of Portland. Portland has seen a fair amount of hipster gentrification, but there are also many areas of poverty an low development remaining. Portland boasts of its environmentalism,  but the Willamette River is still contaminated by an era of industrialism. Only many, many maps can depict the numerous sides and personalities of Portland.

  • Portland 2-4: For three of the main sections of the book (I-VII), choose one of the perspectives presented (e.g., for I. Urban Landscapes, you could choose Bridgetown, Under the Bridges, Where the Sidewalk Ends… or Naked City), and answer the following questions (no more than a short paragraph per answer):

* What is the main concept illustrated in this section (e.g., what is an Urban Landscape)?

1. Urban Landscape: As more and more people live in an urban setting, it is important to expand our understanding of the word “landscape”. Just as wild, nature landscapes can tell the stories of shifting earths, moving glaciers, and wildfires, urban landscapes can tell the story of industrialization and revitalization, urban decay and gentrification, and new cultures coming and going. In this section, the authors describe the landscapes of Portland that contribute to Portlandness.                                                                                                         2. Views of the City: This section utilizes our less often used senses to better understand Portland. In “Views of the City”, the authors show us how the city feels and smells and sounds and is imagined by college students and elementary school students. By viewing, or rather not only viewing, the city in these ways, the authors strive to show how different Portland is from place to place, and how wrong it is to assume that the entire city is one way because your experience of one part of the city was that way.                                                3. Social Relations: A city can’t exist without the people who live in the city and make it what it is. New York would be nothing without the hard core Yankee fans and investment bankers. Boston wouldn’t be what it is without the Irish immigrants  and young and old scholars. Portland would not have Portlandness if it didn’t have the coffee addicted hipsters and all the other people who have made their way to Portland for one reason or another. The true character of the city can be seen in how its inhabitants get along or disagree. Portland is home to many different people, and over the years there

Map of the density of coffee shops in Portland (from "Portlandness", by David Banis and Hunter Shobe)

Map of the density of coffee shops in Portland (from Portlandness by David Banis and Hunter Shobe)

have been some disagreements between them, but I think that many would agree that almost everyone can unite under the flag of the People’s Republic of Portland. While Portlanders still have their disagreements with each other and the authorities, they can still unite behind their soccer teams or the thing that makes them all so special: Portlandness.

 

 

 

*What perspective did you choose to read for this section (e.g., Bridgetown, Under the Bridges, Where the Sidewalk ends… or Naked City)?  Why? How would you describe Portland according to this perspective in a few sentences?

Map of edited stop signs around Portland

Map of edited stop signs around Portland (From Portlandness by David Banis and Hunter Shobe)

  1. Stop! Writing On Stop Signs: The writings on stickers found on stop signs across Portland are a great way to see how Portlanders choose to express themselves, and what they have to say. While some of the additions would be expected in Portland, such as “STOP eating animals” or “Peace STOPs War”, others are more surprising. I found the sign “STOP Make Portland Normal” especially surprising. Apparently not all citizens of Portland appreciate its hipster reputation. Regardless of the content of the signs, the number of vandalized signs describes a Portland in which people feel comfortable expressing themselves. This matches well with the wildly held perception of hipster Portland.
  2.  Sounds of the City: As a musician, I am drawn to how a place sounds, and often even prefer to experience something through sound rather than sight. In a city, the constant humming of traffic and emergency vehicle sirens can become overwhelming if you can’t escape to a nice, quiet park. Portland definitely has the sounds of a big city in the Burnside neighborhood, but, as an environmentally conscious city should, it also has many parks. The parks should be an escape from city sounds, but as the soundscape shows with the note of an airplane cutting through the quiet, Portland is truly a large city.
  3. The Invisibility of Homelessness: I found this section quite surprising, even though in hindsight I can see that it was very naive of me to not expect that Portland would have a homeless population. What I found significantly less surprising, and extremely interesting about Portland was how they approach the problem.  Two of the homeless shelter locations highlighted by the authors were developed through peaceful protest by the homeless and negotiation with authorities. Maybe I’m just not giving other cities enough credit, but I can’t imagine that authorities, and the public, in other cities would be so tolerant as to even negotiate with the homeless population. Also, many cities try to make the homeless as invisible as possible, and Portland is also guilty of this. However, the Right to Dream Too community right in the middle of downtown Portland is a wonderful gesture against that desire to hide the problem of homeless. I think that the prominence of the the community shows how many Portlanders are willing to confront the issued that face society

* What map would you produce for Richmond to represent this concept? Why? What would be the title of the map? What might the map look like? (go ahead and sketch it, if you feel you can. Don’t worry about the technology, if you can’t post the drawing.)

