By Erin Postma

Eco-anxiety is the fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the impact of climate change and the effect it could have on your future. Eco-anxiety is something that I have been experiencing these last few weeks, and I don't think I am alone. Every time I turn on the news or check social media, all I see are the various natural disasters occurring all over the world, specifically the wildfires. It breaks my heart to see our country, as well as countries around the world, burning. Eco-anxiety can feel overwhelming, and it makes it difficult to act or celebrate success stories. I find myself stuck in this feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. I can’t help but wonder, how did we get here? How did we let it get to this point? The worry that we are feeling is legitimate. Climate change is here, and it is a real threat. 

The A2A region has a history of wildfires, but nothing like the fires we currently see burning in British Columbia or the Northwest Territories. However, that doesn't mean we won't experience fires of this magnitude in the future. According to a study in the Adirondacks, it is not likely that we will be heavily impacted by wildfires—but with the unpredictable weather brought about by climate change, we can't be sure (Benett, Adirondack Explorer). There are a few ecological factors that protect the A2A region from being devastated by wildfires. The region is less prone to wildfires due to its generally humid climate, biodiversity, land management, and connectivity.   

Even though out-of-control, devastating wildfires don't occur often in the A2A region, it doesn't mean they won't. We are living in unpredictable and unprecedented times. No area is immune to the effects of climate change. In the event they do happen, we need to prepare and take preventative measures. There are things we can do to stop these wildfires. We need to practice proper forest management, including using prescribed burns. We need to encourage the protection and preservation of biodiversity. We need to fight climate change and curb our greenhouse gas emissions. 

Wildfires are scary and cause devastation, but they are also necessary and can have positive effects when controlled. Prescribed burns can help lower the risk of unpredictable, uncontrollable wildfires. Humans have been using prescribed burns for thousands of years. Many species require fire to survive and reproduce. Wildfires move the layer of decaying material from the forest floor—this helps increase soil fertility. There are plants that require fire for germination. Wildfires can also help manage invasive species. Fire can be a wonderful life-bringing force when used responsibly. Unfortunately, because of human irresponsibility, it has become a force associated with death and destruction. I am mad and terrified about the future of the planet. I feel a little bit helpless but not hopeless. I know there are people out there who care and are working hard to make a positive impact. 

Anthropogenic climate change has brought about countless out-of-control wildfires, yet another reason we need to act quickly to curb the effects of climate change before it is too late. I am scared about what the future of our planet might look like. How can we watch our world burn but continue with business as usual? We need to turn our eco-anxiety into eco-action. What happens next is up to us -good or bad, scary or scarier. ​

By: Aleisha Pannozzo

The very essence of this trail encapsulates the transformative experience of being in nature. Just as the sound of water draws us into the moment, the Pilgrimage for Nature Trail beckons us to step away from our daily lives and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the outdoors.

But this trail represents more than just a physical journey. It is symbolic of something much bigger. It reminds us of the important role of connectivity in our environment and the role that humans play in providing it. 

It is symbolic of the critical link that this unique ecological region provides for wildlife migration in the great Eastern Wildway, which extends from the wilderness of Ontario and Quebec, down to the Adirondacks, through the Appalachians and into the Everglades. It is one thing to have core protected areas, but how does that serve our wildlife in the grand scale of things? Wildlife needs to be able to migrate between these areas; without linkages, they are isolated, risking a decline in genetic diversity and ultimately, species extinction. ​

Ecological corridors, like the one represented by this trail, are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting the movement of wildlife. They allow animals to follow their natural migration patterns, forage for food, and find suitable habitats, all of which are crucial for their survival. These corridors serve as lifelines, enabling animals to navigate through fragmented landscapes and adapt to changing conditions brought about by climate change. 

The Pilgrimage for Nature Trail serves as a living example of how human efforts to create connectivity can mirror the natural world's complex web of interactions. Just as we yearn for the solace and tranquillity that the trail provides, wildlife requires similar pathways to thrive. It becomes a microcosm of the broader conservation goals that we must prioritize for the health of our planet and its wild inhabitants.

So, as you venture along the Pilgrimage for Nature Trail or explore other trails that captivate your spirit, remember the greater message they convey. They are not just paths for us to tread; they are pathways to understanding, appreciating, and safeguarding the necessary connections that sustain life on our planet. 
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By: Erin Postma