Cape Henlopen High School Junior

Sussex County Delaware

Topic: A Web of Wonders

Moving from Rural Georgia to a small beach town in Delaware, was a huge change in the nature surrounding me. From being at the lake everyday and hiking the mountains, to spending time at the beach and walking on the boardwalk. The world around us is a big web of interconnectedness, where every living organism plays a vital role in the balance and health of the ecosystem. From the tiniest microbes of a Flea, to the largest of animals like a Blue Whale, all are linked in a complex network that is essential for the survival of life on Earth. My sense of connectedness to the natural world has inspired me to appreciate the intricacy and beauty of this big web of life, and has driven my motivation to protect it and spread appreciation.

For us humans, a sense of connectedness to the natural world can inspire a deep appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the web of life. This appreciation can lead to a desire to protect and conserve the natural world for future generations. It can also foster a sense of responsibility and accountability for our actions, as we recognize the impact that human activities can have on the environment. For example, if a person feels a connection to the forests, they may feel a sense of responsibility to protect them from deforestation. Similarly, if someone feels a connection to marine life, they may be motivated to reduce plastic waste and pollution in the oceans.

As I spend time outdoors and observe the natural world, I am constantly reminded of the interconnectedness of all living things. When I play soccer, I see how the health of the soil affects the growth of the grass, even when our cleats tear it up, when I’m at the library I see how the bees that pollinate the tulips are crucial for the reproduction of other species, and at the beach I see how predators keep populations of prey animals in check (like the one crab who thinks he’s all that). I feel a sense of awe and wonder at the complexity of these relationships, and a deep appreciation for the delicate balance that exists within our healthy ecosystems.

This sense of connectedness has also fueled my motivation to protect the natural world in whatever way I can. I am acutely aware of the impact that human activities can have on the environment, and the devastating consequences that result from the disruption of the delicate balance of the web of life. Climate change, deforestation, pollution, and the overexploitation of resources all threaten the health of ecosystems and the survival of many species.

I believe that inspiring a sense of connectedness in others is essential for promoting environmental stewardship and conservation. One way to do this is by providing opportunities for people to experience nature firsthand. Whether it’s through outdoor education programs, nature walks, or simply spending time in local parks, connecting people to the natural world can foster a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. Since I live in Lewes Delaware, I can easily go downtown closer to the beach. There’s so many opportunities for me to grow closer to my community and nature. At the local library, there’s a community garden I stop at on walks and I take a moment to pause, get pictures, and appreciate those who care for it. I also take time to go to the beach early in the morning and sit for a moment, sometimes reading if it’s not too windy. I take deep breaths and appreciate what’s around me. The waves are calming, the sand is warm, and the beach is clean. A sense of connectedness can also inform a person’s understanding of their place in the natural world. By recognizing our interconnectedness with all living things, like being at the beach, we can better appreciate our role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and the importance of our actions in shaping the world around us.

Another way to inspire a sense of connectedness is by simply highlighting the interdependence of different parts of the ecosystem. For example, demonstrating how the health of a creek affects the health of the surrounding habitat, and how the presence of certain species can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. Before my grandmother passed away, she lived in the middle of nowhere town in southern Mississippi. She had a large old, creaky house with a big lot of land surrounding it. When I was younger, exploring was my favorite thing. She had a creek running in the backyard with beautiful natural rocks and plants all around it. This creek also unfortunately attracted unfriendly snakes. My grandmother thought it was best for us to leave the creek and those living there alone and to just appreciate it from afar. By showing people how their actions can have far-reaching consequences, like my grandmother did me, we can help them understand the importance of protecting the natural world.

Overall, the web of life is a profound and intricate network of relationships, and my sense of connectedness to it inspires me to appreciate and protect the natural world. By fostering a sense of connectedness in others, we can inspire greater environmental stewardship and conservation, and ensure that the delicate balance of the web of life is maintained for future generations.