  1. I’m not sure how many stop signs have been written upon in Richmond, but a similar map could show statements written by Richmonders in graffiti. Such a map would also depict what a similar part of Richmond is thinking about the city and the world. The map would be titled “The Writing’s on the Wall”. The map would have to cover almost all of Richmond to include the Church Hill neighborhood and the South side of Richmond, which is where I imagine the highest concentration of graffiti would be found. However, I think it would also be important to find graffiti in areas where it might not be expected in case that graffiti was created by a different demographic and might therefore show a different perspective.
  2. I think a sounds of the city map is a great way of experiencing and understanding any city, so I would try to replicate the map for Richmond. Richmond also has a diverse soundscape with a busy downtown, a heavily trafficked Broad Street, and many quite residential and park areas. It would also be interesting to see what kind of sounds are noticed in areas like Cary Street and Grove Avenue.  I think I would start the map in the West End, near the University of Richmond Campus, then move up to Broad Street and the Willow Grove Area, then through Downtown near the State Capital, then through Shockoe Bottom, then back to the lake area and Maymount Park, then back towards the West End through Cary Street and then finally to the River by Pony Pastures. As I write all of this I realize just how many areas I want to explore through sound because I believe that would really give me a different perspective of the city.
  3. I know that a large homeless population exists in Richmond, so I would map that population as well. However, rather than mapping the density of the homeless population, I think it might be interesting to map the race of each homeless person because of the difficult history that Richmond has with race relations. A title for this map could be “They Have No Home in Richmond”, reflecting that maybe Richmond still needs to do more to be welcoming to all people, and make up for the injuries done to African Americans for hundreds of years.
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working hard, or hardly working?

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Natalie Somerville

Hellooo digital world of the Geography of the James blog!

Natalie here; it is high time this little blog was brought back to some life, almost two years later. It’s gonna be great – we’ve got some good things in the works, what with summer goings-on and then another year of Earth Lodge coming up. Huzzah for more people learning about the James River watershed and geography and all and learning to love it and care for it more!

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This summer, I am working with the James River Park System as an intern! My role or job description is vast and varied, including things such as: environmental educator, adventure leader, river rat, protector of nature… you name it, I’ll probably cover it. I’ve been at work a couple weeks now, and the broad range of tasks we’ve done thus far is an indicator of the well-rounded nature this internship will be. I’m real keen.

As the James River is one of my favorite places in the world and I feel most at peace when on or around or beside the river, it seems too good to be true to be working there all summer. We have done so many random and fun activities and adventures thus far; half (or more of) the time it doesn’t feel like we’re working! For example, yesterday I helped out with a Summer Solstice Float event at Huguenot Flatwater… but it was exactly the kind of thing I would want to do on a Sunday anyways: canoe to an island, have a cookout, swim around in the water. Can you get more ideal of a summer opportunity?? (Probably yes, and depending on what your preferences are, for sure… But for me, this is amazing.)

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Basically, much of the time at my internship so far, I’ve asked myself the question: am I working hard, or hardly working? It’s such enjoyable work (at least for the most part; trash collection, not so much – but also necessary and educational in ways) that it often doesn’t feel like a job. (I suppose maybe jobs have too much of a negative connotation as being something that you have to do, you’re stuck in, that no one likes, etc etc.) I know I’m going to enjoy this summer quite a bit though.

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Stay tuned for some updates/reflections on my internship this summer! Also, happy summer solstice. Cheers, mates. (And hopefully for the next post I figure out how to upload photos at a better quality…)

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Jewel on a Chain

Posted on November 25, 2013 by

Home is a rather small place. Wherever we settle, we tend to carve out our own small plot that we become familiar with above all else and somehow manage to forget the rest. Even at Folly, my family’s 50 acre property in Madison County, VA, I have my comfortable space, and the farther reaches are left largely terra incognita for all intents and purposes. Such has proven to be the case in my recent thoughts on the James and my interactions with other rivers. With a few small snapshots of the most picturesque memories, I’ve cut my images of my favorite rivers into a perfect collage. It acts as a wonderful hideaway in my mind, a de-stressor and reminder of what is truly important. But when I remember to peek behind the curtain, I am suddenly confronted by the facts of the entirety of the rivers. The James is not just Westhampton Lake at sunset, nor is the Rapidan just a canoe ride on a hazy summer day. They stretch for miles beyond where I have seen them, and they are affected by more than I can fully comprehend. Although the James is the jewel of Richmond, it is far bigger and stranger than that.

In “Urban Myths”, Jonah Lehrer makes the case that bigger cities have faster “metabolisms” than smaller cities. If one draws the same conclusion with rivers, then the James has one of the best metabolisms in the state. Meanwhile, most efforts to protect it are focused securely on the abs (aka Richmond). Through the years this area of the James’s body has gone through many punishing diets of pollution, quite a few canal tummy tucks, and, most recently, a regime of healthy awareness and activism crunches that are doing a good job, but haven’t quite reached the goal. Meanwhile, the rest of the body lacks the focus and dedication of Richmond. The ‘head’ of the river is hidden on a private farm in the Blue Ridge and the overall James report card still comes in at a mere C. According to the report card, important species such as the striped bass are declining, and sediment pollution continues to drag in excess nitrogen and phosphorus. Richmond may be highly aware of the river due to its overwhelming pride in it, but the rest of the region seems stubbornly unaware. Without so much culture and pride tied up in the James, the rest of the watershed leaves it by the wayside.

I recently looked at a Virginia map and came to the horrifying realization that, without labels, I was unable to identify my Rapidan. If you handed me a picture of the Spicer’s Mill, where we put in our canoes for a longer cruise, I would recognize it in an instant. But find it on a map? Recognize even the basic shape of the whole river? I was lost. My perspective of the Rapidan was limited to a few miles. And I soon realized that it was the same for the James. Richmond encompasses all of my experiences in connection to the watershed, so I have no real idea of the river beyond the city limits. And this, I think is where the quickly growing awareness of the James in Richmond both hurts and helps. One of the (very) few things that has stuck with me from microeconomics, and was echoed in our “Urban Myths” reading, is the idea of economies of scale. Basically, a large business will do better than a small business because its very bigness gives it an efficiency advantage. The James River Association is based in Richmond, as are most of the parks, and so most efforts are logically located in that area. This means that the people of Richmond are consistently made aware of the problems and wonders of the James, and that this doesn’t extend much past the Greater Richmond area. However, as more and more people are exposed to the beauty and activities on the James, awareness of its problems will also spread, giving the JRA and other activist groups a greater economy of scale to spread up and down river from the city. People are constantly moving through Richmond, and one can hardly move in Richmond without getting a dose of the James and its affect on the city. This means that, hopefully, the number of people who care about the river will grow exponentially, especially as the JRA opens new parks and initiates new projects.

As I continue on with the James and the Rapidan and the many rivers to come, I hope that I can remember this lesson. Scale of perspective has a huge impact on what we know (or think we know) about a place. To me, the James will always be first and foremost the beautiful oasis in a bustling city, but I still have to remember that there are many problems and adventures lurking just beyond where my collection of memories ends. But I can take my new-found awareness with me, and spread it to the people I will meet. And if ideas work like cities or businesses, it will grow stronger and faster the more I talk. And maybe one day I won’t have to shush a passing cellphone user as I watch a blue heron hunt on Westhampton Lake. Maybe soon they’ll simply join me, and we’ll add a new snapshot to our collages; a new jewel on our personal chain of the river.

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